PAKISTAN STILL CONSIDERING RECOGNITION OF KOSOVO

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 018788

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THE FOLLOWING ISLAMABD 000767 DTD 22FEB08 SENT ACTION
SECSTATE INFO BELGRADE KABUL NEW DELHI PRISTINA KARACHI
LAHORE PESHAWAR USCENTCOM INTEL CAN MACDILL AFB FL
USNATO SECDEF CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL CIA REPEATED
FOR YOUR ACTION 25FEB08


QUOTE:


C O N F I D E N T I A L ISLAMABAD 000767

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2018
TAGS: PREL UNMIK UN KV PK
SUBJECT: PAKISTAN STILL CONSIDERING RECOGNITION OF KOSOVO
INDEPENDENCE

REF: A. STATE 16319

B. ISLAMABAD 654

C. STATE 13716

Classified By: Political Counselor Candace Putnam, Reasons 1.4 (b),(d)


1. (C) In a February 20 meeting with Mirza Afzal Mahmood, MFA
Director of the European Division, POLOFF drew on Ref A
points to explain the U.S. decision to recognize Kosovo as an
independent state. POLOFF asked if Pakistan was considering
recognizing Kosovo's independence, noting the MFA had
released a public statement February 19 stating Pakistan
understood and supported the legitimate aspirations of the
Kosovars. Mahmood confirmed Pakistan was sympathetic to
Kosovo on this issue and has taken noted of the OIC's
support, as well as that of other Muslim countries, but wants
more time to consult before taking an official decision.
Mahmood observed that the situation of Kosovo was similar to
that of Kashmir, and said, in principle, Pakistan felt such
regions had a right to self-determination.
PATTERSON
UNQUOTE: RICE