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