PURSUING KOSOVO RECOGNITION

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 111313 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/17/2018 TAGS: OTRA PREL SUBJECT: PURSUING KOSOVO RECOGNITION Classified By: NEA/RA DIRECTOR MICHAEL ADLER FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 2. -------------- SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUEST -------------- ¶2. (C) On October 14, the UAE became the first Arab country to recognize Kosovo. Department hopes this action will be followed by other countries in the NEA region and provides the following updated points for use at appropriate opportunities. Department appreciates posts, continued efforts on this issue. -------------- OBJECTIVE -------------- ¶3. (C) To accelerate recognition of Kosovo by states in the NEA region. -------------- BACKGROUND -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Kosovo declared independence on February 17, in accordance with the recommendations of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari and in coordination with the EU and United States. ¶5. (SBU) As of October 16, 51 countries have recognized Kosovo, including over three quarters of EU and NATO members. With Japan and others this represents over 66 percent of global GDP, 8 of 15 UN Security Council members, and all G7 members. On October 14, the United Arab Emirates became the 51st country and the first Arab state to recognize Kosovo. All of Kosovo's immediate neighbors except for Serbia itself have recognized the new state. ¶6. (SBU) Kosovo applied for IMF and World Bank membership on July 10. Following the completion of a membership mission and the recommendation of the Executive Board, the IMF Board of Governors will have to consider Kosovo,s Application, we hope in spring 2009. ¶7. (SBU) Kosovo continues to be one of the most important priorities of the United States in Europe. The USG seeks to help Kosovo find its place as a prosperous, peaceful, and democratic member of the international community, and bolster overall stability in the Balkans. ¶8. (SBU) Since its independence, the Government of Kosovo has shown maturity and willingness to work with its neighbors, including Serbia. It has adopted a new Constitution and implemented legislation to promote fundamental freedoms, including strong minority rights protections. ¶9. (SBU) Acknowledging Kosovo's "new reality," UN SYG Ban Ki-Moon ordered the reconfiguration and reduction of the UN Kosovo mission, effectively ending the UN's role as Kosovo's administrator. ¶10. (SBU) The July 11 donors conference raised approximately $1.9 billion in assistance to Kosovo. The United States contributed approximately $400 million. All EU members and a number of other non-European states, including Saudi Arabia and Japan, participated in the conference. -------------- -------------- ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND (to draw from on if raised) -------------- -------------- STATE 00111313 002 OF 002 ¶11. (SBU) Kosovo is a special case and not a precedent. It is the final stage of the break-up of the former Yugoslavia. Other unique factors include the history of ethnic cleansing and crimes against civilians in Kosovo, the extended period of international administration, and a UN-led process designed to determine final status. ¶12. (SBU) The UNGA recently adopted a Serbian-sponsored resolution to seek an advisory opinion on Kosovo from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ongoing ICJ process should not be an obstacle to new recognitions. The United Arab Emirates, Portugal, Montenegro, and Macedonia all recognized immediately before or after the ICJ UNGA vote. -------------- POINTS OF CONTACT -------------- ¶13. (SBU) Points of contact for further information on this issue are EUR/SCE Seiji Shiratori and NEA/RA Rina Chatterji. ¶14. (SBU) Tripoli minimize considered. RICE