NETHERLANDS/IRAQ: COALITION/NATO SUPPORT FOR IRAQ

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 003325 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/14/2015 TAGS: PREL PROV KDEM KPAO MARR MOPS IZ NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/IRAQ: COALITION/NATO SUPPORT FOR IRAQ ELECTIONS REF: A. STATE 223612 ¶B. THE HAGUE 3291 Classified By: POLCOUNS ANDREW SCHOFER FOR REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D). (C) In a meeting with Willemijn Kallenberg (Iraq Desk, MFA) on December 13, POLCOUNS drew from ref a points to encourage the Dutch to take a more active role in publicizing the importance of the December 15 Iraqi elections. Kallenberg reiterated that the Dutch were supporting the electoral process directly by providing out-of-country polling facilities and through other measures described ref b. These efforts -- which were fully coordinated with the Iraqi Embassy -- were receiving wide and favorable publicity in the Netherlands. She promised to take the U.S. points on board in preparing press guidance and making recommendations for senior GONL officials, but noted that the Dutch were likely to take their lead from the EU regarding public statements and other specific measures proposed ref a. BLAKEMAN