NETHERLANDS/EU: DUTCH PRIORITIES FOR MAY 2009 GAERC

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000307

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID PHUM EU IR RU NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/EU: DUTCH PRIORITIES FOR MAY 2009 GAERC

REF: A. FALLS-EUR/ERA EMAIL 5-13-09

B. GIAUQE-FALLS EMAIL 5-9-09

SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE PROTECT ACCORDINGLY.


1. (SBU) SUMMARY/BACKGROUND: The Dutch views on Russia, Iran,
counter piracy, EU proceedings, Bosnia and development aid
are described in the following paragraphs. The Dutch MFA
reviewed its positions in a letter to parliament (ref A),and
MFA officials Rochus Pronk and Cees Bansema briefed local
diplomats on May 14 (views below). Post conveyed
Department's priorities (ref B) to Pronk, Bansema, and other
key contacts at the MFA. END SUMMARY/BACKGROUND.


2. (SBU) VIEWS FROM THE DUTCH MFA STAFF:

-- EU-RUSSIA SUMMIT: Preparing for the May 21-22 summit, the
Dutch intend to encourage member states to raise points of
disagreement with Russia, such as Georgia, human rights, and
the Eastern Partnership, in addition to discussions where
both sides have common interests, such as Afghanistan,
Pakistan and the financial crisis. The Dutch may raise the
issue of homosexual rights, particularly if the openly gay
Dutch Eurovision contestants, in Moscow for a competition,
are attacked during an expected demonstration in support of
gay rights.

-- IRAN: The Dutch do not expect an EU decision next week but
rather "a further discussion" of when to take further
measures against Iran.

-- COUNTER PIRACY: The Dutch strongly support the EU piracy
mission but want to ensure the mission is effective and
coordinate, resolve concerns about impunity, and consider the
idea of a separate tribunal.

-- EU: Looking ahead to the June European Council meeting,
the Dutch expect the EU will focus on the financial crisis
and the Lisbon Treaty. The Dutch noted that "everyone wants
to help Ireland" for the second treaty referendum. The Dutch
expect the EU to create some sort of additional text with
further explanations of the treaty to address Irish popular
concerns.

-- BOSNIA: The Dutch are ready to support the transition from
the Office of the High Representative to the EU Special
Representative, but want to move "carefully," and do not want
the transition "rushed."

-- DEVELOPMENT AID: Dutch Minister for Development
Cooperation Koenders will encourage his counterparts to
maintain the EU's aid funding targets, notwithstanding the
financila crisis. Koenders will also present a paper on good
governance and budget aid. Koenders will discuss norms to
promote good governance, as the EU has seen an "enormous"
shift from aid program funding to direct budget support to
governments.
GALLAGHER