NETHERLANDS/COLOMBIA: SEEKING SUPPORT FOR THE OAS

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 003109 SIPDIS STATE FOR WHA/AND NAN FIFE AND USOAS/POL SERGIO GARCIA E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2015 TAGS: PREL PTER EAID NL CO SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/COLOMBIA: SEEKING SUPPORT FOR THE OAS MISSION IN COLOMBIA REF: A. SECSTATE 207709 ¶B. THE HAGUE 03011 Classified By: Acting DCM Andrew J. Schofer for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (U) The Dutch plan to continue, and perhaps increase, their contribution to the OAS Mission in Colombia. On November 17, Dimitri Vogelaar (Venezuela Desk Officer, MFA) shared this information with POLOFF in response to ref A points. ¶2. (C) FM Bot's recent visit to Bogota has renewed Dutch interest in the Colombian peace process. The Dutch contribution to the OAS Mission may reflect this renewed interest; Though the amount has yet to be finalized, Vogelaar surmised that the Dutch contribution could be as much as 1.5 million dollars. This represents a significant increase from past contributions reported ref A. ¶3. (C) The Dutch are keen to foster involvement of multilateral partners in the Colombian peace process. As reported in ref B, FM Bot solicited the EU's assistance at the November 7 GAERC; Vogelaar explained that the Dutch also have plans for the UN. Concerned that the vacuum created by the dissolution of Colombian paramilitary groups will be quickly filled by the FARC, the Dutch emphasize the importance of FARC disarmament. The Dutch feel this is a job best performed by the UN, and plan to appeal to the UN for a peacekeeping presence. BLAKEMAN