Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08THEHAGUE632
2008-07-25 12:54:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:
NETHERLANDS/SYRIA: FURTHER CONCESSIONS MUST BE
how-toVZCZCXRO6160 RR RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHTC #0632 2071254 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 251254Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1783 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS 0337
C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000632
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL NL SY
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/SYRIA: FURTHER CONCESSIONS MUST BE
EARNED
REF: A. STATE 78880
¶B. THE HAGUE 123
Classified By: Political Economic Counselor Andrew C. Mann for reasons
1.5(b,d)
(C) On July 23, Poloff delivered reftel points to Gert
Heijkoop, deputy director of the MFA North Africa and Middle
East Department. According to Heijkoop, the Netherlands have
grave doubts about President Assad,s ulterior motives in
pursuing further negotiations with Europe. President
Assad,s recent trip to Paris produced plenty of talk by
Syria, which leaves the Netherlands skeptical as to whether
Syria will also "walk the walk." For the time being the
Netherlands has taken a wait and see attitude. They are
hoping results from the upcoming trips to Damascus by French
President Sarkozy and Lebanese President Sleiman will provide
the Netherlands with additional information on Syria's
motives. For now, said Heijkoop, "further concessions from
our side will have to be earned by the Syrians, every step of
the way."
Gallagher