IMF-WORLD BANK MEMBERSHIP FOR KOSOVO: BRUNEI HAS NO

UNCLAS BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN 000091 DEPARTMENT FOR EAP/MTS AND EAP/MLS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EFIN PREL BX KV SUBJECT: IMF-WORLD BANK MEMBERSHIP FOR KOSOVO: BRUNEI HAS NO OBJECTION TO UPCOMING VOTE REF: STATE 033629 ¶1. Acting Deputy Chief of Mission delivered ref points on April 13 to Dato Ali Apong, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Finance. Dato Ali's response was surprisingly positive given the reticence to address the Kosovo issue in general with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MoFAT). He appeared familiar with the current vote in process and indicated Brunei intends to participate in the vote. ¶2. Dato Ali expressed concern that Kosovo needs technical oversight to succeed in the fiscal realm through those mechanisms both the IMF and World Bank directly provide. When asked directly if the USG could expect Brunei to stand with us when voting for said membership Dato Ali replied, "Yes, I see no reason for us to object." He continued by saying, "We will get written decision from our director but expect a positive vote." ¶3. A non-verbal nod of consent was given when Dato Ali was asked whether or not the Ministry of Finance could provide written confirmation to Post upon completion of voting process regardless of direction Brunei cast its ballot. ¶4. Comment: In a separate meeting on April 17 with Pengiran Datin Rasmaillah, Deputy Permanent Secretary for International Organizations at the MoFAT, she expressed a degree of surprise at the positive response from Dato Ali when this topic came up in passing. There could be a slight disconnect between the two buildings however she commented this could be similar to how they handle Taiwan with regards to their membership in APEC. TODD