NETHERLANDS: DEMARCHE ON CESSATION OF VIOLENCE IN

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002694 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PREF SU EAID NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: DEMARCHE ON CESSATION OF VIOLENCE IN DARFUR REF: SECSTATE 182626 ¶1. (SBU) On October 4, Charge raised reftel points on the need to counter the recent increase in violence in Sudan with Hugo Siblesz, Director General of Political Affairs at the MFA. Siblesz agreed that the situation was worrisome, and that it was important for parties to weigh in with both the GNU and the rebels to bring it back under control. He noted that the Dutch were working primarily through the EU and the AU, but would also look at ways to make their concerns known directly. ¶2. (SBU) On October 5, POLOFF followed up with Hans Docter, Deputy Head of the Sudan Task Force at the MFA. Docter reacted with enthusiasm to the positions articulated in reftel points and emphasized that the Dutch share our concerns. Docter added that the Dutch intend to "turn up the heat" on the GNU to restrain the jinjaweed. ¶3. (SBU) POLOFF asked Docter about Dutch PM Balkenende's recent speech at the Abuja talks. Docter said that Balkenende relished the opportunity to address the participants and had urged continued participation in the Abuja talks. Docter expected to receive a copy of the speech soon, and promised to pass it to POLOFF. BLAKEMAN