DUTCH MFA ON CONSOLIDATED UNRWA RESOLUTION

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002746 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/30/2013 TAGS: PREL KPAL IS NL UNSC SUBJECT: DUTCH MFA ON CONSOLIDATED UNRWA RESOLUTION REF: A. SECSTATE 303844 ¶B. GOLDING-HOLLIDAY EMAIL 10/30/03 Classified By: Political Counselor Mary E. Daly for reasons 1.5 (b and d) ¶1. (C) On October 30, PolOff delivered reftel demarche on the consolidated UNRWA resolution to Pieter Ramaer, Head of the MFA's Political and Legal Affairs Division. The Dutch support U.S. efforts to streamline the Fourth Committee resolution process, but believe the difficulties UNRWA faces in executing their programs makes streamlining this particular series of resolutions difficult. According to Ramaer, the Arab Group needs this resolution process as an outlet for their frustration, and they will question why the U.S. is focusing efforts on resolutions, rather than on improving the situation on the ground. He promised to discuss the proposed resolution with the Dutch delegation in New York, and said any future decision will be made within an EU framework. Ramaer reiterated Dutch support in principle, but cautioned that the Arab Group may insist on keeping the resolutions on the agenda. SOBEL