Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04THEHAGUE2123
2004-08-25 14:31:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:  

NETHERLANDS/ASEM: LOOKING FOR COMPROMISE AGREEMENT

Tags:  PREL PGOV PHUM BM NL 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 002123

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/25/2014
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM BM NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/ASEM: LOOKING FOR COMPROMISE AGREEMENT
AT GYMNICH

REF: A. (A) STATE 179237

B. (B) THE HAGUE 1916

Classified By: POL Counselor Andrew Schofer for reasons 1.4 (b/d)

(C) Poloff delivered ref A message August 24 to Eric Verwaal,
Head of MFA's Southeast Asia Division and Special Assistant
to EU Special Envoy Hans van den Broek. Verwaal replied that
the negotiations, still in progress, are aimed at reaching a
conclusion that will preserve both the ASEM meeting and EU
policy toward Burma, including the emphasis on human rights.
Echoing his previous response (Ref B),Verwaal took note of
U.S. concerns, but stated that since an EU conclusion will
not be reached until the EU's September 3-4 Gymnich meeting
he must remain "extremely economical" in revealing the status
of negotiations or possible conclusions. He brushed off
mention of the EU Parliament declaration cited in ref A,
implying that it would not be an impediment to reaching a
compromise solution. Verwaal also confirmed that during FM
Bot's visit to Indonesia this week, Bot would discuss ASEM
membership with the Indonesian leadership and, he said,
ensure that Asian partners are "doing their utmost" with
regard to the situation in Burma.
RUSSEL