MALAYSIA SYMPATHETIC TO KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUALA LUMPUR 000040 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR/SCE/JOSHUA BLACK AND EAP/MTS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/15/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV UN UNMIK YI EU MY SUBJECT: MALAYSIA SYMPATHETIC TO KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE REF: STATE 1087 Classified By: Political Section Chief Mark D. Clark, reason 1.4 (b and d). (C) Political Section Chief delivered reftel demarche, concerning Kosovo's future status and anticipated independence declaration, on January 15 to the Malaysian Foreign Ministry's acting Under Secretary for UN and Multilateral Political Affairs Bala Chandran Tharman, who also is Under Secretary for Disarmament and Nonproliferation. Bala Chandran stated that Malaysia generally supported Kosovo's future independence, and agreed there was no viable alternative. The manner in which Kosovo declares independence, however, would have bearing on Malaysia's immediate diplomatic reaction and timing of its recognition of the new state. Lack of formal UNSC endorsement, for example, would complicate matters. Nevertheless, Malaysia in the end would endorse the creation of an independent Kosovo. Bala Chandran implied that Indonesia's stance on Kosovo independence would have some influence on Malaysia's position. Bala Chandran did not respond to suggestions that Malaysia provide financial or training assistance to a new Kosovo government. KEITH