NETHERLANDS: SUPPORT FOR GAZA INTERDICTION PROGRAM

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000175 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/09/2019 TAGS: MOPS NATO PREL NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: SUPPORT FOR GAZA INTERDICTION PROGRAM REF: A. MULL-FALLS EMAIL 3-10-09 ¶B. SECSTATE 20406 ¶C. THE HAGUE 57 Classified By: Political-Economic Affairs Counselor Andrew C. Mann for reasons 1.5(b,d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch support the Gaze interdiction program and will propose (1) a "matrix" of possible actions by member states under their laws, (2) preambular language about Allies' overall efforts to promote peace in the Middle East, and (3) a clarification that participating nations make their own, individual determination about the legal basis for interdiction activies. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Poloff shared ref A and reftel B points with David Zeverijn, the Dutch MFA's lead on Middle East peace issues, and with Jan Reinder Rosing, the MFA's lead on the Gaza interdiction program. On March 11, Rosing said the Dutch will submit their comments at noon EST to the UK distribution list (which copies Constantios Nicolaidis in Washington). The Dutch will propose the creation of a matrix or inventory of actions that member states are able to take under law. The Dutch envision member states completing the matrix during the March 13 meeting in London. The Dutch agree with the USG that such information should not be made public. ¶3. (C) Rosing indicated the Dutch would also propose textual edits, tracking changes to Germany's ideas, and a broader statement on the regional context, such as that the interdiction initiative is designed to support the Middle East peace process. Zeverijn noted earlier that without such a statement, the initiative might appear legalistic or mechanical. ¶4. (C) Rosing also indicated that the Dutch would propose a legal clarification because the current text may appear to be a broad endorsement of action by participating members. The Dutch will propose the program state explicitly that countries are acting on their own, individual interpretation of their obligations under domestic and international law. GALLAGHER