PRESS GUIDANCE FOR KOSOVO DECLARATION

UNCLAS STATE 016269

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KPAO PREL UN UNMIK PGOV YI EU KV
SUBJECT: PRESS GUIDANCE FOR KOSOVO DECLARATION
OF INDEPENDENCE


1. (U) This is an action request. Posts are
requested to use the following points in responding
to questions about Kosovo's declaration of independence.


2. (U) Background: Kosovo Prime Minister Thaci called
a special meeting of the Assembly today, where
parliamentarians voted to pass a declaration of
independence. Russia and Serbia have continued to
oppose independence for Kosovo. Serbia's government
approved a "decision" on Friday in which it said it
would strengthen the presence of GoS authorities in
Kosovo in response to a declaration of independence.


3. (U) POINTS FOR USE ON KOSOVO:

Q: What is the U.S. reaction to the unilateral
declaration of independence of Kosovo?

--- We note that today Kosovo declared its independence.
We welcome the Kosovo government's clear commitment to
implement far-reaching provisions of the plan developed
by UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari to protect ethnic
minority communities.

--- The United States is now reviewing this issue and
discussing the matter with its European partners.
We expect to issue a statement very shortly.

--- The United States has long believed that the
Ahtisaari Plan, including its recommendation of
supervised independence for Kosovo, was the best way
to promote regional stability and enable both Serbia
and Kosovo to move forward on the Euro-Atlantic path.

--- The United States will remain steadfast in its
support for the rights of all ethnic and religious
communities in Kosovo. The Ahtisaari plan calls for
serious measures to protect Kosovo's minorities.

--- The Unites States calls on all parties to exercise
the utmost restraint and to refrain from any provocative
acts. NATO's KFOR mission will continue to respond
firmly to maintain a safe and secure environment for all
communities throughout Kosovo.


4. Minimize considered.
RICE