DUTCH RESPONSE TO ORAL MESSAGE ON IRAQI TRANSITION

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002915 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: IZ NL PREL SUBJECT: DUTCH RESPONSE TO ORAL MESSAGE ON IRAQI TRANSITION REF: STATE 321138 ¶1. This is an action request. ¶2. During his consultations with the Dutch, EUR Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Charlie Ries raised reftel points with MFA deputy Political Director Herman Schaper. Schaper said that the Dutch are interested in having Max van der Stoel, former UN rapporteur in Iraq, help the IGC draft the "fundamental law." Van der Stoel not only knows Iraq well, but also is experienced at helping multi-ethnic countries draft new laws from his years as OSCE High Representative for National Minorities. Van der Stoel wants to help in Iraq, and has visited in the past few months. Iraqi Governing Council members have expressed general interest, but the IGC has not yet formally asked for his assistance. Schaper asked whether the U.S. saw value in this offer. He made clear that an invitation would have to come from the IGC. Please advise. ¶3. PDAS Ries cleared this message. SOBEL