SUPPORTING KOSOVO IN INTERNATIONAL BODIES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 039345 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/16/2019 TAGS: PREL ECON UN KV SUBJECT: SUPPORTING KOSOVO IN INTERNATIONAL BODIES Classified By: IO A/S Esther Brimmer for reason 1.4(b). ¶1. (C) Summary. This is an action request, see paragraph 2. The Department wishes to highlight our continuing interest in supporting participation by the Republic of Kosovo in international institutions. Kosovo, which has just completed its first year of independence, has made integration in international institutions a high priority and we support this effort. At the same time,states opposed to Kosovo's statehood may seek opportunities to block or delay its participation in international bodies. Posts should counter these efforts and alert Department. End Summary. OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶2. (C) Action request. Department requests that delegations and missions pursue the following objectives: -- Discourage any efforts to change rules of procedure or membership requirements that could result in blocking or delaying Kosovo,s participation in international bodies based at your mission. -- Alert the Department to such effects on a case-by-case basis and seek guidance to coordinate the USG response. ¶3. (C) Delegations from France, Germany, the UK, Italy, Turkey, Croatia and Albania can be counted on to support efforts to advance Kosovo,s integration into international bodies. Opposition to Kosovo's engagement in world bodies might emerge from Serbia, Russia, Cuba, Cyprus, Spain, and Venezuela. BACKGROUND -------------- ¶4. (SBU) It is a USG policy priority to help Kosovo fully establish its status as a state, including joining multilateral organizations, to encourage more countries to recognize and establish diplomatic relations with Kosovo, and to promote Kosovo,s fullest possible engagement with international organizations. Kosovo has embassies in Ankara, Berlin, Bern, Brussels, London, Paris, Rome, Tirana, Vienna, and Washington and is working to establish more. ¶5. (SBU) Kosovo declared independence from Serbia on February 17, 2008. The United States recognized Kosovo and established diplomatic relations the next day and was soon followed by several European countries. Currently, 57 countries see www.state.sgov.gov/s/crs/index.cfm, then click on Kosovo under GAZA Interagency Secretariat and then click on (SBU) Kosovo Recognitions as of April 7, 2009 you will get a list, including all the G-7, and all of Kosovo,s immediate neighbors save Serbia have recognized Kosovo. However, because of Russia's announced intention to veto a Kosovo application so long as Serbia opposes it, UN membership is not likely in the near future. NATO and the EU do not have consensus positions regarding Kosovo recognition; 22 of STATE 00039345 002 OF 002 27 EU member states and 24 of 28 NATO members have recognized Kosovo. The IMF is currently voting to determine whether Kosovo will be admitted. The World Bank will likely begin a similar voting process later this month. ¶6. (SBU) UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon noted in his last three reports to the UN Security Council(the most recent report was discussed in the UNSC on March 23)that he has ordered the UN Mission in Kosovo(UNMIK)to downsize following entry into force last June of Kosovo's constitution and has welcomed the EU's enhanced role in Kosovo,s rule of law sector. With over $1.9 billion of pledged donor assistance, Kosovo is strengthening its institutions, nurturing its economy, and conducting its own foreign affairs. It is imperative for Kosovo,s sustainability that it be given every feasible opportunity to integrate with and cooperate with multilateral institutions. POINT OF CONTACT -------------- ¶7. (U) Please contact Kosovo Desk Officer Seiji Shiratori at 202-647-7729 or Kosovo Status Coordinator Paul Pfeuffer at 202-647-2452 for additional information. Please be sure to slug responses for IO/UNP John Mariz and USUN. CLINTON