OMAN UNDECIDED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000154 SIPDIS SIPDIS LONDON FOR MIDEAST WATCHER PARIS FOR MIDEAST WATCHER E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/20/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV UNMIK UN YI KV MU SUBJECT: OMAN UNDECIDED ON KOSOVO RECOGNITION REF: A. STATE 16319 ¶B. STATE 15111 ¶C. STATE 13716 ¶D. MUSCAT 130 (NOTAL) ¶E. MUSCAT 45 (NOTAL) Classified By: Ambassador Gary A. Grappo per 1.4 (B and D). ¶1. (C) Oman is not yet prepared to announce a decision on Kosovo independence, according to Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusef bin Alawi. In a February 20 phone call with the minister, the Ambassador urged Oman to act quickly to recognize Kosovo's independence. Drawing on guidance (ref A),the Ambassador underscored the need for Omani and GCC action in support of Kosovo. ¶2. (C) Bin Alawi said that his ministry is preparing a comprehensive report on Kosovo for cabinet consideration and eventual decision by the Sultan. He argued that the decision had several "legal and political implications," which Oman had to take into consideration. He further emphasized that Oman's careful consideration of the matter and consequent inability to act immediately should not be interpreted as Omani opposition to Kosovo,s independence or sympathy for Russia and Serbia's position. ¶3. (C) Bin Alawi indicated that the cabinet would likely take up the matter early next week (beginning February 23), but he would not predict when a decision might be forthcoming. GRAPPO