DUTCH ON BURMA: EU WAITING UNTIL AUTUMN

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001789

SIPDIS

GENEVA FOR ECOSOC DELEGATION

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/14/2013
TAGS: PREL PGOV BM NL EUN
SUBJECT: DUTCH ON BURMA: EU WAITING UNTIL AUTUMN

REF: SECSTATE 200487

Classified By: A/PolCouns Nathaniel Dean Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d)


1. (C) PolOff made reftel points to Roeland Kollen, Policy
Officer in the MFA's South-East Asia Division, on July 11.
Kollen said the EU will consider additional bilateral
measures against Burma this fall; at present, the EU is
deliberating on what other measures, if any, might be useful
in promoting democratic change. Kollen said that the idea of
an import ban has been brought up in informal conversations,
but is not currently under serious consideration. He was
unsure whether or not this idea would face great obstacles
within the EU. The GoNL discourages Dutch companies from
investing in Burma, but does not traditionally support
import/export or investment bans. Kollen could not say
whether or not the GoNL would approve such a ban in this
situation. Note: At present, there is very little Dutch
investment in Burma. End note.


2. (C) Dutch Foreign Minister Jaap de Hoop Scheffer plans to
travel to Bali, Indonesia July 23-24 for the Asia-Europe
(ASEM) Foreign Minister's meeting. The Dutch hope to have a
bilateral with the Chinese on the margins, and Kollen stated
that Burma will be on the list of topics. Kollen also said
that the EU is reviewing options regarding Burma and the
CHR/ECOSOC resolution.


3. (C) The Dutch are discussing UN Special Envoy Razali's
current mission and mandate, and will closely watch his
presentation to the ICG on July 15. Kollen opined whether a
permanent mission in Burma, staffed by the right individual,
might be a alternate plausible option. He also added that
the Dutch "do not blame Razali" for the worsening situation
in country.
SOBEL