NETHERLANDS: PREPARATIONS FOR MTCR PLENARY IN

S E C R E T THE HAGUE 002435 SIPDIS STATE FOR NP/CBM E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2015 TAGS: PARM ETTC KSCA MNUC TSPA NL MTCRE SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: PREPARATIONS FOR MTCR PLENARY IN MADRID REF: A. STATE 160777 ¶B. STATE 158474 ¶C. STATE 161771 ¶D. STATE 163775 Classified By: Political Counselor Andrew Schofer, reasons 1.4 (b,d) ¶1. (C) Summary: Polmiloff discussed reftel A points with Ceta Noland (Policy Advisor, Nuclear Affairs and Non-Proliferation Division, MFA) September 6. Noland stated that the Dutch can support the U.S. proposal on North Korea, as it allows states to pursue its goals on a "case by case basis" according to national means. However, Noland expressed concern over the so-called "Syria Model" strategy to announce support for a proposal that does not gain MTCR consensus. While noting that the Netherlands could publicly support the proposal at Madrid, she feared the precedent set in Seoul and possibly again in Madrid may damage the MTCR. Polmiloff delivered papers per reftels in preparation for the Madrid MTCR plenary. Noland briefly highlighted presentation topics the Dutch planned to deliver during the plenary. End Summary. U.S. Proposal on North Korea -------------- ¶2. (C) Noland noted that the Netherlands considers North Korea a state "of great concern" and can support the U.S. proposal to monitor the activities of North Korean vessels. Noland explained that current Dutch and EU legislation actually prevents them from designating end users or employing company black lists -- this hampers their ability to pursue initiatives like the U.S. proposal. On the other hand, the proposal allows states to decide for themselves on a case-by-case basis how best to accomplish its goals. She added that strengthened Dutch legislation to be implemented in 2007 will allow the Dutch to pursue such initiatives more effectively. ¶3. (C) Noland stated that the Netherlands will publicly support the U.S. proposal during the MTCR plenary. She expressed concerns, however, regarding the precedent set in Seoul in 2004 and possibly again in Madrid. By side-stepping MTCR consensus, Noland questioned whether the so-called "Syria Model" might harm the MTCR as a consensus-building regime over the long term. Other MTCR Papers -------------- ¶4. (S) Polmiloff delivered MTCR papers from Refs B, C, and D to Noland on August 31, September 6, and 7, respectively. Noland doubted that the Dutch would be able to provide comments in time for the plenary. Dutch MTCR Presentations -------------- ¶5. (C) Noland noted that the Dutch will have four presentations for the plenary; unfortunately, they will not be completed in time for prior circulation. For the information exchange, the Dutch will present on: Libya's missile ambitions; Non-Strategic and Non Dual-Use Procurement in the Netherlands; and a recent aluminum export case to Iran (no further details). The Dutch will also provide an update of the Henk Slebos case -- along the lines of their presentation in the Nuclear Suppliers' Group -- during the enforcement exchange. BLAKEMAN