PM BERISHA ON KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 TIRANA 000112

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

BELGRADE ALSO FOR PODGORICA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV KV AL
SUBJECT: PM BERISHA ON KOSOVO INDEPENDENCE

REF: A. STATE 13716


B. TIRANA 111

C. TIRANA 91

Classified By: Ambassador John L. Withers II, Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D).

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SUMMARY
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1. (C) Ambassador engaged Prime Minister Berisha on
February 12 on Albanian (and Kosovar) plans for an expected
declaration of independence, including timing of recognition,
possible GOA visits, and plans for celebrations. Berisha
promised continued coordination with the U.S., has already
urged Kosovo's leaders to maintain moderation, including in
post-declaration celebrations, and agreed to delay immediate
visits to Kosovo, but not indefinitely. In a separate
meeting, opposition leader/Tirana Mayor Edi Rama indicated he
was also contemplating an eventual post-declaration visit to
Kosovo, but will respect our call for a delay. He added that
Kosovo is not an issue for scoring partisan points, but a
national triumph. END SUMMARY.

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RECOGNITION
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2. (C) Berisha reaffirmed Albania's intent to coordinate
closely with the U.S. on recognition of Kosovo following an
eventual declaration of independence (DI). He hinted that he
expected the DI to occur the weekend of February 16-17.
Ambassador suggested the U.S. would also not want to be the
first to recognize, and we should both look for the large
European nations (Germany, France, Italy, United Kingdom) to
go first in the process. Berisha enthusiastically responded
"then Albania and the U.S. can recognize together."
Ambassador promised to try to give the PM an alert when
Washington planned to act.


3. (C) Berisha went on to explain that Albania recognized
independent Kosovo in 1992. (Note: Embassy research showed
the date of recognition was October 22, 1991. Albania
withdrew its Embassy in the early 2000's, but has never
rescinded recognition.) The PM is consulting with legal
advisers, who have suggested, he said, that this recognition
remains valid. Berisha said he asked President Sejdiu and
Prime Minister Thaci whether Kosovo would prefer for Albania
to "re-recognize" or simply to appoint a new ambassador. In
any event, he assured Ambassador that any public statements
would be coordinated with the Embassy.

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PLANNED CELEBRATIONS
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4. (C) Berisha told the Ambassador that Albania was again
waiting clarification from Kosovo's leadership about the type
of celebration to hold post-independence. One idea, he said,
was to proclaim independence "this weekend," but plan a more
official celebration, with international invitees, later.
"We will be in touch," he promised.


5. (C) Asked about non-official demonstrations, Berisha
smiled and said Albanian people would certainly take to the
streets, but that the celebrations would be "civilized."
There would be no guns in Albania, he assured Ambassador.
(Note: The PM was referring to the tradition of firing shots
into the air, not to violence.) He expected fireworks and
celebrations, but said Albania had not mobilized military or
police forces. In separate meetings with police authorities,
RSO was told police have been put on alert, but not
mobilized. RSO contacts also said no violence was expected.
The Police have formed an interagency task force, mainly to
monitor the situation on the northern border points.


6. (C) Berisha added that if Serbia blockaded Kosovo,
Albania would turn over a port to Kosovo's use. He said
Albania would consider also giving Kosovo use of an airport,
"although they have their own airport." All ports would work
three shifts, according to the PM, and roads and "anything
they need" would be at Kosovo's disposal.

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OFFICIAL VISITS
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7. (C) The Ambassador noted USG concern that no official
visits from Albania occur too soon after DI. He asked the PM
to keep GOA officials back for a time, noting expected
battles in the UN Security Council and possibly at the OSCE,
in which the Russians and the Serbs might invoke the chimera
of "Greater Albania." Berisha evinced understanding, but did
not agree to an indefinite delay. In a separate meeting on
February 12, Socialist Party leader and Tirana Mayor Edi Rama

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also indicated he would be considering a visit to a newly
independent Kosovo. At the meeting, Ambassador urged Rama to
avoid playing politics with any delay in recognition or other
issues regarding Kosovo's DI. Rama agreed instantly.

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COMMENT
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8. (C) We have no doubt that Albania will continue to work
with us, particularly if we can give them as much advance
information as possible about our plans. Berisha expressed
the feelings of all Albanians when he said "This is a
terrific moment in history." As Albanians always do, he
credited the U.S. for the successful resolution of Kosovo
status, and promised Albania would play as responsible and
cooperative a role in the lead-up to Kosovar independence as
it had in the past.
WITHERS