GEORGIA--UNDERSCORING USG POINTS REJECTING

C O N F I D E N T I A L JAKARTA 001625 SIPDIS DEPT FOR TRGG01, EAP, EAP/MTS, EAP/MLS, EUR, EUR/RUS (SZPILLA),EUR/CARC, IO, IO/UNP (MARIZ) E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV ID GG RS SUBJECT: GEORGIA--UNDERSCORING USG POINTS REJECTING RUSSIA'S RECOGNITION OF ABKHAZIA/SOUTH OSSETIA REF: A. STATE 91894 ¶B. JAKARTA 1600 ¶C. STATE 90978 ¶D. JAKARTA 1590 ¶E. JAKARTA 1532 Classified By: Pol/C Joseph L. Novak, reasons 1.4(b+d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Mission underscored to GOI contacts the USG's rejection of Russia's August 26 recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states. Pol/C emphasized that this move undercuts efforts to mediate a lasting, peaceful resolution of the disputes in these two regions of Georgia. GOI contacts said there was no way that Indonesia would recognize the two regions, but did not commit to a public statement. One key legislator told us that he would urge the GOI to make such a statement. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) UNDERSCORING CONCERNS: Per Reftel, Pol/C on August 27 underlined the USG's categorical rejection of Russia's recognition of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as independent states in discussions with key officials in the President's Office and the Department of Foreign Affairs. Pol/C emphasized that Russia's action was inconsistent with unanimously approved UN Security Council resolutions, which have consistently and explicitly reaffirmed Georgia's sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. The most recent of these was adopted with Russian support in April 2008 (UNSCR 1808). The USG urges that the GOI not recognize these two regions and that it condemn the Russian move as irresponsible and destabilizing. ¶3. (C) GOI REACTION: Tri Sukma (Nanu) Djandam, who works in the President's Office of International Affairs, responded that there was "no way" that Indonesia would recognize the two breakaway regions. He noted that the Russian action was clearly destabilizing. It also assisted separatism, something which Indonesian foreign policy could not accept. (Note: Indonesia has long been concerned about its own territorial integrity. It has not recognized Kosovo, for example, for fear of rewarding separatists.) In addition, Cicilia Rusdiharini, the Deputy Director of the America's Desk, told Pol/C: "We saw that Russia had taken that action and cannot support it.". ¶4. (C) That said, based on our soundings, the GOI seems unlikely to get too far out in front on this matter. When Pol/C urged that the Indonesian government condemn the Russian move, Djandam and Rusdiharini took the points on board. Djandam noted that "events in the Caucasus are not ones we closely focus on." ¶5. (C) KEY LEGISLATOR'S COMMENTS: In a meeting with Pol/C, Djoko Susilo, a key member of the Indonesian national legislature's committee dealing with foreign affairs and security (known as "Commission I"),expressed deep concern regarding the Russian move. He said he would brief other members of parliament on the Russian action. He noted that his committee was due to hold its regular meeting with Foreign Minister Wirajuda shortly. He said he would use the meeting to urge that the GOI issue an immediate statement condemning the Russian move. HUME