US embassy cable - 05LJUBLJANA758

UNCLAS LJUBLJANA 000758 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, SI, YI 
SUBJECT: DRNOVSEK'S NINE POINT PLAN FOR KOSOVO 
 
REF: A. LJBULJANA 737 
 
     B. LJBULJANA 756 
 
 1. (SBU) Per Reftels following is the text of the letter and 
nine-point plan Slovenian President Janez Drnovsek delivered 
to Contact Group Ambassadors October 20.  It has previously 
been faxed to the Department, US Office Pristina and Embassy 
Belgrade. 
 
Begin Text: 
 
Dear Sir, 
You probably agree with me that the time has come to find 
political solutions for the most complex issues that have 
remained unsolved in the area of Southeast Europe.  The issue 
of the future political settlement of Kosovo is undoubtedly 
one of them.  On the basis of my extensive experience and 
familiarity with problems in this region, and especially in 
the area of the former Yugoslavia, I have prepared a proposal 
for a political solution of the Kosovo issue.  This proposal 
is intended to contribute to the constructive solution of 
issues that have long burdened both the region and the 
international community at large. 
 
My proposed plan for a political solution of the Kosovo issue 
is outlined below: 
 
-- 1. The international community must ensure the safety of 
members of the Serbian minority in Kosovo. 
 
-- 2. The most sacred Serbian cultural, historical and 
religious monuments in Kosovo should be assigned 
extraterritorial status and must be protected by 
international forces. 
 
-- 3. Serbian municipalities in Kosovo should be given local 
self-government, on the basis of which they can decide 
themselves on local issues. 
 
-- 4. The Serbian minority in Kosovo should be guaranteed 
permanent representation in the Kosovo parliament. 
 
-- 5. Serbians in Kosovo should have a permanent 
representative in the Kosovo government, who looks after 
their interests. 
 
-- 6.  In 18 months, the international community would 
transfer all its responsibilities and powers related to the 
governance of Kosovo to the Kosovo authorities.  During this 
time, elections to the parliament, government and to the 
office of president would be held. 
 
-- 7.  Kosovo would gain the status of an international legal 
entity, probably within the next five years, providing the 
international community establishes that fundamental 
democratic standards and peaceful cohabitation among members 
of the various national groups has been ensured. 
 
-- 8. The international forces would remain in Kosovo until 
that time, although it might be possible to reduce their size. 
 
-- 9.  The European Union, in cooperation with the 
international financial institutions, should prepare a 
program for the economic development of Kosovo, as well as 
adequate financial instruments for its stimulation.  On such 
a basis, Kosovo should be capable of economic survival and 
independence in five years. 
 
Slovenia is willing to host an initial informal meeting of 
the highest political representatives of Serbia and Kosovo, 
at which we would try to establish an atmosphere of mutual 
trust and constructive communication in order to reach 
agreement. 
 
End Text. 
ROBERTSON 
 
 
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