UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002675

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

STATE FOR EUR/UBI/FALL, ISN/RA/SONTAG, L/LEI/MANNING AND
L/ISN/HERR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KNNP MNUC PARM PREL PGOV KTIA EWWT PHSA NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: SUPPORTIVE ON SUA AMENDMENTS


1. Poloff discussed reftel points October 4 with Dr.
Liesbeth Lijnzaad (Deputy Head, Legal Affairs Department,
International Law Division, MFA), who will head the Dutch
delegation to the International Maritime Organization
Diplomatic Conference on October 10-14.


2. Lijnzaad said that she would probably be unable to
provide an official GONL position to the USG prior to the
conference. Other delegation members have not had the
opportunity to review the points, and are currently involved
in the PSI conference in Bergen, Norway. Lijnzaad noted,
however, that the GONL's position is "generally in line" with
the USG position, and that she was impressed with the amount
of work Washington has done on these issues. She added that
the Dutch government disagrees with Washington on a "few,
minor items" but declined to elaborate. Post will provide
updates as necessary.
BLAKEMAN