DUTCH MFA ON LIBYA WMD PROGRAMS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 003156 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/22/2013 TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL LY NL SUBJECT: DUTCH MFA ON LIBYA WMD PROGRAMS REF: SECSTATE 345870 Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Nathaniel Dean for reasons 1. 5 (b and d) (C) PolOff delivered reftel points regarding Libya's acknowledgement of its WMD programs to Dutch MFA Special Advisor for Nonproliferation Ambassador Arend Meerburg on December 22. Meerburg expressed appreciation for the information, saying he would use the points to draft material for Dutch MFA Secretary General Frank Majoor's visit to Washington January 7-9. Amb. Meerburg indicated SecGen Majoor would have an extensive program in Washington, including nonproliferation and potential EU - U.S. cooperation during the 2004 Dutch EU Presidency. He commented that Libya's statement may cause the Arab nations to demand similar actions by Israel, adding pressure to the current conflict. Further, Meerburg speculated the Libyan decision may have a positive effect on Syria and its leadership. RUSSEL