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