SAUDIS OFFER TO ASSIST ON KOSOVO

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