Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08THEHAGUE131
2008-02-12 16:09:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:
NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: STILL NO DECISION
VZCZCXRO6069 OO RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHTC #0131 0431609 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 121609Z FEB 08 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1056 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE PRIORITY 0732 RUEHPS/USOFFICE PRISTINA PRIORITY 0662
C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000131
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/WE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2018
TAGS: PGOV NL KV
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: STILL NO DECISION
REF: A. STATE 13716
B. THE HAGUE 0126
C. BLACK-FALLS E-MAIL 02/08/08
Classified By: DCM Michael F. Gallagher, reasons 1.4 (b,d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000131
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/WE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2018
TAGS: PGOV NL KV
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: STILL NO DECISION
REF: A. STATE 13716
B. THE HAGUE 0126
C. BLACK-FALLS E-MAIL 02/08/08
Classified By: DCM Michael F. Gallagher, reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) The GONL appreciates reftel A points, but continues to
hold firm on the perceived need to review the Kosovar
constitution, declaration of independence, and treatment of
minorities prior to any recognition decision. According to
MFA EU Correspondent Desiree Kopmels, the GONL is still
"collecting facts" on these main concerns for FM Verhagen,
who has not yet made a decision regarding recognition.
2. (C) Kopmels asked February 12 if Washington had any better
understanding of the timing of a declaration. Polmiloff
noted that the USG is not speculating on the timing -- the
decision is the Kosovars to make -- but that we expected a
declaration in the near future. Kopmels appreciated this
position, but suggested that a "coordinated" declaration
might also include timing issues. At any rate, she said the
GONL will brief the Dutch parliament on Kosovo on February
14, and also will avoid any speculation on timing --
conveniently, this will allow the GONL to further develop its
case, Kopmels said.
3. (C) Kopmels also appreciated information passed in ref
e-mail C in response to reftel B questions. She noted that
the ten countries asked to participate in the International
Steering Group (ISG) were "quite diverse," and asked if
Washington might be willing to divulge which countries had
accepted the ISG invitation. Kopmels acknowledged plans to
open an office for the protection of minorities, as well as
the Kosovar Government's approval of an action plan reaching
out to minorities. She said, however, that the Dutch are
still concerned how such protection would manifest "on the
ground" in terms of implementation, and not what was
"protected on paper." Kopmels also said the GONL remains
interested in reviewing both the declaration of independence
and the draft constitution.
4. (C) Finally, Kopmels described receiving "mixed signals"
from the Dutch parliament regarding a recognition of
independence. She noted that the GONL must "tread very
carefully," as mandate issues are of particular concern in
parliament. She noted that given the Dutch affinity for
international law, many Dutch parliamentarians are attuned to
legalistic arguments -- as a result, the GONL is trying to be
"as certain as possible" when it goes to parliament with its
decision.
Arnall
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/SCE, EUR/WE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/12/2018
TAGS: PGOV NL KV
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: STILL NO DECISION
REF: A. STATE 13716
B. THE HAGUE 0126
C. BLACK-FALLS E-MAIL 02/08/08
Classified By: DCM Michael F. Gallagher, reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (C) The GONL appreciates reftel A points, but continues to
hold firm on the perceived need to review the Kosovar
constitution, declaration of independence, and treatment of
minorities prior to any recognition decision. According to
MFA EU Correspondent Desiree Kopmels, the GONL is still
"collecting facts" on these main concerns for FM Verhagen,
who has not yet made a decision regarding recognition.
2. (C) Kopmels asked February 12 if Washington had any better
understanding of the timing of a declaration. Polmiloff
noted that the USG is not speculating on the timing -- the
decision is the Kosovars to make -- but that we expected a
declaration in the near future. Kopmels appreciated this
position, but suggested that a "coordinated" declaration
might also include timing issues. At any rate, she said the
GONL will brief the Dutch parliament on Kosovo on February
14, and also will avoid any speculation on timing --
conveniently, this will allow the GONL to further develop its
case, Kopmels said.
3. (C) Kopmels also appreciated information passed in ref
e-mail C in response to reftel B questions. She noted that
the ten countries asked to participate in the International
Steering Group (ISG) were "quite diverse," and asked if
Washington might be willing to divulge which countries had
accepted the ISG invitation. Kopmels acknowledged plans to
open an office for the protection of minorities, as well as
the Kosovar Government's approval of an action plan reaching
out to minorities. She said, however, that the Dutch are
still concerned how such protection would manifest "on the
ground" in terms of implementation, and not what was
"protected on paper." Kopmels also said the GONL remains
interested in reviewing both the declaration of independence
and the draft constitution.
4. (C) Finally, Kopmels described receiving "mixed signals"
from the Dutch parliament regarding a recognition of
independence. She noted that the GONL must "tread very
carefully," as mandate issues are of particular concern in
parliament. She noted that given the Dutch affinity for
international law, many Dutch parliamentarians are attuned to
legalistic arguments -- as a result, the GONL is trying to be
"as certain as possible" when it goes to parliament with its
decision.
Arnall