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