DUTCH ON HUMAN RIGHTS: IRAN, CHR, TURKMENISTAN

1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 5.



2. (C) Dutch human rights concerns continue to run parallel
to those of the United States. Specifically, the GoNL will
co-sponsor the Canadian UNGA 3rd committee resolution on the
human rights situation in Iran (ref A). The Netherlands,
which according to MFA contacts has been the most out-spoken
member at EU meetings on the need for an UNGA resolution on
the human rights situation in Iran, continues to encourage
other EU countries to co-sponsor. The GoNL is pleased the
U.S. has also decided to co-sponsor this resolution.



3. (C) On the subject of reform of the UN Commission on
Human Rights (CHR), the Netherlands views itself as a leader
in advocating constructive reform. The Netherlands continues
to work with Canada on the establishment of a CHR WEOG
rotation scheme. (Note: While pressing for this rotation
scheme among WEOG members and particularly EU member states,
some MFA insiders are nevertheless doubtful of its success.
End Note.) The Netherlands, which will return to the CHR in
the spring, is also actively reviewing ways in which to
reform the CHR. MFA Senior Policy Advisor Hans Docter was
very pleased to see the non-paper in ref C. The clear,
targeted approach is in line with the strategy that the Dutch
MFA is developing internally, and which they hope to share in
the near future with EU members. (Note: PolOff asked that
Docter also share the Dutch strategy document with the U.S.
when complete. End note.) Docter and PolOff agreed that
Dutch relationships in Africa, both bilaterally and while
acting on behalf of the Irish and Luxembourg presidencies of
the EU in 2004 and 2005, put it in a good position to
encourage African democracies to put forth good candidates.
The Dutch hold the EU Presidency in the second half of 2004.



4. (C) Regarding Turkmenistan, the GoNL was happy to learn
of the U.S. decision to co-sponsor the EU resolution (ref D).
The Dutch are also pleased with the level of cooperation
between the U.S. and Dutch delegations in New York on this
issue. Docter opined that increased U.S. attention to
Turkmenistan and the decision to co-sponsor this resolution
have gone a long way to diminish EU resentment of the U.S.
for not giving enough attention and support to human rights
issues that are of importance to the EU.



5. (SBU) Action request: The Dutch, who were pleased with
the increased US-EU cooperation in advance of the 59th CHR,
would welcome human rights consultations in either capital to
discuss 60th CHR goals. Please advise.
SOBEL