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