Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04THEHAGUE287
2004-02-04 16:56:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:  

Dutch policy on Burma

Tags:  PREL PGOV PHUM EU BM NL 
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UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000287 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM EU BM NL
SUBJECT: Dutch policy on Burma


UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000287

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM EU BM NL
SUBJECT: Dutch policy on Burma



1. Summary: In a January 28 response to questions from
Parliament, Foreign Minister Bot outlined Dutch policy on
Burma. For reasons of effectiveness, the GoNL believes that
the EU as a whole, and not bilateral Dutch efforts, should
take the lead in advancing the improvement of the political
and human rights situation in Burma. The EU will continue
to work with other governments in Asia to encourage reforms
in Burma. The Netherlands is not adverse to supplemental EU
sanctions against the country, provided they are targeted
against the junta and not the population. The Netherlands
provides assistance to human right groups and supports
efforts to strengthen civil society in Burma. End summary.


2. In a letter to parliament, the Foreign Minister explained
that the Netherlands will urge the EU to abide by its Common
Position towards Burma, using it as a tool to advance
improvement of the political and human rights situation.
The Netherlands supports the EU vision that it is best to
cooperate with ASEAN countries, China, India and Japan in
promoting reforms within Burma, as western pressure will
have a greater effect if done in conjunction with the local
region.


3. Regarding the stand-off between the EU and ASEM (Asian
countries have threatened to block the accession of the 10
new EU member states to ASEM if the EU continues to block
the accession of Burma, Cambodia and Laos),Bot wrote that,
"Besides ASEM, there are also other instruments to shape the
Burma policy, such as the Common Position. Those are
considerations that the Netherlands must bear in mind. In
taking a position, the GONL gives top priority to
improvement of the political and human rights situation in
Burma."


4. Bot noted that the debate on tightening EU sanctions
against Burma continues, and member states are divided over
supplemental sanctions. The Netherlands is prepared to
consider all options. Important factors for the GoNL
include: developments in Burma, progress with the Burmese
Road Map, and the degree to which supplemental sanctions
would truly affect the junta and not the population.


5. On the issue of support to Burma's civil society and
democratic political parties, Bot noted that The Netherlands
supports Burmese human rights groups and civil society
capabilities wherever possible. For example, Burmese groups
may submit proposals for projects to the Dutch Embassy in
Bangkok, which directly funds such initiatives. Funding is
additionally possible via the MFA's Human Rights Fund. This
year, the Netherlands is also the largest donor to the
general UNAIDS budget, which funds a civil society program
in Burma. The Dutch are closely involved with this program.

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