DUTCH FM-DESIGNATE SAYS TIES TO U.S. A TOP PRIORITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002612

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2010
TAGS: EU IZ NL PREL
SUBJECT: DUTCH FM-DESIGNATE SAYS TIES TO U.S. A TOP PRIORITY


Classified By: CLASSIFIED BY AMB CLIFFORD SOBEL FOR REASONS 1.5 (B) AND
(D)


1. (C) On October 10, FM-designee Ben Bot met with Amb.
Sobel. Bot said he is committed to building upon the strong
U.S.-Netherlands foundation that FM de Hoop Scheffer and PM
Balkenende have set, including using the 2004 Dutch EU
presidency to strengthen transatlantic relations. He
expressed particular gratitude for the Secretary's October 3
phone call, and said he would work closely and creatively
with the U.S. embassy to "get results" from the U.S.-Dutch
partnership.


2. (C) Bot said that the French government has asked the
GoNL to join what he called ongoing discussions among France,
Germany and the UK to reconcile differences over security
policy. The goal, he said, is to find a way to realize
European aspirations without harming NATO or transatlantic
interests. The ambassador raised the urgent need for more
assistance to Iraq. Bot gave every indication that he
thought he could wrest more money out of his government, but
that it would take time and a focused effort. He said Dutch
business wants the GONL to play a bigger role, assuming that
would enhance their chance of getting contracts. He also
said the Dutch need to become more aware of the humanitarian
need in Iraq. With a tight budget, most Dutch, including in
parliament and the developmental community, see Iraq as a
lower humanitarian priority than Africa, for example.


3. (C) Bot expects to be sworn in mid-day December 3, one
day after the end of the OSCE ministerial, which FM de Hoop
Scheffer will chair. Bot indicated that he would be
delighted if it were possible to meet with the Secretary in
The Hague on December 3 before traveling to the NATO
ministerial. He indicated that he would be out of The Hague
for most of December, but expressed an interest in going to
the United States as soon as possible in 2004 to make clear
the priority of the Dutch-U.S. relationship.
SOBEL