NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: DUTCH ON INTERNATIONAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000119 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/06/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV KV NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: DUTCH ON INTERNATIONAL STEERING GROUP REF: A. SECSTATE 12026 ¶B. THE HAGUE 73 ¶C. 2007 THE HAGUE 2060 Classified By: Charge D'Affaires Michael Gallagher for reasons 1.5(b) a nd (d) ¶1. (C/NF) On February 7, 2008 Charge reviewed reftel A points in a brief phone call to Dutch MFA Political Director Pieter De Gooijer. De Gooijer explained that the Dutch have not yet decided to recognize Kosovo immediately after a declaration of independence, but noted significant pressure on the Dutch. De Gooijer requested additional information about the International Steering Group (ISG) proposal. THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. SEE PARAGRAPH 6. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C/NF) De Gooijer explained that the GONL has yet to make a decision on Kosovo independence. The Dutch are, of course, quite familiar with the Ahtisaari proposals on creating an International Steering Group (ISG),with an International Civilian Representative (ICR) heading operations on the ground. De Gooijer then said that the Dutch realize that with an EU Mission in Kosovo, and with the continued presence of NATO troops in Kosovo, &we need to come to a point where we recognize that fact.8 He went on to explain that the process within the Dutch Government to decide on recognition would take two to eight weeks, and that process had yet to start. Charge asked about potential roadblocks; De Gooijer refused to speculate on that point. For him the key issue is: will the Kosovars "practice what they preach" ) will they protect minority rights? De Gooijer is clearly skeptical on that point and would prefer to see some proof before going any farther. ¶3. (C/NF) The Dutch are getting pressure from all sides: some pressure the Netherlands to recognize independence immediately; other nations are cautioning them to take their time before giving recognition; finally there is some international pressure for the Dutch NOT to recognize independence at any time. On February 6, the Dutch were called into the German Foreign Office and formally asked to consider, on an urgent basis, being part of the initial ISG. The Dutch embassy in Washington had heard informally from the National Security Council the idea that the Dutch should join the ISG about 2-3 weeks ago. De Gooijer said the NSC discussion had been very informal, a brain-storming session rather than any sort of request of the GONL. ¶4. (C/NF) For the Dutch to recognize Kosovo independence there are two requirements. First, the legal one ) under international law there must be a defined territory with recognized boundaries, and the local population must have been free to express a free and fair opinion on independence. In De Gooijer,s mind the legal issues are already resolved, i.e., there appear to be no significant legal obstacles to recognizing Kosovar independence. However, the issue is also a political one. Pressure for immediate recognition is most likely to come from within the EU as it seeks to agree on a common EU position, he said. ¶5. (C/NF) De Gooijer raised several questions about the ISG: -- How does Resolution 1244 apply ) or does it not? -- Second, he specifically asked if there would be a two-tier systems as there had been in Bosnia, and implied in Bosnia the Dutch were in the second tier. -- Third, are there more specifics on what role the ICR would play? He never responded when Charge raised the possibility that the EU Special Rep for Kosovo would wear the second hat as the ICR. He also never responded when Charge mentioned the Dutch diplomat Pieter Feith was likely to be the EU Special Rep. ¶6. (SBU) ACTION REQUEST: On February 8, Charge will follow up with De Gooijer,s deputy, Wim Geerts, and share further details from reftel A. Embassy The Hague requests guidance as soon as possible on the questions raised in paragraph 5. Additional points on Kosovar efforts to protect minority rights would also be appreciated. GALLAGHER