S E C R E T THE HAGUE 003169

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2015
TAGS: PARM PREL KNNP IR EU NL
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/IRAN: IRAN-RELATED BRIEFING DELIVERED

REF: STATE 202164

Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Jason Grubb,
reasons 1.4(B) and (D).


1. (S) On November 16, Washington-based analysts, accompanied
by Charge, POLCOUNS, and MPP Deputy Chief, delivered a
classified briefing on Iran's nuclear weaponization program
to senior Dutch MFA officials. The Dutch side included Hugo
Siblesz (Political Director), Pieter de Gooijer (Deputy
Political Director), John Bischop (Head of the MFA's Office
of Gulf Affairs); and Paul Wilke (Head of the MFA's Office of
Nuclear and Non-Proliferation Affairs.)


2. (S) The Dutch side expressed appreciation for the
briefing, and agreed that the information was "disturbing."
They asked a number of questions but did not question the
credibility of the material. Siblesz asked whether thought
had been given to publicizing the information more widely to
bring international pressure to bear on Iran; the briefers
responded that the material was currently being provided only
to a very limited audience directly involved in the issue,
including UNSC and IAEA BOG members. The Dutch side
expressed appreciation for being included in this select
group.
BLAKEMAN