NETHERLANDS/SUDAN: SUPPORTING MORE SANCTIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001035 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2017 TAGS: PREL EUN ETRD ETTC UN SU NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/SUDAN: SUPPORTING MORE SANCTIONS REF: STATE 73693 Classified By: Political Counselor Andrew S. Schofer; reasons 1.4 (b an d d). ¶1. (C) Summary: The Netherlands strongly supports a UNSC resolution on Sudan sanctions and is interested in assisting. The Dutch will send a senior representative next week to South Africa, to discuss Sudan. Should a UNSC resolution fail, the Dutch are prepared to work within the EU for a strong set of sanctions. They foresee no obstacles from major EU powers but would like to see more details on French President Sarkozy's plans. End summary. ¶2. (C) Poloff spoke May 31 with MFA Horn of Africa policy officer Bastienne Karel, who said the Netherlands supports additional sanctions through the EU. She is hopeful that, even if the UNSC fails to pass a sanctions resolution, the EU can still move forward with its own sanctions package. Karel added that Dutch Ambassador at Large for the Great Lakes and Horn of Africa, Ed Craanen, will travel next week to South Africa, and plans to discuss Sudan. She said the Netherlands is very interested in helping with the sanctions resolution and asked if we saw any additional role the GONL might play. ¶3. (C) MFA Deputy European Correspondent Rochus Pronk added that the Dutch would prefer a UNSC resolution but are committed to seeking EU action as a second option. He saw no indication that any major EU players would oppose an EU sanctions package. He noted, however, that while French President Sarkozy has made Sudan a priority, specifics of the French policy are not yet clear. Pronk did not think Germany would present an obstacle to a tough EU sanctions package, but he said he had insufficient information to say so with confidence. ARNALL