PANAMA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON SUPPORT FOR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/16/2018 TAGS: UNSC PREL UNMIK KO PM SUBJECT: PANAMA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON SUPPORT FOR RECONFIGURATION OF UNMIK IN KOSOVO REF: STATE 64270 Classified By: POLCHIEF BRIAN R. NARANJO. REASON: 1.4(D) -------------- PANAMA PROCEEDS WITH CAUTION -------------- ¶1. (C) POL delivered reftel demarche to Panamanian MFA Security Council Advisor Janio Tunon on June 16. Tunon stated that the UNSC advisors would hold a routine weekly meeting on June 17 to discuss the UN Secretary General's proposal for the reconfiguration of UNMIK. Tunon noted that the GOP had two primary concerns: i) the European Commission's proposal to cease funding for operations of the economic reconstruction pillar of UNMIK on June 30; and ii) the potential for heightened tensions in the region if UNMIK reconfiguration was approved. The GOP felt it had to exercise caution to find the best solution to maintain peace in the region. ¶2. (C) POL asked Janio Tunon for an update on Panama's position regarding recognition of Kosovo independence. Tunon responded that Panama was examining the issue and maintained dialogue with other Latin American countries, particularly Costa Rica. Tunon informed POL that the Security Council advisors would meet June 17 to discuss Kosovo. EATON