ALBANIA CONFIRMS STRONG RELATIONS WITH U.S.; URGES

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000977 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC AL KO SR SUBJECT: ALBANIA CONFIRMS STRONG RELATIONS WITH U.S.; URGES SUPPORT FOR KOSOVO REF: AMBASSADOR SUSAN RICE. REASON: 1.4 (B) AND (D) ¶1. (SBU) Summary. In an October 27 introductory meeting with Ambassador Rice, Albanian Permanent Representative Hoxha underscored Albania's strong relationship with the U.S. and praised the Obama administration's philosophy of greater UN engagement. Hoxha stressed that increasing the number of countries that recognize Kosovo will allow its leaders to turn their attention to critical domestic development issues. Ambassador Rice welcomed Albania's close cooperation and confirmed our continuing support of the recognition process. Hoxha recommended that Albania's membership into international and regional organizations be accelerated and suggested that Serbia be sent a clear message that European Union membership requires responsible behavior in northern Kosovo. End Summary. ¶2. (SBU) In an October 27 introductory meeting with Ambassador Rice, newly arrived Albanian Permanent Representative Ferit Hoxha underscored Albania's "close, strong and continuing" relationship with the U.S., which was instrumental in Albania's evolution from a young democratic state into a NATO ally. Hoxha, who has served in the Albanian government since 1991, stated that Albania is ready to "do its part" and work with the U.S. as a strategic security partner in the Balkans. Ambassador Rice welcomed Albania's close cooperation with the U.S. and expressed hope that it would extend into issues of mutual concern within the UN General Assembly. ¶3. (SBU) Ambassador Rice highlighted the U.S.'s substantively different approach to the UN General Assembly this year, which is to lead by finding common ground. Hoxha praised Ambassador Rice's policy speech given at New York University in August, stating that it gave a clear outline of President Obama's strategy vis--vis the new U.S. role within the UN. Hoxha noted the world's enthusiastic response to the Obama administration's philosophy, which is "leading the world in values and action." Because of the U.S.'s sincere effort to do its best, Hoxha stated that nations worldwide are now encouraged to maximize their contributions on issues such as climate change. ¶4. (SBU) Hoxha thanked the U.S. for its support of Kosovo's independence, emphasizing that it is crucial to focus on domestic issues including the economy, rule of law, anti-corruption and counter-terrorism. Hoxha asked Ambassador Rice to help maintain momentum on country recognitions of Kosovo, stating that convincing reluctant countries to step up will allow its leadership to spend less time "convincing the world they exist." Hoxha stated that since August, 2008 Russia and Serbia have shown less willingness to cooperate with Kosovo. ¶5. (SBU) Ambassador Rice confirmed U.S. support for widening Kosovo recognition. She underscored recent efforts by some member states at the UN to push back on Kosovo's status, which were indicative of the continuing challenge. She agreed that Kosovo leaders need space to focus on development and asked Hoxha for his thoughts on how the international community can work towards this goal. Hoxha recommended that Kosovo's membership into regional and international structures be accelerated, which would be difficult with those organizations in which Serbia is also a member. Hoxha lamented the return of nationalism in Serbia, stating that Serbian President Boris Tadic and Foreign Minister Vuk Jeremic are using their control over hard-liners in northern Kosovo as a bargaining chip in negotiations on European Union membership. Hoxha underscored that while Serbian recognition of Kosovo is not expected, Serbia should be sent a clear message that a future with the European Union requires it to behave more constructively towards its neighbors. He recommended that a framework be provided to the Serbs to encourage responsible behavior, particularly toward the Serbs living in northern Mitrovica. Rice