LESOTHO: GOL INTERESTED IN KOSOVO QUESTION, WIREC

C O N F I D E N T I A L MASERU 000011

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT ALSO FOR AF/S, EUR (JOSHUA BLACK),OES/PCI (STAN SPECHT)

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1/17/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV UN UNMIK KDEM ENRG SENV TRGY YI LT
SUBJECT: LESOTHO: GOL INTERESTED IN KOSOVO QUESTION, WIREC
CONFERENCE

REF: A) STATE 1087; B) STATE 563

CLASSIFIED BY: Christopher M. Smith, P/DEP Officer, P/DEP,
Department of State.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)

1. (U) This is an action request. See paragraph 3.


2. (C) On January 17, Poloff met with Ministry of Foreign
Affairs Americas and Europe Desk Director Pitso Makosholo
regarding the possibility of Lesotho's early recognition of
Kosovo's independence and Secretary Rice's invitation for a
delegation from Lesotho to attend the Washington International
Renewable Energy Conference (WIREC). Mr. Makosholo suggested
that the U.S. provide the GOL with a written brief on the Kosovo
question and seemed generally reception to U.S. views.
Regarding WIREC, he stated that he would pass on the Secretary's
invitation to Foreign Minister Tsekoa, who would likely consult
with Minister of Natural Resources Moleleki. END SUMMARY.

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Lesotho Wants More Info on Kosovo
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3. (C) After Poloff presented talking points on Kosovo (REF A),
Mr. Makosholo stated that the GOL would appreciate a written
brief in order to properly consider the matter. (REQUEST: Post
kindly asks for the assistance of EUR's Office of South and
Central Europe in identifying a proper background and position
paper for presentation to the Government of Lesotho, as much of
the information presented in REF A is classified as
confidential.) While appearing receptive to the suggestion that

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recognition could demonstrate Lesotho's willingness to promote
peace far beyond its own borders, Makosholo also expressed
concern that Lesotho's interest in Kosovo might be perceived as
unusual and would raise questions in the international community.

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WIREC: Invitation Presented
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4. (U) Regarding the WIREC conference, Mr. Makosholo stated that
he would pass Secretary Rice's invitation on the Foreign
Minister Tsekoa, who would likely consult with Minister of
Natural Resources Moleleki. He offered that renewable energy is
of great interest to Lesotho, which is a producer of
hydro-electricity and has a number of pilot solar-powered
projects created by international donors. He promised to
contact Poloff with any information concerning a potential
delegation.

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An Opening on Kosovo?
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5. (C) COMMENT: As Lesotho's MFA does not appear well briefed
on the Kosovo issue, presenting them with timely and persuasive
information on the question would be advantageous. We appear to
be the only party lobbying them on the issue. If Minister
Moleleki does attend the WIREC conference next March, the
proceeding would gain a highly colorful and engaged interlocutor
from the mountain kingdom. END COMMENT.

NOLAN