NETHERLANDS/IRAQ: DUTCH CONTRIBUTIONS TO NTM-I

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001267 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/06/2016 TAGS: PREL NATO MOPS MARR IZ NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/IRAQ: DUTCH CONTRIBUTIONS TO NTM-I REF: STATE 83457 Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROLAND ARNALL FOR REASONS 1.4(B) AND (D). ¶1. (C) Ambassador Arnall delivered reftel demarche soliciting enhanced contributions to the NATO Training Mission-Iraq (NTM-I) to Hugo Siblesz, Director General for Political Affairs at the Dutch MFA, on June 6. POLCOUNS and Hans Horbach, Deputy Director of the MFA's Security Affairs Department, also attended the meeting. ¶2. (C) Ambassador Arnall expressed appreciation for the ongoing Dutch contribution of 15 trainers to NTM-I, but stressed that significant shortfalls in the Trust Fund still existed. He urged the Dutch to consider making an additional financial contribution, and to encourage other allies to do the same. In response, Siblesz noted that the GONL was committed to maintaining its presence in the training mission; he expected this mission would be renewed shortly. On funding, Siblesz made no promises but said he would "look into" the possibility of making an additional contribution. ARNALL