WikiLeaks cable: NZ and the Serbian ICJ resolution
October 6, 2008 NZ and the Serbian ICJ resolution
date:2008-10-06T04:10:00 source:Embassy Wellington origin:08WELLINGTON327 destination:VZCZCXYZ0000 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHWL
#0327 2800410 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 060410Z OCT 08 FM AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5460 INFO
RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE PRIORITY 0002 RUEHPS/AMEMBASSY PRISTINA PRIORITY 0004 RUEHTC/AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE PRIORITY 0107
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK PRIORITY 0140 classification:CONFIDENTIAL reference:08STATE105796 ?C O N F I D E N T I A
L WELLINGTON 000327
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/ANP AND EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/06/2018 TAGS: PREL, KJUS, NZ SU... ?C O N F I D E N T I A L
WELLINGTON 000327
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EAP/ANP AND EUR/SCE E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/06/2018 TAGS: PREL, KJUS, NZ SUBJECT: NEW ZEALAND AND THE SERBIAN ICJ
RESOLUTION REF: STATE 105796
Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, David J. Keegan, Reason: 1.4 (b) and (d)
1. (C) In an October 6 meeting with Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Deputy Secretary Caroline Forsyth and European
Affairs Division policy officer Rob Little, Charge d'Affaires Keegan summarized the points in reftel. He noted that the
USG position remains that referring the question of Kosovo independence to the the International Court of Justice (ICJ)
is a distraction and that ultimately, the independence declaration will be deemed legally sound. The USG will vote no on
the UNGA resolution, and he asked the MFAT officials if the GNZ had taken a decision on this matter.
2. (C) Forsyth responded that the GNZ is still developing its position but warned that a no vote would be highly
unlikely. She promised, however, that USG points would receive full consideration. The GNZ supports the rule of law, the
machinery of the United Nations and the ICJ, and does not necessarily view ICJ consideration of the case as a negative,
offered Forsyth. She opined that the ICJ is capable enough to recognize the pitfalls surrounding the issue, its
ramifications beyond Kosovo, and would not paint itself into a corner. The Charge asked about Serbian government
contacts with the GNZ and possible motivations. Forsyth responded that the Serb President had written to thePrime
Minister on the subject, and Serbian Ambassador based in Canberra had approached the New Zealand mission. The Charge
noted that ICJ review of the matter will delay Kosovo's integration in the international community. Forsyth responded
that the GNZ was aware of the significance of the issue, but saw that placing the matter with the ICJ offered the
Serbian government a certain amount of political cover. Rob Little offered that the Serbian position, as explained to
the GNZ, rested on Belgrade's desire to ensure that Kosovo's unilateral declaration was consistent with UNSCR 1244.
KEEGAN
ENDS