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

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