AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO WILL STAY LOW KEY

C O N F I D E N T I A L CANBERRA 000657 NOFORN DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/ANP AND EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV KPKO AS SUBJECT: AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO WILL STAY LOW KEY REF: STATE 69691 Classified By: Political Counselor James F. Cole for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) (C/NF) Australian support for Kosovo will remain low key according to Glenn White, Director, Southern Europe Section, Europe Division, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Mr. White indicated that FM Smith has specifically been "less than interested" in expanding Australia's promotion of Kosovar independence and will not support direct development assistance for Kosovo. The GOA chose to be among the first countries to recognize Kosovo, supports Kosovar cultural heritage through UNESCO, and adds their voice to calls for a peaceful dialog with Serbia. However, Australia considers Kosovo out of their strategic area of interest and will focus their assistance and leadership on issues closer to home. Mr. White indicated that the GOA expects the EU to provide leadership on Kosovo assistance and political issues. MCCALLUM