BRAZILIAN MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS CLARIFIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRASILIA 000518 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/27/2019 TAGS: PREL BR AORC SUBJECT: BRAZILIAN MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL RELATIONS CLARIFIES POSITION ON KOSOVO ICJ CASE REF: A. STATE 29385 ¶B. BRASILIA 412 ¶C. ERATH-SHIRATORI E-MAIL Classified By: DCM Lisa Kubiske. Reason: 1.5 (D) ¶1. (C) Following up on reports that Brazil submitted on opinion to the ICJ on Serbia's request that Kosovo's declaration of independence be regarded as illegal, POLOFF contacted Elizabeth-Sophie Mazzella, Director for Eastern Europe at the Ministry for External Relations (MRE). Mazzella explained Brazil's position as supporting UNSCR 1244 and the process it established. Mazzella said specifically that Brazil did not support Serbian claims of illegality, but was concerned that the UN resolution be respected. Although poloff noted that UN representative Ahtisaari and many governments had recognized Kosovo independence as being consistent with 1244, Mazzella said Brazil was not yet ready to make such a determination and would not until there was a "UN decision," i.e. a Security Council Resolution. ¶2. (C) Mazzella also commented that Serbian Foreign Minister Jeremic had impressed his Brazilian counterparts favorably during his recent visit to Rio de Janeiro. Jeremic had, she said, been eloquent in stating Serbia's case and had impressed the Brazilians with his commitment to a European future. She noted that the slower pace of EU integration for Serbia would negatively impact not only Serbia's development but further recognition of Kosovo independence. Minimize considered SOBEL