Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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03THEHAGUE2801 | 2003-11-06 15:03:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy The Hague |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002801 |
1. (C) EconOff and EconIntern delivered ref A demarche to Marit van Zomeren, Afghan Desk Officer at the MFA's Southern Asia Division. While Van Zomeren was unable to make any commitments, she agreed to raise the suggestion of a Dutch announcement of accelerated pledges with the MFA's Special Representative for Afghanistan Ronald Mollinger. Embassy will follow up with the Southern Asia Division week of Nov. 10. 2. (SBU) Update on Dutch 2003 Pledges -- 2003 ARTF money: the GONL will distribute EUR 17.5 million to the ARTF in the next two weeks; the funds have been authorized by Finance and are awaiting final dispersement. This sum is the last segment of Dutch 2003 contributions to the ARTF. -- 2003 EUR 5 million for UNHCR: to be distributed "as soon as possible". -- 2003 EUR 5 million for elections: also scheduled to be distributed soon, but no date available. -- NEW PLEDGE: USD 938,000 for the constitutional Loya Jirga, earmarked for election of district reps, and public information campaign. -- NEW PLEDGE: EUR 100,000 to the political rsource center (managed by National Democratic Institute). -- The GONL remains committed to the 2004-2006 pledges which it announced at Dubai in September (ref B). 3. (C) Other News and an Info Request -- German Special Rep for Afghanistan Schmunck and EU Special Rep for Afghanistan Vendrell will be in the Hague on November 10 for consultations with the GONL. -- On the question of an Afghan-led pledging conference for late winter, the Netherlands is unenthusiastic and believes the EU will share their view. The Dutch feel there is little utility in holding a pledging conference before the Afghan budget is available, which could be March 2004. In addition, the Dutch caution that EU member states will not have money approved or available by the proposed date. -- Ms. Van Zomeren and Special Rep Mollinger traveled to Afghanistan in October, visiting Kabul and the PRT at Konduz (Note: the Germans have asked the Dutch to participate in the German-led Konduz PRT). -- Development Minister Van Ardenne recently added Afghanistan to the MFA's list of "partner countries", i.e., countries with which the Ministry has an official development relationship. -- The MFA requests USG position on Bonn II conference -- timing, process, etc. Post would appreciate any recent talking points on Bonn II. SOBEL |