DUTCH SUPPORT LAUNCH OF IRAQ GOVERNING COUNCIL

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001816 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/16/2008 TAGS: PGOV PREL KPAO IZ UK NL UNSC SUBJECT: DUTCH SUPPORT LAUNCH OF IRAQ GOVERNING COUNCIL REF: SECSTATE 202537 Classified By: PolCouns Mary Daly reasons 1.5 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On July 16, PolOff and British PolCouns delivered reftel to MFA Adri van Loopik, head of the Gulf States Division. Van Loopik congratulated the US, UK and UN on bringing together such a diverse and inclusive group to form the Governing Council. The Dutch are encouraged by the actions taken to date by the CPA, and are impressed by the individuals that have been chosen to represent the Iraqi people on the GC. Van Loopik further engaged PolOff and British PolCouns in a discussion of the powers the GC will hold. When questioned if the GoNL would make a public statement in support of the GC, van Loopik cited timing difficulties because the FM is on leave. However, he suggested the possibility of an EU statement, which the Dutch would fully support. He commented that this issue may arise at the EU FM's meeting (GAERC) on July 21. ¶2. (C) Van Loopik also said that, with the departure of Dutch troops to Iraq in August, the Dutch Parliament will keep an even closer eye on the political and security developments in country. Any information demonstrating an independent constitutional process would be welcomed by the Dutch Parliament and public. SOBEL