NETHERLANDS/EU: APPROACHING THE DUTCH IN ADVANCE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 003121

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2015
TAGS: PREL KPAL ETRD SR SY UP YI NL EUN
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/EU: APPROACHING THE DUTCH IN ADVANCE
OF THE NOVEMBER 21 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GAERC)

REF: SECSTATE 208899

Classified By: Acting DCM Andrew J. Schofer for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) SUMMARY. During the November 21-22 GAERC, the Dutch
will advocate for a "non-binding regime for civ-mil
coordination" that favors development of national capacities
and express concern on Iran. While the Dutch are proud of EU
involvement in the Iraqi elections, they do not advocate for
an EU election observer mission to Iraq. The Dutch are
pleased with the Rafah border crossing agreement but are
uncertain how they can best be of assistance in the Middle
East Peace Process. They are "not optimistic" for a favorable
outcome from WTO discussions in Hong Kong. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) On November 17, POLOFF presented points to Bahia
Tahzib-Lie (Deputy European Correspondent, MFA). Tahzib-Lie
expressed gratitude for the points and promised to take them
under consideration in preparation for the upcoming GAERC.
The same day, POLOFF discussed the Dutch's views on issues to
be discussed at the GAERC with Tahzib-Lie and Derk Oldenburg
(Deputy Director, European Integration Department, MFA).

DEFENSE ISSUES
--------------


3. (C) Dutch counterparts shared their predictions of what
may emerge from discussions between Foreign and Defense
Ministers on November 21. Of particular interest to the
Dutch will be discussion of the 2006 budget for the European
Defense Agency (EDA). The Dutch are hesitant to increase the
EDA budget. Tazhib-Lie explained that the Dutch advocate for
a "non-binding European regime for civ-mil coordination" that
favors development of national capacities. Tahzib-Lie
expected the GAERC also to address security sector reform.
Oldenburg acknowledged that expanding the EU's military
capabilities "takes part of the NATO toolbox," but refrained
from positing on whether NATO-EU coordination would be
addressed in depth by Ministers.

IRAQ/IRAN
--------------


4. (C) Tahzib-Lie explained that the Dutch see the December
15 elections in Iraq as the "final piece in the political
process." While they point with pride to the EU's thirty
million euro contribution to the electoral process, the Dutch
do not support the provision of EU election monitors. The
Dutch will, however, facilitate voting for Iraqis in the
Netherlands and have recently kicked off management courses
in Rijswijk for Iraqi prison wardens and police directors.


5. (C) Dutch concern regarding Iran's nuclear program
continues. Oldenburg explained that, as the IAEA Board
meeting approaches, the Dutch will play their part in urging
Iran to comply with IAEA investigations and promoting
reopening of negotiations with Europe. In the event that
IAEA efforts fail, the Dutch support referral of the issue to
the Security Council. Tahzib-Lie stressed, however, that the
Dutch see this as a last-resort option.


6. (C) The Dutch expect the GAERC to address Iran's human
rights record and its relationship with the EU. Oldenburg
said that the GAERC will send a message that "it's now up to
Iran to show they are serious" about EU relations.

MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS
--------------


7. (C) The Dutch are very pleased with the Rafah border
control agreement. Tahzib-Lie praised the agreement as
"historic" and "of great political and economic importance."
The Dutch expect the EU to take a third-party role in the
implementation of the agreement.


8. (C) The Dutch are considering how best to contribute to
the peace process. Tahzib-Lie explained that they are
weighing the option of donating personnel to Italy's police
mission against contributing funds to support the initiative.


9. (C) The Dutch plan to send election observers to the
Palestinian multiparty elections.

BOSNIA/KOSOVO
--------------


10. (C) The Dutch expect Balkans-related discussion at the
GAERC to focus primarily on Bosnia. Tahzib-Lie anticipated
the dialogue to include the agreement on police reform, which
she explained "paved the way" for opening of negotiations on
the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA).

11. (C) The Dutch are enthusiastic with the prospect of
opening negotiations, but are wary of doing so at the expense
of continuing cooperation with the ICTY. Tahzib-Lie
underscored that the Dutch will deliver a message to the
GAERC that continuing Bosnian cooperation with the Tribunal
is crucial to accession considerations.


12. (C) The Dutch expect the GAERC to agree to strengthen
High Representative Ashdown's role, giving him a larger
coordinating role in activities.

13. (C) Tahzib-Lie surmised that agreements for EUPM and
EUFOR may emerge from the upcoming GAERC. In addition,
considering the end of the Proxima police mission in
December, Tahzib-Lie predicted the GAERC will decide to
deploy a temporary force until the new force takes hold.

WTO
---


14. (C) The Dutch are prepared to advocate aggressively for a
favorable result in Hong Kong, but are "not too optimistic,"
explained Tahzib-Lie. The Dutch are particularly suspicious
that "last minute difficulties" will impede a collective
decision; Tahzib-Lie noted that any EU member state can call
a Council meeting at the eleventh hour, even while in Hong
Kong. Tahzib-Lie refrained from identifying any specific
state, but underscored her fear about such a possibility.
(Additional reporting on Dutch WTO views will be provided
septel.)

IMMIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT
--------------


15. (C) Oldenburg lamented that the EU is "impotent" to
affect the "negative inflow" of immigrants. The Dutch see
the upcoming EUROMED summit in Barcelona on November 27 and
28 as a good forum to continue discussion on this issue.
Oldenburg explained that preparatory documents for the Summit
are still "very much under discussion." The Dutch foresee a
five-year workplan that would highlight political-security
partnerships with source countries, durable economic and
social reform in source countries, education, and
coordination of justice and home affairs efforts with regard
to immigration.


16. (C) Oldenburg explained that, for their part, the Dutch
are "not afraid" to urge source countries to adopt good
governance practices and social and economic reforms.
Oldenburg said the Dutch believe such measures are "essential
to stem the tide of immigration."


17. (C) Oldenburg explained that the discussion on EU
development policy will focus on the division of labor
between the European Commission and the EU member states.
The Dutch are particularly concerned with the efficacy of EU
development assistance; Development Minister van Ardenne,
Oldenburg explained, is at the forefront of the debate on
coordination -- and delegation -- of work between the EU and
its constituent states. Van Ardenne favors close coordination
and harmonization of tasks.
BLAKEMAN