DEMARCHE TO BANGLADESH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS

UNCLAS DHAKA 001302 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/SCE, SCA/PB, SCA/FO, US/UN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: BG PGOV PHUM PREL KV SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO BANGLADESH MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION REF: STATE 127443 ¶1. (U) On December 15, PolOff met with the Senior Assistant Secretary from the Americas, Pacific and Counterterrorism wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to encourage the Government of Bangladesh's (GOB) recognition of Kosovo. PolOff urged the GOB to recognize Kosovo as soon as possible, noting that now is the right time to support its development as a peaceful and economically successful new member of the community of nations. ¶2. (U) The Senior Assistant Secretary responded that it will be difficult for Bangladesh's current Caretaker Government to recognize Kosovo. With only two weeks left in power, the Caretaker Government is essentially a lame duck administration. Bangladesh is scheduled to hold Parliamentary elections on December 29. The Senior Assistant Secretary believes that a new government will consider recognizing Kosovo, but she demurred that at this stage, Bangladesh it not prepared to recognize Kosovo. Comment -------------- ¶4. (U) The Ambassador is scheduled to meet with Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Ifetkhar Ahmed Chowdhury, on December 17 and will raise the issue. Post will also be sure to raise Kosovo recognition with a new government at an appropriate time. Nevertheless, Bangladesh does not yet appear ready to recognize Kosovo. If an increasing number of Muslim nations do recognize the fledgling nation, however, Bangladesh may be persuaded to do the same. MORIARTY