NETHERLANDS/EU/IRAN: DUTCH WEIGHING OPTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002005 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/13/2016 TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP EUN IR UN NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/EU/IRAN: DUTCH WEIGHING OPTIONS REF: STATE 150777 Classified By: Political Counselor Andrew J. Schofer; reasons 1.4 (b) a nd (d). ¶1. (C) POLCOUNS delivered reftel points urging EU foreign ministers to use the September 15 GAERC to deliver a strong message to Iran to Wim Geerts, Deputy Director General for Political Affairs at the Dutch MFA, on September 13. Geerts confirmed that Iran would be on the agenda and said he would take our points into consideration when briefing Foreign Minister Bot. ¶2. (C) Separately, POLCOUNS also delivered reftel points to Dutch European Correspondent Desiree Kopmels. Kopmels said the Dutch were looking forward to being briefed by Solana on the current state of play. She acknowledged that "time was running out" for Iran to comply with its obligations, and said moving the issue back to the UNSC would be the right step "if Solana's report is completely negative." If, on the other hand, the report is positive or ambiguous, it will be difficult to reach a consensus position on next steps. Kopmels stressed that the GONL is under pressure from the Dutch Parliament to take a tough line with Iran, not only because of its nuclear ambitions but also because of its meddling in the region and abysmal human rights record. She noted that Bot will probably try to broaden the debate on Iran at the GAERC to ensure these other issues also receive appropriate attention. ARNALL