NETHERLANDS: ASSURANCES ON UZBEK REFUGEES IN

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002300

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KG NL PREF PREL UZ
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: ASSURANCES ON UZBEK REFUGEES IN
KYRGYZSTAN

REF: STATE 153133


1. Polmiloff discussed talking points per reftel at the MFA
working level on August 19, stressing the need by the Kyrgyz
Procurator General for an explicit assurance by the
Netherlands (and Finland and Sweden) that the 15 Uzbeks
detained in Kyrgyzstan are recognized as refugees under
national law. According to Ruud Lek (Eastern Europe and
Central Asia Section, MFA),the Dutch have received a similar
request by the Kyrgyz government in the form of several
outstanding questions. Lek explained that the Dutch felt
these concerns were irrelevant, given the letter from Dutch
PM Balkenende co-signed by Sweden and Finland. The Dutch
have no plans at present for an additional letter; the
Balkenende letter should be sufficient.


2. Lek noted that the Dutch continue to work this issue both
bilaterally and through the EU. The Dutch ambassador to
Kyrgyzstan has assured the Kyrgyz government that the
Netherlands welcomes the asylum-seekers, and has requested
their release. Senior leadership at the MFA was not
available to discuss this issue; Lek invited polmiloff to
call back August 22 if necessary for further information.
SOBEL