AUSTRIA SUPPORTS KOSOVO PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L VIENNA 000650 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/03/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV KV MD AU SUBJECT: AUSTRIA SUPPORTS KOSOVO PARTICIPATION IN REGIONAL COOPERATION COUNCIL REF: STATE 55320 Classified by: Economic-Political Counselor J. Dean Yap for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Polchief discussed reftel points June 2 with Thomas Schnoll, MFA Unit Chief for Southeast Europe. Schnoll said the GOA strongly agrees that Kosovo should attend the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC),noting that Kosovo has participated in meetings between EU members and regional states. He said he was surprised by Moldova's handling of the issue, and speculated that Russian pressure must be the cause. Schnoll said the MFA was planning to raise the matter with the Moldovan Ambassador, and would argue that Moldova should follow the precedent set by Bulgaria when it invited Kosovo to attend the RCC last year. ¶2. (C) Noting that Austria does not have an Embassy in Chisinau, Schnoll said Johannes Eigner, MFA Department Head for EU and External Trade Relations, would represent Austria at the RCC. If Kosovo is not invited, Eigner will make a statement regretting Kosovo's absence. Schnoll said, however, that Eigner would likely continue to participate in the council after making the statement. ORDWAY