Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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04THEHAGUE1777 | 2004-07-15 15:26:00 | 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 001777 |
1. (C) As reported in ref A, the Dutch government is fully seized of th situation in Sudan/Darfur at all levels, and is actively engaging Europ colleagues to increase contributions. The Dutch have already pledged o 25 million euros in bilateral assistance toward Sudan/Darfur, as well a an extra million euros, two observers, three helicopters and fuel/transport to the AU protection force. The Dutch EU Presidency continues to press for increased contributions from European partners, remains interested in engaging further with the U.S. and UN to jointly pressure the GOS to comply with its commitments. 2. (C) Poloff discussed ref B message with Africa desk officer Beate Gerlings July 15. Gerlings reaffirmed ongoing intensive Dutch bilatera and multilateral efforts, including support for the AU protection force but noted that further bilateral contributions were not possible "for t moment" considering other pressing needs and the already significant Du pledge. She expressed interest in the idea of a broader AU protection force, which was new to her. She noted, however, that since the Dutch Presidency had begun intensive engagement with EU colleagues on Sudan/Darfur, the Dutch would defer to an EU collective response and follow-up (including encouraging African leaders). Gerlings promised t pass the message to colleagues in Addis Ababa and Khartoum, but could n predict what decision would be reached. EU Presidency to GOS: Sanctions a Real Possibility -------------------------- -------------------------- 3. (C) Gerlings reported that the Dutch had pressed European colleagues for more efforts toward the humanitarian situation in Sudan at the July General Affairs and External Relations Committee (GAERC), especially focusing on "those partners who could do more." Regarding the plan of action, EU colleagues had agreed to benchmarks substantively similar to those maintained by the US, and had specifically avoided setting a particular timeframe in order to minimize separation from US and UN efforts. The next step, she said, was to begin to consider possibiliti for sanctions. Gerlings noted the Dutch had delivered a follow-up demarche yesterday to the GOS wherein they asserted they "will not hesitate to apply sanctions, however limited their effect might be." Gerlings commented that sanctions might be difficult to define since so little business and engagement occurs with the GOS. Gerlings declared that it was high time to take action on Sudan, and suggested that a sys of "smart sanctions" allowing for the release of development funding in response to progress might be one possibility. SOBEL |