VZCZCXRO2095
OO RUEHAG RUEHAST RUEHDA RUEHDF RUEHFL RUEHIK RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHLN
RUEHLZ RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR RUEHVK RUEHYG
DE RUEHTI #0120 0510623
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 200623Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY TIRANA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6701
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC

UNCLAS TIRANA 000120 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR EUR/SCE 
DEPT OF JUSTICE FOR OPDAT, ICITAP 
 
E.O. 12958:N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV KV AL
SUBJECT:  MGKV01:  ALBANIA UPGRADES RELATIONS WITH KOSOVO TO 
AMBASSADORIAL REPRESENTATION 
 
REF:  A) 02/18/08 THIEDE-KOSOVO MONITORING GROUP E-MAIL 
-     B) TIRANA 112 
 
¶1.  (SBU)  As reported Ref A, Prime Minister Sali Berisha announced 
on February 18 at 18:30 local time that Albania would elevate its 
relations with Kosovo to the ambassadorial level.  (As reported Ref 
B, Albania recognized independent Kosovo on October 22, 1991.  While 
it withdrew its Embassy several years later, recognition was never 
rescinded.)  Our informal translation of the Prime Minister's 
announcement follows at para 3. 
 
¶2.  (SBU)  The Council of Ministers met on February 19 to finalize 
the move, voting to establish relations with Kosovo as the PM 
indicated.  Islam Lauka, currently Director General for Multilateral 
Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was announced as the 
Albanian ambassador, pending final decree by President Topi, who is 
expected to concur.  Lauka will appear befor QQ0Q! Q Q!" Q%0`(aQQQAffairs Committee, but P Q`Q`QaQ@BQ @(BQB(QQQ F is not required. 
(COMMEBQon, in view of th`hborly relations, I will Qummon tomorrow a meeting of the 
Council of Minisers to establish diplomatic relations between the 
Republic of Albania and the Republic of Kosovaat an ambassadorial 
level. 
 
The Government of Qhe Republic of Albania considers the creation of 
the State of Kosova a historical event that sanctions the right of 
the citizens of Kosova to self-determination and which makes the 
Balkans freer and fairer than ever before in their century-long 
history.  The independence of Kosova puts an end to the process of 
the breakup of former Yugoslavia, creates the conditions necessary 
for a sustainable and comprehensive development for the whole of 
Kosovar society, including the concrete perspective of integration 
as soon as possible into the European and Euro-Atlantic 
institutions.  With the declaration of independence, the Republic of 
Kosova becomes a worthy actor in the international arena, a major 
factor for stability and peace in the region with a clear Euro 
Atlantic orientation, an important factor for peace, stability, 
security, development and harmonized integration in Southeastern 
Europe. 
 
The Government of the Republic of Albania greets the Kosova 
Parliament's commitment to the implementation of the Ahtisaari 
Package, as expressed in [their] Declaration of Independence, as 
well as their invitation to welcome the international civil and 
military presence of the European Union and NATO in Kosova. 
 
The Albanian government values the official authorities' clear 
commitment [as expressed] in Kosova's Declaration of Independence to 
building a democratic, secular, and multiethnic society in Kosovo, 
where every resident, irrespective of their ethnic background, can 
feel free in their homes and properties, [thus] guaranteeing the 
protection and promotion of the rights and freedoms of the 
individual and of the ethnic minorities. 
 
Confirming our full commitment to respecting the international 
borders, the Republic of Albania is determined to further expand and 
deepen relations of good neighborliness, understanding and 
cooperation with the Republic of Kosova, [relations] built through 
history and strengthened continuously, and by establishing a close 
partnership, expand and institutionalize these relations at all 
levels and fields of mutual interest.  In this context, the Council 
of Ministers will decide tomorrow on opening the diplomatic mission 
of the Republic of Albania to Prishtina at the level of Ambassador. 
 
 
The Government of the Republic of Albania expresses its confidence 
that UN member states will recognize the Republic of Kosova [thus 
providing] an additional contribution to peace and security in the 
Balkans, in respect also of the legitimate will of its people. 
 
At the same time, the Government of the Republic of Albania confirms 
its full commitment to building good and friendly relations with all 
the countries of the region, including the Republic of Serbia on the 
path of European perspective for our countries. 
 
End text. 
 
WITHERS