RWANDA ON KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KIGALI 000116 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/13/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL RW SUBJECT: RWANDA ON KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE REF: STATE 13716 Classified By: Ambassador Michael R. Arietti, reason 1.4 (B/D) ¶1. (C) Ambassador met with Minister of Foreign Affairs Charles Murigande to present points on seeking support for Kosovo's upcoming declaration of independence. Pol/econ chief subsequently spoke twice with Ministry of Foreign Affairs directors on this issue and gave them a non-paper on the subject. Murigande has requested guidance and review from the Prime Minister. Issues of this level are commonly the subject of cabinet deliberations in Rwanda, and the Prime Minister's office frames the debate. We understand a small cabinet committee is examing the question. We continue to emphasize the importance the USG attaches to swift recognition of a Kosovo independence declaration. ARIETTI