BOSNIA: NATO SYG TO ISSUE STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF HIGH REPRESENTATIVE

SECRET,NOFORN S E C R E T USNATO 000584 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/30/2017 TAGS: PGOV, PREL, NATO, BK SUBJECT: BOSNIA: NATO SYG TO ISSUE STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF HIGH REPRESENTATIVE REF: SECSTATE 149684 Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission, Douglas Jones, for reaso ns 1.4 (b) and (d) 1. (S) Ambassador Nuland, at an informal meeting of NATO Permanent Representatives on Tuesday, October 30, informed colleagues that the U.S. would demarche Peace Implementation Council Steering Board Capitals leading up to the October 30-31 meeting seeking their support for High Representative Lajcak. Drawing on points in reftel, she urged that NATO Secretary General de Hoop Scheffer issue a statement that 1) SIPDIS supports Lajcak and his actions; 2) expresses concerns over Dodik and Kostunica's destabilizing comments; and 3) reiterates NATO's abiding interest in stability in Bosnia and desire to see all aspects of the Dayton Accord upheld. Allies expressed broad support for this request and de Hoop Scheffer said he would issue a statement along the lines suggested, noting his concern and support for the High Representative. NULAND