DEMARCHE DELIVERED: KOSOVO RECOGNITION

UNCLAS PARAMARIBO 000494 SENSITIVE SIPDIS EUR FOR KOSOVO DESK OFFICERS SSHIRATORI AND WTOMLYANOVICH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KV NS SUBJECT: DEMARCHE DELIVERED: KOSOVO RECOGNITION REF: STATE 127443 ¶1. (SBU) On December 12, Pol-Econ Chief delivered the demarche to Jerral Moriah, Head of International Organizations Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Republic of Suriname (GOS). Moriah responded to the points, saying that Suriname had voted to support Serbia's resolution in the United Nations because the GOS "adheres very much" to multilateralism, and that the GOS "thought the legal opinion of a UN-recognized institution should deal with it." Since the international community is "split" on the issue, the GOS has decided to take the "best position" that it can -- namely, once a suitable body reviews the case and determines that Kosovo's declaration of independence is legal, it will be much easier for the GOS to recognize Kosovo. He added that the GOS is actually "neutral" on this issue, and did not support Serbia's resolution in order to prevent Kosovo's independence but merely to get clear standards and clear rules on what bodies can legally declare independence. ¶2. (SBU) When asked if he thought the GOS would recognize Kosovo if the International Criminal Court were to advise that Kosovo's declaration was legal, Moriah answered that would be "common sense," and that after that the GOS could be "best friends with Kosovo." He added that considering developments, he personally was positive that "things will work out for Kosovo, especially if it is a peaceful state supported by big countries." He added that he would report the conversation, including his responses, to the Foreign Minister. ¶2. (U) Post will report any additional response from MOFA in a separate cable. BELL