Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08THEHAGUE126
2008-02-11 14:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:
NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: DUTCH CONSIDERING KOSOVO
how-toVZCZCXRO4904 RR RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHTC #0126 0421412 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 111412Z FEB 08 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1050 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE 0731 RUEHPS/USOFFICE PRISTINA 0660
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)
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
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