PHILIPPINES CAREFULLY WEIGHING KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANILA 000386 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/SCE SEIJI SHIRATORI E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/13/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL RP EU UNMIK YI SUBJECT: PHILIPPINES CAREFULLY WEIGHING KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE REF: A. STATE 14626 ¶B. STATE 13716 ¶C. MANILA 208 ¶D. STATE 1087 Classified By: DCM Paul W. Jones, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) The Ambassador discussed at length the issue of Kosovo independence with Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo on February 13. The Ambassador underscored the U.S. belief that rapid recognition of Kosovo in the wake of its anticipated declaration of independence was vital both for the stability of the new nation as well as the peace and security of Southeastern Europe. She stressed the importance and symbolism of having a democracy from Southeast Asia like the Philippines be among those states that would recognize Kosovo in the immediate aftermath of independence. She also emphasized our view that the dissolution of former Yugoslavia was a unique situation, and that Kosovo independence would not set a precedent for other countries or regions. ¶2. (C) Foreign Secretary Romulo voiced strong agreement with the importance of the Kosovo issue and said that he had numerous conversations regarding Kosovo independence with EU foreign ministers at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He understood well the importance of early recognition both for Kosovo and for further stabilization in the Balkan region, and knew that a significant number of EU states intended to recognize Kosovo's independence rapidly. He had also heard that some EU members, including Spain, were more hesitant given concerns about separatist movements in their countries. ¶3. (C) The Foreign Secretary pledged that the Philippine government would weigh with utmost care and deliberation the U.S. request to recognize Kosovo rapidly after independence. The benefits and importance to Kosovo and broader stability were clear. At the same time, the Philippines' top priority was crafting a lasting resolution to the ongoing Muslim insurgency in Mindanao, a goal that the U.S. and EU also shared, and the Cabinet would naturally need to weigh very carefully what impact a Kosovo decision might have on those sensitive negotiations. The Ambassador welcomed the Foreign Secretary's clear understanding of the importance and broader SIPDIS global context of the Kosovo issue, and his commitment to give Kosovo recognition rapid attention. She encouraged the Philippines to be among the first to welcome Kosovo's expected declaration of independence. KENNEY