Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08COPENHAGEN577
2008-10-29 14:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Copenhagen
Cable title:  

DANES IN NO RUSH TO CLOSE OHR IN BOSNIA; PM TO

Tags:  PREL PGOV EU BK SR DA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0011
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHCP #0577 3031438
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 291438Z OCT 08
FM AMEMBASSY COPENHAGEN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4542
INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000577 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/28/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV EU BK SR DA
SUBJECT: DANES IN NO RUSH TO CLOSE OHR IN BOSNIA; PM TO
VISIT SERBIA

REF: STATE 113894

Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Bill Mozdzierz, reasons 1.4b,d

C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000577

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/28/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV EU BK SR DA
SUBJECT: DANES IN NO RUSH TO CLOSE OHR IN BOSNIA; PM TO
VISIT SERBIA

REF: STATE 113894

Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Bill Mozdzierz, reasons 1.4b,d


1. (C) Describing Denmark as "one step behind" much of the EU
regarding the termination of OHR in Bosnia, Danish MFA Head
of Department for Eastern Europe Ruben Madsen indicated broad
agreement with reftel points on the need for implementation
of the 5 2 criteria before transitioning to EUSR supervision.
Madsen acknowledged the challenges posed by RS Prime
Minister Dodik, but characterized him as an ultimately
pragmatic politician, and cautioned against "demonizing" him.
The international community must be similarly firm with
Presidency Member Silajdzic, whose uncompromising approaches
have also exacerbated relations, Madsen argued.


2. (C) While endorsing the long view that positive
developments in neighboring Serbia and Croatia will have a
moderating effect on the Bosnians over time, Madsen agreed
that the promise of EU and NATO integration has so far proven
insufficient, and that greater, more directive engagement may
be needed. Madsen confirmed that Bosnia would be on the
November 10 EU GAERC agenda, and predicted that Denmark will
argue for preserving conditionality for the OHR transition.


3. (C) Turning to Serbia and Kosovo, Madsen reported that
anticipated progress on the EULEX Kosovo mission should pave
the way for Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen to
visit Belgrade November 26-28. Madsen noted that the visit,
if it goes forward, would be the first to Serbia by a head of
government that has recognized Kosovo independence. The
Danes and Serbians are both keen to portray Rasmussen's visit
as a return to "normal European relations," Madsen said, in
recognition of what the Danes view as the Serbian
government's solidly pro-European orientation.
CAIN