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