Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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03THEHAGUE2917 | 2003-11-20 08:26:00 | 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 002917 |
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 |