URGENT DEMARCHE REQUEST: UN ACTION ON THE MIDDLE

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002361 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/18/2013 TAGS: PREL KPAL IS NL UNGA SUBJECT: URGENT DEMARCHE REQUEST: UN ACTION ON THE MIDDLE EAST REF: SECSTATE 268287 Classified By: Political Counselor Mary E. Daly for reasons 1.5 (b and d) ¶1. (C) PolOff delivered reftel demarche on the emergency special session of the General Assembly on the Middle East to Dutch MFA Head of Political and Legal Affairs Division Pieter Ramaer and Deputy Head of Middle East Division Mark Singleton. The Dutch will follow the EU line, but do not yet know the EU decision. Ramaer said they do not expect a decision today, and any negotiation on the text of the resolution will probably extend through the weekend. He noted the G-77 will most likely support the Palestinian resolution. The Dutch want a united EU stance, and will try to avoid a split vote in the General Assembly. Singleton noted that the Dutch support the U.S. call for clear condemnation of terrorism, and are happy the U.S. has taken a clear position on Israel's decision to remove Arafat. Singleton stressed the need for unity among Quartet members, and underlined the importance of the upcoming Quartet meeting September 25. SOBEL