MGKV01: ALBANIA UPGRADES RELATIONS WITH KOSOVO TO

UNCLAS TIRANA 000120 SIPDIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR EUR/SCE DEPT OF JUSTICE FOR OPDAT, ICITAP E.O. 12958:N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KV AL SUBJECT: MGKV01: ALBANIA UPGRADES RELATIONS WITH KOSOVO TO AMBASSADORIAL REPRESENTATION REF: A) 02/18/08 THIEDE-KOSOVO MONITORING GROUP E-MAIL - B) TIRANA 112 ¶1. (SBU) As reported Ref A, Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced on February 18 at 18:30 local time that Albania would elevate its relations with Kosovo to the ambassadorial level. (As reported Ref B, Albania recognized independent Kosovo on October 22, 1991. While it withdrew its Embassy several years later, recognition was never rescinded.) Our informal translation of the Prime Minister's announcement follows at para 3. ¶2. (SBU) The Council of Ministers met on February 19 to finalize the move, voting to establish relations with Kosovo as the PM indicated. Islam Lauka, currently Director General for Multilateral Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was announced as the Albanian ambassador, pending final decree by President Topi, who is expected to concur. Lauka will appear befor QQ0Q! Q Q!" Q%0`(aQQQAffairs Committee, but P Q`Q`QaQ@BQ @(BQB(QQQ F is not required. (COMMEBQon, in view of th`hborly relations, I will Qummon tomorrow a meeting of the Council of Minisers to establish diplomatic relations between the Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovaat an ambassadorial level. The Government of Qhe Republic of Albania considers the creation of the State of Kosova a historical event that sanctions the right of the citizens of Kosova to self-determination and which makes the Balkans freer and fairer than ever before in their century-long history. The independence of Kosova puts an end to the process of the breakup of former Yugoslavia, creates the conditions necessary for a sustainable and comprehensive development for the whole of Kosovar society, including the concrete perspective of integration as soon as possible into the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions. With the declaration of independence, the Republic of Kosova becomes a worthy actor in the international arena, a major factor for stability and peace in the region with a clear Euro Atlantic orientation, an important factor for peace, stability, security, development and harmonized integration in Southeastern Europe. The Government of the Republic of Albania greets the Kosova Parliament's commitment to the implementation of the Ahtisaari Package, as expressed in [their] Declaration of Independence, as well as their invitation to welcome the international civil and military presence of the European Union and NATO in Kosova. The Albanian government values the official authorities' clear commitment [as expressed] in Kosova's Declaration of Independence to building a democratic, secular, and multiethnic society in Kosovo, where every resident, irrespective of their ethnic background, can feel free in their homes and properties, [thus] guaranteeing the protection and promotion of the rights and freedoms of the individual and of the ethnic minorities. Confirming our full commitment to respecting the international borders, the Republic of Albania is determined to further expand and deepen relations of good neighborliness, understanding and cooperation with the Republic of Kosova, [relations] built through history and strengthened continuously, and by establishing a close partnership, expand and institutionalize these relations at all levels and fields of mutual interest. In this context, the Council of Ministers will decide tomorrow on opening the diplomatic mission of the Republic of Albania to Prishtina at the level of Ambassador. The Government of the Republic of Albania expresses its confidence that UN member states will recognize the Republic of Kosova [thus providing] an additional contribution to peace and security in the Balkans, in respect also of the legitimate will of its people. At the same time, the Government of the Republic of Albania confirms its full commitment to building good and friendly relations with all the countries of the region, including the Republic of Serbia on the path of European perspective for our countries. End text. WITHERS