Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08PORTOFSPAIN73
2008-02-11 17:03:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Port Of Spain
Cable title:
PRIORITY LOBBYING FOR KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE
how-toVZCZCXYZ0004 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHSP #0073 0421703 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 111703Z FEB 08 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY PORT OF SPAIN TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8974 INFO RUCNCOM/EC CARICOM COLLECTIVE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 0097
C O N F I D E N T I A L PORT OF SPAIN 000073
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/SCE AND WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL TD
SUBJECT: PRIORITY LOBBYING FOR KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE
REF: SECSTATE 13716
Classified By: Classified by DCM Len Kusnitz; Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L PORT OF SPAIN 000073
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/SCE AND WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL TD
SUBJECT: PRIORITY LOBBYING FOR KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE
REF: SECSTATE 13716
Classified By: Classified by DCM Len Kusnitz; Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) Post carried out reftel demarche February 11 with
MFA Permanent Secretary (Vice Foreign Minister equivalent)
Edwina Leacock. Along with the other ref points, we stressed
the importance of early recognition as a way of helping
stabilize southeast Europe. The PermSec listened closely to
our presentation, but stated the GOTT had not yet focused on
the issue of Kosovo independence. Leacock said she intended
to contact her Mission at the UN to get a sense of the
broader dynamics of the issue and then would speak with
Foreign Minister Gopee-Scoon. When pressed for likely GOTT
action, the PermSec merely reiterated that the government had
to study the matter, but recognized its urgency.
2. (C) Comment: The GOTT often keeps its head down on
issues such as this, arguing that it needs to make sure it
does not act contrary to whatever CARICOM consensus might
exist or (in this case) develop. While it would be out of
character for the government to take rapid action, the
PermSec's intent to quickly discuss Kosovo independence with
the Foreign Minister is a positive.
AUSTIN
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/SCE AND WHA/CAR
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL TD
SUBJECT: PRIORITY LOBBYING FOR KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE
REF: SECSTATE 13716
Classified By: Classified by DCM Len Kusnitz; Reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) Post carried out reftel demarche February 11 with
MFA Permanent Secretary (Vice Foreign Minister equivalent)
Edwina Leacock. Along with the other ref points, we stressed
the importance of early recognition as a way of helping
stabilize southeast Europe. The PermSec listened closely to
our presentation, but stated the GOTT had not yet focused on
the issue of Kosovo independence. Leacock said she intended
to contact her Mission at the UN to get a sense of the
broader dynamics of the issue and then would speak with
Foreign Minister Gopee-Scoon. When pressed for likely GOTT
action, the PermSec merely reiterated that the government had
to study the matter, but recognized its urgency.
2. (C) Comment: The GOTT often keeps its head down on
issues such as this, arguing that it needs to make sure it
does not act contrary to whatever CARICOM consensus might
exist or (in this case) develop. While it would be out of
character for the government to take rapid action, the
PermSec's intent to quickly discuss Kosovo independence with
the Foreign Minister is a positive.
AUSTIN