DEMARCHE ON KOSOVO'S IMF AND WB MEMBERSHIP

UNCLAS SANTO DOMINGO 000468 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EFIN PREL KV DR SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON KOSOVO'S IMF AND WB MEMBERSHIP DELIVERED REF: STATE 033709 ¶1. Econ Chief delivered reftel points to GODR officials at the Central Bank and Ministry of Economy, Development, and Planning, the government agencies responsible for IMF and World Bank issues respectively. Ana Beatriz Rodgriguez, Director of the International Department at the Central Bank said that a decision had not yet been made on how the Central Bank would vote and that she needed to consult with the Foreign Ministry. However, she noted that since Kosovo is already an independent country she didn't see any reason not to approve its membership in the IMF. Guarocuya Felix, Vice Minister for Planning, said that the Ministry of Economy, Development, and Planning supports Kosovo's membership in the World Bank and believes that it will help strenghten stability in the Balkans. Felix said he did not plan to consult with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs because it was not necessary. He agreed to coordinate with Rodriguez at the Central Bank to ensure that both GODR votes are the same. BULLEN