Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08RIYADH80
2008-01-21 08:28:00
SECRET
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:
SAUDIS OFFER TO ASSIST ON KOSOVO
how-toVZCZCXRO7173 OO RUEHAG RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDIR RUEHKUK RUEHLH RUEHPW RUEHROV DE RUEHRH #0080 0210828 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 210828Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7444 INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUCNISL/ISLAMIC COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW IMMEDIATE 0692 RUEHPS/USOFFICE PRISTINA IMMEDIATE 0009
S E C R E T RIYADH 000080
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV PNAT PREL SA YI EU UN UNMIK
SUBJECT: SAUDIS OFFER TO ASSIST ON KOSOVO
REF: SECSTATE 1087
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
S E C R E T RIYADH 000080
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV PNAT PREL SA YI EU UN UNMIK
SUBJECT: SAUDIS OFFER TO ASSIST ON KOSOVO
REF: SECSTATE 1087
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (S) SUMMARY. In delivery of reftel demarche on Kosovo
independence, the SAG expressed a possible willingness to
engage the Russians and/or other governments to ensure a
peaceful outcome should Kosovo unilaterally declare
independence. Post requests guidance from the Department on
what action, if any, to recommend to the SAG on Kosovo. END
SUMMARY.
2. (S) Per reftel, Riyadh Political Counselor delivered
demarche on Kosovo independence to Saudi MFA Chief of
Americas Department Ambassador Khalid Jindan on January 13.
Jindan acknowledged the importance that Kosovo's final
outcome be a peaceful one with multilateral support. He was
receptive to the SAG recognizing Kosovar independence.
Jindan opined that Kosovo's situation be presented as a
European issue, not an American one, in order to garner as
much international support as possible, especially in regards
to countering Russian opposition.
3. (S) Jindan suggested that the SAG might be willing to
engage the Russians, European states and/or any other
governments to ensure a positive outcome if Kosovo
unilaterally declares independence. Jindan felt that non-USG
engagement with Russia might mute their expected negative
reaction to Kosovar independence. He concluded by asking if
the SAG should proceed along those lines and agreed to await
the USG's response.
4. (S) COMMENT. Over the past year the SAG has become an
increasingly active player on the international stage as King
Abdullah sought to reduce violence in the Sudan, Palestinian
territories and Pakistan. Moreover, Moscow is clearly wooing
Riyadh in terms of arms sales and other matters, and Riyadh
is rife with rumors of a possible Putin visit this year. SAG
engagement with other governments on Kosovo independence
could be useful. Post requests guidance on how to respond to
Ambassador Jindan's willingness to engage Russia or other
governments on this issue. END COMMENT
FRAKER
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/20/2018
TAGS: PGOV PNAT PREL SA YI EU UN UNMIK
SUBJECT: SAUDIS OFFER TO ASSIST ON KOSOVO
REF: SECSTATE 1087
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Michael Gfoeller for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d)
1. (S) SUMMARY. In delivery of reftel demarche on Kosovo
independence, the SAG expressed a possible willingness to
engage the Russians and/or other governments to ensure a
peaceful outcome should Kosovo unilaterally declare
independence. Post requests guidance from the Department on
what action, if any, to recommend to the SAG on Kosovo. END
SUMMARY.
2. (S) Per reftel, Riyadh Political Counselor delivered
demarche on Kosovo independence to Saudi MFA Chief of
Americas Department Ambassador Khalid Jindan on January 13.
Jindan acknowledged the importance that Kosovo's final
outcome be a peaceful one with multilateral support. He was
receptive to the SAG recognizing Kosovar independence.
Jindan opined that Kosovo's situation be presented as a
European issue, not an American one, in order to garner as
much international support as possible, especially in regards
to countering Russian opposition.
3. (S) Jindan suggested that the SAG might be willing to
engage the Russians, European states and/or any other
governments to ensure a positive outcome if Kosovo
unilaterally declares independence. Jindan felt that non-USG
engagement with Russia might mute their expected negative
reaction to Kosovar independence. He concluded by asking if
the SAG should proceed along those lines and agreed to await
the USG's response.
4. (S) COMMENT. Over the past year the SAG has become an
increasingly active player on the international stage as King
Abdullah sought to reduce violence in the Sudan, Palestinian
territories and Pakistan. Moreover, Moscow is clearly wooing
Riyadh in terms of arms sales and other matters, and Riyadh
is rife with rumors of a possible Putin visit this year. SAG
engagement with other governments on Kosovo independence
could be useful. Post requests guidance on how to respond to
Ambassador Jindan's willingness to engage Russia or other
governments on this issue. END COMMENT
FRAKER