NETHERLANDS/EU: APPROACH IN ADVANCE OF THE JULY 17

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001562 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR EUR/ERA (HBISHARAT) E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2016 TAGS: PREL EUN KPAL UN BO CG IR IZ KN MW SR SU YI, NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/EU: APPROACH IN ADVANCE OF THE JULY 17 GAERC REF: A. A) STATE 115346 ¶B. B) STATE 114605 Classified By: Political Officer Ted Burkhalter; reasons 1.4 (b) and (d ). ¶1. (C) Summary: The Dutch expect discussion at the July GAERC to be more limited than normal - a reflection of the vacation season. Iran and the Israel are expected to be major foci of discussion. The Dutch will not raise North Korea but are not averse to its being raised by other members. Likewise, although they believe more active EU diplomacy is necessary in the Middle East and that the EU must clarify its plans for Kosovo, the GONL has no plans to force either issue at this GAERC. ¶2. (U) Poloffs delivered reftel demarches July 13 and 14, to Desiree Kopmels, MFA's European Correspondent. Ref B was delivered also to Stefan van Wersch, head of MFA European Integration External Affairs office. North Korea -------------- ¶3. (C) The Dutch do not expect North Korea to be on the GAERC agenda. They had considered tabling the issue. However, because the issue is being addressed within the UN context, they felt it was more appropriate if a Security Council member raised it. Balkans -------------- ¶4. (C) The Dutch expect Balkans discussion to focus on Kosovo and Montenegro. The GONL feels that the EU must move quicker to determine what role it will play in Kosovo and that it must be ready to adapt to changing circumstances. The Dutch would like to see a thorough briefing by UN Special Envoy Ahtisaari. On Motenegro, the Dutch are supportive of opening talks on EU cooperation and potential/potential accession. Middle East -------------- ¶5. (C) The Dutch believe a more active EU diplomacy is needed on a broad range of Middle East issues. On Iran, they are awaiting the G-8 before deciding on next steps. On Iraq, the GONL is generally supportive of the Compact but takes the EU line on conditionality - that the Iraqi government must maintain a clear commitment to democratic norms and human rights. Sudan -------------- ¶6. (C) The GONL is increasingly worried about the humanitarian situation in Darfur and the ability of AMIS and the AU to address the problems. The Dutch hope to use the upcoming donors conference to make some progress on difficult political issues. Democratic Republic of Congo -------------- ¶7. (C) The Dutch remain optimistic about DRC elections but are watching carefully the unfolding campaign. BLAKEMAN