NETHERLANDS/PAKISTAN: DUTCH WILL PROVIDE FIELD

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002892

SIPDIS

STATE FOR EUR/UBI/REITER
USEU FOR LERNER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID PHUM PK NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/PAKISTAN: DUTCH WILL PROVIDE FIELD
HOSPITAL, TENTS AND CASH

REF: A. STATE 195483


B. THE HAGUE 2860


1. Emboffs delivered reftel A points to Director of
Humanitarian Affairs and Pakistan relief coordinator Joost
Andriessen, as well as Western Hemisphere department staff.


2. Andriessen told econoff the Netherlands had pledged 17
million Euros (USD 20.5 million) "so far." He did not rule
out a further pledge at the donors' conference, where the
GONL will be represented by their permrep to the UN Office at
Geneva. In addition to the cash, the Dutch will provide a
mobile army field hospital and 80 medical staff to Pakistan
(ref B) for three months. The Netherlands will also donate
500 10-person tents, stoves and camp beds to the Pakistani
government.


3. The Netherlands' well organized and influential NGO
community has also launched a national fundraising campaign
for earthquake victims. A benefit hockey game and telethon
is scheduled for October 26. Still, this disaster has not
captured the public's attention like the Asian tsunami did
and private donations will almost certainly be fewer.
BLAKEMAN