NETHERLANDS/EU: KOSOVO IS TOP PRIORITY FOR GYMNICH

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001642

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/05/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL EU NL RU YI KV
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/EU: KOSOVO IS TOP PRIORITY FOR GYMNICH

REF: SECSTATE 123576

Classified By: Andrew Schofer, Political Counselor, for reasons 1.4(b)
and (d)


1. (SBU) SUMMARY: On September 5, 2007, POLOFF delivered
reftel points to Desiree Kopmels, EU correspondent for the
Dutch MFA. In discussions the next day, Ms. Kopmels
emphasized that the Netherlands would push for the EU to send
a united message to Belgrade and Pristina: 'get to a
solution.' Kopmels indicated the Gymnich agenda will
preclude significant progress on other issues. END SUMMARY


2. (C) KOSOVO: The EU ministers will discuss Kosovo during a
two-hour working lunch on Friday. The Netherlands will push
for a united EU message to Belgrade and Pristina: 'get to a
solution.' Kopmels cited three concerns about the debate.
First, too much internal EU deliberation, such as reviewing
scenarios, and a less-than-unified public position, could
permit the two sides avoid action. Second, the U.S. message
seems weighted in favor of Kosovo's independence, and that
may prompt Kosovo to refuse any agreement. Third, the EU will
find it 'very difficult' to support a unilateral declaration
of independence absent a new UN Security Council Resolution.



3. (C) OTHER ISSUES:

-- 'Strategic Partners' Discussion (Russia): The EU will
discuss China, Russia, Africa and other 'strategic partners'
during a 2.5 hour meeting Saturday. In this brief time,
Kopmels expects that 'nothing much will happen.' Kopmels
expressed frustration that Russia is so good at taking
advantage of differences among member states within the EU.

-- Intergovernmental Conference: The Netherlands agrees with
Portugal that discussions of the EU should stay at the
technical level, and not re-open political issues, to avoid
tearing apart the June decision.

-- Iran: FM Verhagen grew frustrated after extensive
questioning from the Dutch parliament on September 5 about
purported U.S. plans to attack Iran. The Dutch remain
committed to the 'dual track' approach. Kopmels asked for
details on the next Iran sanctions resolution.

-- Middle East: The Netherlands welcomes the U.S.
'reenergized' involvement in the region. Current Dutch
policy will continue -- humanitarian aid but no contact with
Hamas. Kopmels suggested that it was key to keep the
cooperative Arab states involved.
Gallagher