UNCC: DUTCH CHAIRMAN WITH US

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001976

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/29/2010
TAGS: PREL KUNC NL
SUBJECT: UNCC: DUTCH CHAIRMAN WITH US


REF: SECSTATE 122793


Classified by A/Polcouns Eric Lundberg, Reasons 1.5 b/d


1.(C) Dutch MFA officials told A/Polcouns in June 28
discussions that the Dutch agreed with our take on the
current Russian obstinance within the UNCC governing council.
As chairman of the GC, however, the Dutch did not believe it
proper to undertake joint demarches with such like-minded
states as the U.S. and UK, but officials say they had spoken
with the Russians in Geneva in an attempt to clear up the
matter. Acting UN Political Affairs chief Marcel van der
Kolk and Iraq Desk Officer Heub Mijnarends said that they
hoped the Russians would come around by the June 30 meeting,
but they were not optimistic. Neither official indicated
that the Dutch would undertake a particularly active
engagement policy with other GC member states.


2.(C) Drawing on reftel, A/Polcouns urged the Dutch to do
what they could -- in Geneva and in capitals -- to encourage
other states to approach the Russians, in the hope that
broad, vocal support for a quick decision might dissuade
Moscow from delaying action further. Van der Kolk said the
Dutch would consider next steps following tomorrow's GC
meeting.
TOKOLA