US embassy cable - 05THEHAGUE3121

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 003121 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2015 
TAGS: PREL, KPAL, ETRD, SR, SY, UP, YI, NL, EUN 
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/EU: APPROACHING THE DUTCH IN ADVANCE 
OF THE NOVEMBER 21 FOREIGN MINISTERS MEETING (GAERC) 
 
REF: SECSTATE 208899 
 
Classified By: Acting DCM Andrew J. Schofer for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d). 
 
 1. (C) SUMMARY.  During the November 21-22 GAERC, the Dutch 
will advocate for a "non-binding regime for civ-mil 
coordination" that favors development of national capacities 
and express concern on Iran.  While the Dutch are proud of EU 
involvement in the Iraqi elections, they do not advocate for 
an EU election observer mission to Iraq. The Dutch are 
pleased with the Rafah border crossing agreement but are 
uncertain how they can best be of assistance in the Middle 
East Peace Process. They are "not optimistic" for a favorable 
outcome from WTO discussions in Hong Kong. END SUMMARY. 
 
2. (C) On November 17, POLOFF presented points to Bahia 
Tahzib-Lie (Deputy European Correspondent, MFA).  Tahzib-Lie 
expressed gratitude for the points and promised to take them 
under consideration in preparation for the upcoming GAERC. 
The same day, POLOFF discussed the Dutch's views on issues to 
be discussed at the GAERC with Tahzib-Lie and Derk Oldenburg 
(Deputy Director, European Integration Department, MFA). 
 
DEFENSE ISSUES 
-------------- 
 
3. (C) Dutch counterparts shared their predictions of what 
may emerge from discussions between Foreign and Defense 
Ministers on November 21.  Of particular interest to the 
Dutch  will be discussion of the 2006 budget for the European 
Defense Agency (EDA).  The Dutch are hesitant to increase the 
EDA budget.  Tazhib-Lie explained that the Dutch advocate for 
a "non-binding European regime for civ-mil coordination" that 
favors development of national capacities.  Tahzib-Lie 
expected the GAERC also to address security sector reform. 
Oldenburg acknowledged that expanding the EU's military 
capabilities "takes part of the NATO toolbox," but refrained 
from positing on whether NATO-EU coordination would be 
addressed in depth by Ministers. 
 
IRAQ/IRAN 
--------- 
 
4. (C) Tahzib-Lie explained that the Dutch see the December 
15 elections in Iraq as the "final piece in the political 
process."  While they point with pride to the EU's thirty 
million euro contribution to the electoral process, the Dutch 
do not support the provision of EU election monitors. The 
Dutch will, however, facilitate voting for Iraqis in the 
Netherlands and have recently kicked off management courses 
in Rijswijk for Iraqi prison wardens and police directors. 
 
5. (C) Dutch concern regarding Iran's nuclear program 
continues.  Oldenburg explained that, as the IAEA Board 
meeting approaches, the Dutch will play their part in urging 
Iran to comply with IAEA investigations and promoting 
reopening of negotiations with Europe.  In the event that 
IAEA efforts fail, the Dutch support referral of the issue to 
the Security Council.  Tahzib-Lie stressed, however, that the 
Dutch see this as a last-resort option. 
 
6. (C) The Dutch expect the GAERC to address Iran's human 
rights record and its relationship with the EU. Oldenburg 
said that the GAERC will send a message that "it's now up to 
Iran to show they are serious" about EU relations. 
 
MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS 
------------------------- 
 
7. (C) The Dutch are very pleased with the Rafah border 
control agreement.  Tahzib-Lie praised the agreement as 
"historic" and "of great political and economic importance." 
The Dutch expect the EU to take a third-party role in the 
implementation of the agreement. 
 
8. (C) The Dutch are considering how best to contribute to 
the peace process.  Tahzib-Lie explained that they are 
weighing the option of donating personnel to Italy's police 
mission against contributing funds to support the initiative. 
 
9. (C) The Dutch plan to send election observers to the 
Palestinian multiparty elections. 
 
BOSNIA/KOSOVO 
------------- 
 
10. (C) The Dutch expect Balkans-related discussion at the 
GAERC to focus primarily on Bosnia.  Tahzib-Lie anticipated 
the dialogue to include the agreement on police reform, which 
she explained "paved the way" for opening of negotiations on 
the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA). 
11. (C) The Dutch are enthusiastic with the prospect of 
opening negotiations, but are wary of doing so at the expense 
of continuing cooperation with the ICTY.  Tahzib-Lie 
underscored that the Dutch will deliver a message to the 
GAERC that continuing Bosnian cooperation with the Tribunal 
is crucial to accession considerations. 
 
12. (C) The Dutch expect the GAERC to agree to strengthen 
High Representative Ashdown's role, giving him a larger 
coordinating role in activities. 
13. (C) Tahzib-Lie surmised that agreements for EUPM and 
EUFOR may emerge from the upcoming GAERC.  In addition, 
considering the end of the Proxima police mission in 
December, Tahzib-Lie predicted the GAERC will decide to 
deploy a temporary force until the new force takes hold. 
 
WTO 
--- 
 
14. (C) The Dutch are prepared to advocate aggressively for a 
favorable result in Hong Kong, but are "not too optimistic," 
explained Tahzib-Lie.  The Dutch are particularly suspicious 
that "last minute difficulties" will impede a collective 
decision; Tahzib-Lie noted that any EU member state can call 
a Council meeting at the eleventh hour, even while in Hong 
Kong.  Tahzib-Lie refrained from identifying any specific 
state, but underscored her fear about such a possibility. 
(Additional reporting on Dutch WTO views will be provided 
septel.) 
 
IMMIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT 
----------------------------- 
 
15. (C) Oldenburg lamented that the EU is "impotent" to 
affect the "negative inflow" of immigrants.  The Dutch see 
the upcoming EUROMED summit in Barcelona on November 27 and 
28 as a good forum to continue discussion on this issue. 
Oldenburg explained that preparatory documents for the Summit 
are still "very much under discussion."  The Dutch foresee a 
five-year workplan that would highlight political-security 
partnerships with source countries, durable economic and 
social reform in source countries, education, and 
coordination of justice and home affairs efforts with regard 
to immigration. 
 
16. (C)  Oldenburg explained that, for their part, the Dutch 
are "not afraid" to urge source countries to adopt good 
governance practices and social and economic reforms. 
Oldenburg said the Dutch believe such measures are "essential 
to stem the tide of immigration." 
 
17. (C) Oldenburg explained that the discussion on EU 
development policy will focus on the division of labor 
between the European Commission and the EU member states. 
The Dutch are particularly concerned with the efficacy of EU 
development assistance;  Development Minister van Ardenne, 
Oldenburg explained, is at the forefront of the debate on 
coordination -- and delegation -- of work between the EU and 
its constituent states. Van Ardenne favors close coordination 
and harmonization of tasks. 
BLAKEMAN