DUTCH RESPONSE TO UNRWA EMERGENCY APPEAL

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000469

SIPDIS

PRM/ANE FOR R.WARD
EUR/UBI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID KPAL NL PREF UNRWA
SUBJECT: DUTCH RESPONSE TO UNRWA EMERGENCY APPEAL

REF: STATE 29074


1. The Netherlands does not plan to contribute to the
2004 Emergency Appeal for the UN Relief and Works Agency for
Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). Ms. Marwiencke Tillema of the
MFA's UN Directorate (Political and Judicial Division) said
the Dutch decision is based on two factors. First, the Dutch
want to see a broader base of donors to the UNRWA. The Dutch
feel the agency should not rely on the support of traditional
donors. She suggested that UNRWA approach new donors
including those in the Middle East region. Tillema noted
that the Nordic countries have also indicated they would like
to see more donors. A second reason the Dutch will not
contribute is their lack of extra funds. According to Joost
Andriessen, Director of the MFA's Humanitarian Division, the
Ministry has several multi-year commitments to UN agencies
which they cannot easily cut and they are experiencing a
squeeze in their overall bilateral and humanitarian aid
funding due to a tight budget.


2. In 2004 the Dutch will give an unearmarked EUR 11.8
million to UNRWA's general budget. The MFA expects the money
to be disbursed in late March. This is the same amount the
Netherlands gave in 2003.
SOBEL