CONSULTATIONS WITH EU ON BURMA: DUTCH RESPONSE

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000552

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2014
TAGS: PREL PGOV BM NL EUN
SUBJECT: CONSULTATIONS WITH EU ON BURMA: DUTCH RESPONSE

REF: SECSTATE 42342

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


1. (C) The EU has not reached a common position to impose
sanctions against the Burmese government. MFA Burma Desk
Officer Mariko Peters stated that the EU discussion on Burma
in on-going, and will be on the agenda for the next COASI.
While there is no disagreement on the need for the government
to reform, internal debate continues on what is the most
effective way to encourage the government to do so. Peters
mentioned, for example, interest in an Australian program
that provided human rights training to mid-level civil
servants. Some EU members, following this idea, favor
engagement. The GoNL, which Peters stated continues to be
one of the strongest voices speaking about against human
rights violations in Burma in EU meetings, currently supports
the status-quo within the EU. However, the GoNL would
welcome closer U.S.-EU consultations and possible joint
coordination on Burma.


2. (C) Note: The GoNL provides bilateral funding out of its
Embassy in Bangkok for small-scale human rights projects in
Burma. The GoNL also support HIV programs in Burma via
multilateral sources. The Dutch oppose membership for Burma
in ASEM (Asia Europe Meeting) and would oppose EU attendance
at meetings during Burma's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006 if
circumstances do not significantly improve. End note.
SOBEL