JAPAN RECOGNIZES KOSOVO

C O N F I D E N T I A L TOKYO 000724 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/17/2018 TAGS: PREL ZL JA SUBJECT: JAPAN RECOGNIZES KOSOVO Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4(b) and (d ) ¶1. (C) The Japanese Cabinet March 18 recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state, according to MOFA. According to MOFA Central and South Eastern Europe Division Principal Deputy Director Yuichi Oba, immediately following the decision, the Serbian Ambassador to Tokyo requested an appointment, at which he protested Japan's recognition of Kosovo and intimated that he will now be required to return to Belgrade in protest. Oba also stated that Japan's Embassy in Vienna will be responsible for providing diplomatic representation in Kosovo. Tokyo has yet to receive a request from Kosovo to open a mission here. 2 . (U) The statement of recognition issued by Foreign Minister Koumura is as follows: BEGIN TEXT: On March 18, Japan recognized the Republic of Kosovo as an independent state. As the Government of the Republic of Kosovo has made its intention clear that it will run the country pursuant to the "Comprehensive Proposal for the Kosovo Status Settlement" made by the U.N. Special Envoy, Japan expects that Kosovo's independence will contribute to the long-lasting stability of the region. Japan has traditionally good relations with the Republic of Serbia and it has no intention to make its recognition of Kosovo impede the friendly relations with Serbia. Japan hopes that such friendly relations with Serbia will be continued. END TEXT. SCHIEFFER