MALDIVES DECLARES INTENTION TO RECOGNIZE KOSOVO

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000139 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR SCA AND EUR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MV KV SUBJECT: MALDIVES DECLARES INTENTION TO RECOGNIZE KOSOVO ¶1. Maldivian Foreign Minister Dr. Ahmed Shaheed contacted Ambassador on February 6 to share with him the text of a Maldivian Foreign Ministry announcement that the Government of Maldives is committed to extending diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Kosovo at an early date. The statement notes that Maldives is committed to a foreign policy that upholds the principles of the UN charter, and respect for the territorial integrity of nation states. It notes that the unique circumstances of Kosovo make it a special case. It also notes that 55 other countries have recognized the Republic of Kosovo, including most of its neighbors. ¶2. Comment: This statement of intent is entirely the work of the capable Shaheed, at our request. He overcame considerable skepticism within the Cabinet. Once Maldives formally recognizes Kosovo, Embassy recommends that the Secretary send a very short note to Shaheed to thank him for his personal efforts. Blake