Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CANBERRA150
2008-02-19 03:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Canberra
Cable title:  

AUSTRALIA RECOGNIZES KOSOVO

Tags:  AS PREL YI UN 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO0888
OO RUEHPT
DE RUEHBY #0150 0500356
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 190356Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY CANBERRA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9007
INFO RUEHBN/AMCONSUL MELBOURNE 4962
RUEHPT/AMCONSUL PERTH 3247
RUEHDN/AMCONSUL SYDNEY 3147
UNCLAS CANBERRA 000150 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AS PREL YI UN
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA RECOGNIZES KOSOVO

REF: (A) CANBERRA 146 (B) STATE 16319

UNCLAS CANBERRA 000150

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AS PREL YI UN
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA RECOGNIZES KOSOVO

REF: (A) CANBERRA 146 (B) STATE 16319


1. (SBU) The GOA Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
announced at mid-day on February 19 that it formally
recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an Independent State.
The announcement noted that both the United States and the
U.K. had issued their recognitions (earlier in the day a DFAT
official told us that the GOA was awaiting the U.K.'s
announcement before proceeding with its own). The GOA
declaration stated that the protection of minorities rights
and safety must be key priorities for Kosovo. Text of
Australia's announcement follows in para 2.


2. (U) Begin Text:

AUSTRALIA RECOGNIZES THE REPUBLIC OF KOSOVO

Australia has today formally recognized the Republic of
Kosovo as an independent state, Kosovo declared independence
on 17 February 2008. Australia respects the decision of the
people of Kosovo. The United States and the United Kingdom
have also indicated their recognition of Kosovo's new
sovereignty, and a number of others are expected to do so
soon.
It has been a long and difficult road to peace for Kosovo
since the devastating conflict in the late 1990s. The
United Nations and NATO have worked tirelessly since 1999 to
assist in setting up self-governing institutions and to
help the people of Kosovo rebuild their lives. Much remains
to be done, and it is important that the international
community, in particular the United Nations and European
Community, continue efforts to bring about a lasting peaceful
future for Kosovo and the region. Australia wishes the
Government of Kosovo well in the tasks ahead. Ensuring the
rights and safety of minorities, as well as protection of
cultural heritage sites, must be key priorities for Kosovo.
Australia strongly urges the leaders of Kosovo and Serbia to
demonstrate the resolve and political determination to
settle their differences peacefully. Australia hopes the
Serbian Government will continue to engage with European and
other partners in the interests of stability and economic
development of the region as a whole.

Australia will soon consider the establishment of diplomatic
relations with Kosovo.

End Text.