KOSOVO CHARGE EXPECTS TO BE NAMED AMBASSADOR TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L LONDON 001256 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/SCE AND EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2019 TAGS: ODIP PREF KVPR NZ KV UK SUBJECT: KOSOVO CHARGE EXPECTS TO BE NAMED AMBASSADOR TO UK/NEW ZEALAND; CONFIDENT ON RECOGNITION MOMENTUM REF: LONDON 778 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Greg Berry for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Kosovo Charge Muhamet Hamiti informed Political Minister Counselor that he will travel to Pristina the week of May 31 to complete the "bureaucratic" procedures for his appointment as Ambassador to the Court of St. James, with accreditation to New Zealand (per reftel, the GONZ has agreed to this arrangement). The process consists of a panel review (consisting of foreign ministry, civil service and civil society sector representatives) followed by the Prime and Foreign Ministers' final approval. Although there are a number of candidates in the running, Hamiti was confident his name would be presented to HMG for agrement in mid-to-late June, and he has encouraged his ministry to expedite the process so it can be completed prior to the UK summer holiday season. ¶2. (C) Hamiti was optimistic that the number of countries recognizing Kosovo's independence would grow from its current ¶96. He said that Saudi Arabia's decision to recognize would open the door for other Islamic countries to do likewise, after a "waiting period so they do not seem like followers." Hamiti was hopeful that the May 25 Organization of Islamic Countries ministerial statement noting the "progress made towards strengthening democracy in Kosovo" and calling on the "international community to continue contributing to the fostering of Kosovo's economy" would help to shift the position of harder-line countries, such as Libya. Hamiti appreciated the support the U.S. and UK were giving Kosovo's recognition campaign and the efforts of both to encourage Belgrade to take a more positive approach towards Pristina and regional stability. Visit London's Classified Website: http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Unit ed_Kingdom LEBARON