DUTCH REACTION TO DEMARCHE ON IAEA NUCLEAR

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000687 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT FOR NP/MNA - JIM WARDEN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AORC ABUD ENRG KNNP PTER NL IAEA SUBJECT: DUTCH REACTION TO DEMARCHE ON IAEA NUCLEAR SECURITY PROGRAM PRIORITIZATION REF: STATE 54264 (SBU) Acting PolCouns discussed reftel points with Dutch MFA Deputy Nonpro Chief Peter Potman on March 17. Potman said that in general the Dutch were in favor of a more coordinated approach on this issue and could support the priorities as identified reftel. He noted Dutch 2003 contributions for this program were Euros 500,000. He said the Dutch were always in favor of standardized reporting as it reduces overhead costs. Potman expressed support for a working level meeting to review ideas, but said the GONL wanted to make sure that this effort does not wind up dictating the IAEA's responsibilities. Potman said the Dutch would be interested in discussing whether this proposal implied a certain threshold of donorship for participation or a particular number of donors. He also said the GONL would be interested in how this program relates to the regular functioning of the IAEA program funds. RUSSEL