U.S. DECISION TO RECOGNIZE KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE:

C O N F I D E N T I A L PORT OF SPAIN 000087 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/21/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV TD SUBJECT: U.S. DECISION TO RECOGNIZE KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE: TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO POSITIVE REF: (A) SECSTATE 16319 (B) PORT OF SPAIN 73 Classified By: Len Kusnitz, DCM, Reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) The Ambassador spoke with Foreign Minister Paula Gopee-Scoon February 20 on recognizing Kosovo. The FM was upbeat on the possibility of Trinidad and Tobago recognizing Kosovo in the very near future. The Minister noted she would be tied up for much of the remaining week, but promised to pursue the matter, possibily issuing a communique or sending us a letter once the GOTT moves to formal recognition. ¶2. (C) Comment: The FM was very forthcoming to our request, continuing her open and positive stance toward the U.S. and the Embassy, and all but committing the GOTT to recognizing Kosovo. While almost nothing advances quickly at the MFA, and Cabinet colleagues may seek to slow things as well, her promise to personally pursue the matter is a positive sign. AUSTIN