Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07THEHAGUE1701
2007-09-17 12:36:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:
NETHERLANDS/LEBANON: DUTCH MFA SKEPTICAL OF EU
how-toVZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHTC #1701 2601236 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 171236Z SEP 07 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0281 INFO RUEHZG/NATO EU COLLECTIVE RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0213 RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 2893 RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS 0315 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 4327
C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001701
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/16/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL IS LE NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/LEBANON: DUTCH MFA SKEPTICAL OF EU
BORDER MISSION IDEA
REF: SECSTATE 128335
Classified By: Counselor for Political Affairs Andrew Schofer for
reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001701
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/16/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL IS LE NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/LEBANON: DUTCH MFA SKEPTICAL OF EU
BORDER MISSION IDEA
REF: SECSTATE 128335
Classified By: Counselor for Political Affairs Andrew Schofer for
reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: On September 17, 2007, POLOFF delivered
reftel points Syria/Lebanon Desk Officer Peter van der
Bloemen. Staff in the MFA Departments of Middle East and
Security Affairs do not support the Lebanon border monitoring
mission at this time, without a clear exit strategy and
without guarantees of Syrian support. The EU is divided on
the mission. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) Van der Bloemen indicated first that the MFA was
skeptical of the monitoring mission for practical reasons.
The Dutch are waiting to hear more about the mission's
mandate, time frame and purpose. The Dutch have seen other
monitoring missions endure in the absence of a clear exit
strategy. Adding a training element to the mission, so that
the benefits continue beyond the conclusion of the mission,
might help. Other useful elements for a monitoring mission
plan might include reactivating the border committee,
demarcating the border and resolving Shebaa farms.
3. (C) Van der Bloemen was most concerned that a border
monitoring mission might shift blame from Syria to the EU for
controlling the border. The EU would need to make clear
statements to Syria on expectations. The Netherlands' top
priority is disarming Hezbollah.
4. (C) The September 18 presentation in Brussels by EU
Special Representative Otte may resolve some Dutch concerns.
The MFA will confer after the presentation to present the
issue to FM Verhagen.
5. (C) Van der Bloemen said the EU was divided about evenly
on the border monitoring mission. Some southern countries
support it; about thirteen states think it's "worth a try."
Arnall
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/16/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL IS LE NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/LEBANON: DUTCH MFA SKEPTICAL OF EU
BORDER MISSION IDEA
REF: SECSTATE 128335
Classified By: Counselor for Political Affairs Andrew Schofer for
reasons 1.4(b) and (d)
1. (C) SUMMARY: On September 17, 2007, POLOFF delivered
reftel points Syria/Lebanon Desk Officer Peter van der
Bloemen. Staff in the MFA Departments of Middle East and
Security Affairs do not support the Lebanon border monitoring
mission at this time, without a clear exit strategy and
without guarantees of Syrian support. The EU is divided on
the mission. END SUMMARY.
2. (C) Van der Bloemen indicated first that the MFA was
skeptical of the monitoring mission for practical reasons.
The Dutch are waiting to hear more about the mission's
mandate, time frame and purpose. The Dutch have seen other
monitoring missions endure in the absence of a clear exit
strategy. Adding a training element to the mission, so that
the benefits continue beyond the conclusion of the mission,
might help. Other useful elements for a monitoring mission
plan might include reactivating the border committee,
demarcating the border and resolving Shebaa farms.
3. (C) Van der Bloemen was most concerned that a border
monitoring mission might shift blame from Syria to the EU for
controlling the border. The EU would need to make clear
statements to Syria on expectations. The Netherlands' top
priority is disarming Hezbollah.
4. (C) The September 18 presentation in Brussels by EU
Special Representative Otte may resolve some Dutch concerns.
The MFA will confer after the presentation to present the
issue to FM Verhagen.
5. (C) Van der Bloemen said the EU was divided about evenly
on the border monitoring mission. Some southern countries
support it; about thirteen states think it's "worth a try."
Arnall