DENMARK READY TO MOVE QUICKLY ON KOSOVO

C O N F I D E N T I A L COPENHAGEN 000061 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/11/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV NATO EUN YI DA SUBJECT: DENMARK READY TO MOVE QUICKLY ON KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE REF: A. SECSTATE 13716 ¶B. 07 COPENHAGEN 1069 Classified By: CDA Sandra Kaiser, reasons 1.4 (b),(d) ¶1. (C) Denmark will be among the first EU member states to recognize Kosovo's independence. Danish MFA Eastern Europe Department Head Ruben Madsen confirmed to us February 11 that Denmark is poised to announce its recognition "within hours" of a declaration of independence. Madsen told us Danish FM Per Stig Moeller briefed the parliamentary foreign policy committee Friday, February 8, and obtained a broad mandate to move quickly on Kosovo's independence when an announcement comes. Madsen said the FM received the backing of all parliamentary parties "except one" (presumably the Danish People's Party, which has announced its opposition to Kosovo's independence.). ¶2. (C) Madsen said the Danish government is anticipating Kosovo will declare independence February 17, and, per Denmark's count, 20 EU member states are currently ready to move immediately to announce recognition. Madsen said Denmark hopes a February 17 declaration of independence will enable the full EU to discuss and, hopefully, decide on recognition of Kosovo at the February 18 GAERC. Madsen made clear, however, that if a GAERC consensus wasn't forthcoming, Denmark and other EU members were ready to move immediately to recognize Kosovo. ¶3. (C) Madsen asked that the U.S. alert Denmark if we anticipate a declaration of independence before February 17. CAIN