NETHERLANDS/KOSOVO: STILL NO DECISION

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