WikiLeaks: NZ undecided on assistance to Kosovo

March 7, 2008 New Zealand undecided on assistance to Kosovo

date:2008-03-07T03:17:00 source:Embassy Wellington origin:08WELLINGTON92 destination:VZCZCXYZ0631 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHWL #0092 0670317 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 070317Z MAR 08 FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5143 INFO RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI PRIORITY 0028 RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA PRIORITY 0028 RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO PRIORITY 0021 RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA PRIORITY 5142 RUEHDO/AMEMBASSY DOHA PRIORITY 0022 RUEHKL/AMEMBASSY KUALA LUMPUR PRIORITY 0192 RUEHKU/AMEMBASSY KUWAIT PRIORITY 0025 RUEHMK/AMEMBASSY MANAMA PRIORITY 0011 RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA PRIORITY 0324 RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH PRIORITY 0022 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL PRIORITY 0295 RUEHGP/AMEMBASSY SINGAPORE PRIORITY 0521 RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV PRIORITY 0031 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO PRIORITY 0702 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS PRIORITY classification:CONFIDENTIAL reference:08STATE18802|08WELLINGTON59 ?C O N F I D E N T I A L WELLINGTON 000092

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/ACE, EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/07/2018 TAGS: PREL, EAID,... ?C O N F I D E N T I A L WELLINGTON 000092

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STATE FOR EUR/ACE, EAP/ANP E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/07/2018 TAGS: PREL, EAID, EFIN, NZ SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND UNDECIDED ON ASSISTANCE TO KOSOVO REF: A) STATE 18802 B) WELLINGTON 59

Classified By: Pol/Econ Counselor Margaret McKean; Reason 1.4 (b) and ( d)

1. (C) In a February 29 meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT) Europe Division Director, George Kroup, and Europe Policy Officer Kate Russell, Pol/Econ Counselor outlined planning for an upcoming donors conference regarding Kosovo, provided the needs table included in reftel A, and encouraged the GNZ to respond positively to an invitation to the conference. Kroup reminded Pol/Econ Counselor that the GNZ's stance towards Kosovo remains tentative. He referred to an earlier exchange between DCM and MFAT Deputy Secretary Hamilton (Reftel B), adding that the paper on Kosovo is with the Prime Minister. Any decision regarding possible assistance to Kosovo would emanate from the PM's office, Kroup noted, adding that he does not know how long that might take. Pol/Econ Counselor asked if the GNZ would consider sending an official from their EU mission Brussels to observe in June. Kroup demurred, saying it was possible that New Zealand may not be present.

2. (C) Comment: The issue of Kosovo's independence is sensitive enough that direction from the Prime Minister's office will be necessary before MFAT can make any decisions regarding related issues surrounding Kosovo. Even an observer at a donor meeting could be perceived as tacit endorsement of Kosovo's independent status. MFAT officials have promised to keep the Embassy apprised of any developments.

MCCORMICK

ENDS

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