NETHERLANDS/OSLO PROCESS: DUTCH SUPPORT

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000308 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/31/2018 TAGS: PREL MOPS PGOV PARM NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/OSLO PROCESS: DUTCH SUPPORT INTEROPERABILITY AS A REDLINE REF: SECSTATE 30699 Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR ANDREW SCHOFER FOR REASONS 1.5(B) AN D (D) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On March 28, 2008, POLOFF delivered reftel points to Wouter Wormgoor at the Dutch MFA, and in a follow up conversation, Wormgoor said that resolving the interoperability issue was a redline for the Netherlands. At the same time, Wormgoor expressed concern about prospects for resolving differences between like-minded countries and Ireland and Norway. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Wormgoor stated that along with other like-mindeds, the Netherlands believes that interoperability is a key condition that should be dealt with in the treaty, and not in an annex or note. It is "quite important." Wormgoor disagreed with the idea that "that there is no problem, based on the land mine experience and joint operations." Interoperability is a redline for the Dutch because they want to avoid violating any treaty and want to be able to participate in joint operations. A second redline for the Dutch is resolving the issue of exceptions to the ban. For the Dutch, key criteria for the exceptions are reliability and precision. The Dutch support "an exception for sensor fused weapons with a fail safe system." ¶3. (C) Wormgoor cautioned that the Wellington proposals opposed by the USG were informal ideas, with the Canadians "explicitly noting that they were 'food for thought.'" There are several texts under consideration. A compromise text can be found. However, the German proposals, among others, have not been favorably received by either the core group or NGOs. It will be difficult to convince Ireland and Norway, but some countries appear willing to compromise. Some parties are aiming for a norm against the use of cluster munitions that is so high that most countries will not be tempted to use them. Gallagher