NETHERLANDS/GEORGIA: INCLINED TO SUPPORT U.S. "WAY

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000033 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/14/2019 TAGS: PREL GG RU NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/GEORGIA: INCLINED TO SUPPORT U.S. "WAY FORWARD" REF: A. SECSTATE 134559 ¶B. THE HAGUE 971 ¶C. THE HAGUE 957 Classified By: Political & Economic Affairs Counselor Andrew C. Mann ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch are inclined to support the U.S. proposal of "carrots and sticks" to encourage separatist regions in Georgia to give up their aspirations of independence. However, the West's first goal should be restoring international access to the regions and addressing any humanitarian concerns there. The Dutch report an altercation between President Saakashvili and PM. Upcoming visits and events could put Georgia in the Dutch spotlight. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Deputy for Political Affairs raised reftel A points with Hugo Klijn, Dutch MFA Chief of the Eastern Europe and Central Asia Division. Klijn said he thought the Dutch might be willing to support initiatives -- including sticks and carrots -- to encourage the separatist regions to remain within Georgia. Such an initiative should not derail the Geneva process. In addition, the international community should craft "smart sanctions" to focus on individuals. The EU would probably support such sanctions. However, general restrictions on the population could backfire -- it would be easy to "lose a propaganda war" on this point. Nonetheless, "the status quo is not satisfying," and the Geneva process will be "protracted." ¶3. (C) The primary concern for the Dutch is pushing for international observers and for addressing the humanitarian situation in the separatist regions. "They're now a no man's land," said Klijn, and "we don't know what's happening there." Klin doubted Russia was addressing the social needs of the people in the region and is also "not convinced" that Russia adheres to the "responsibility to protect." Klijn wants to convince Georgia, Russia, and the separatist regions to accept an international presence. ¶4. (C) Klijn heard that President Saakashvili "threw something" at the PM, and wondered whether Mgaloblishvili's current trip to Germany for medical treatment was related to that assault. The Georgian speaker of the parliament is also reportedly seeking medical attention. (Comment: Klijn appeared to be seeking confirmation and hinting at underlying political tensions. End comment.) ¶5. (C) The Dutch parliament and press may focus on Georgia in the weeks ahead. During the week of January 19, a few members of the Georgian parliament will visit The Hague and see MFA Deputy Director General De Groot. FM Verhagen will visit Georgia on February 11-12 (Klijn offered to ask the FM to deliver a message on behalf of the U.S.). The family of the Dutch filmmaker killed during the Russian invasion may publicly press the Dutch government to take legal action. CULBERTSON