DUTCH SUPPORT EU PRESSURE ON LAOS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001021

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/22/2014
TAGS: PHUM PREL EAID LA NL
SUBJECT: DUTCH SUPPORT EU PRESSURE ON LAOS

REF: A. SECSTATE 87274

B. DUBLIN 597

Classified By: PolCouns Mary E. Daly Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d)


1. (C) PolOff delivered Ref A demarche to Eric Verwaal, Head
of the Southern Asia and Oceania Division, and Hein Copper,
Laos Desk Officer. The GoNL maintains concern about the
human rights situation in Laos, and is prepared to support EU
action on ref A if the presidency puts forth a proposal. The
Dutch will raise the issue with the Irish and confer further
with EU members. Copper noted that it may be possible to
have the local EU presidency embassy present concerns to the
GoL on behalf of either the EU troika or the presidency.
Copper noted that as the Netherlands maintains no presence in
Laos, the GoNL is not/not prepared to raise the issue
bilaterally.


2. (C) Verwaal stated that Germany and Sweden traditionally
take a keen interest in Laos. Both have called for the EU to
use ODA funds as a lever to improve the situation in Laos.
Earlier this year the EU discussed a proposal to begin an
EU-Laos human rights dialogue, but Verwaal anticipated that
the GoL would possibly have difficulty with this idea.
(Note: Verwaal was unsure if the proposal had been approved
by EU members and communicated to the GoL.) The Netherlands
supports this idea.

SOBEL