NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: DUTCH CONSIDERING KOSOVO

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000126 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/07/2018 TAGS: PREL PGOV NL KV SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: DUTCH CONSIDERING KOSOVO INTERNATIONAL STEERING GROUP (ISG) REF: A. SECSTATE 12026 ¶B. THE HAGUE 119 ¶C. BLACK-FALLS EMAIL 02/07/08 ¶D. BLACK-FALLS EMAIL 02/08/08 Classified By: DCM Michael F. Gallagher for reasons 1.4(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On February 8, 2008 Charge delivered reftel A points to Dutch MFA acting DG Wim Geerts, following up on the conversation with DG de Gooijer the day before (reftel B). Charge and poloff also shared the information in ref email C. EU Correspondent Desiree Kopmels participated in the meeting. The Dutch are still considering the U.S. International Steering Group (ISG) proposal. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Geerts said the Dutch would look at the Kosovar constitution, declaration of independence, and treatment of minorities before deciding on recognition. Kopmels asked if there was a time limit for nations to commit to in recognizing Kosovo in order to join the ISG, why the Netherlands was invited, and who else was being invited. She asked for confirmation that the International Civilian Representative (ICR) would be double-hatted as the EU Special Representative. Geerts asked if there was any information on the time for a declaration of independence. ¶3. (C) Charge explained that a date for a declaration was likely soon, perhaps mid-February. He confirmed the double-hatting of the ICR. He noted that the Netherlands' significant experience in the Balkans, as well as expertise in development and security cooperation, led the United States to approach the Dutch for support. ¶4. (C) COMMENT: In a separate discussion with poloff, Mr. Cees Roels, head of the Western Balkans division, indicated that recognition of Kosovo's independence would require approval by the Queen and the Council of Ministers. This is a partial explanation of the two-eight week time frame given by de Gooijer for recognition (reftel B). Political considerations also play a role, according to Roels. Post will continue to engage the Dutch based on the guidance in ref email D. Arnall