Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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07THEHAGUE1840 | 2007-10-03 14:54:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy The Hague |
1. (U) SUMMARY. On October 2, 2007 POLOFF delivered reftel points to Mr. Karel Hartogh, Deputy Director for Asia and Oceania at the Dutch MFA. The Dutch support boosting pressure on Burma, including action at the UN, the EU, and the Human Rights Council. (A list of Dutch activities was sent in referenced email). The Dutch suggest lobbying Asian nations to further increase pressure. END SUMMARY. 2. (C) The Dutch support UN sanctions but are exploring options at the EU given China's role. Noting that the EU troika demarched China on September 28, Hartogh thought China's response was more positive than expected. China's urging restraint by the Burmese junta and concerted international action is helpful. However, China's view of concerted international action includes "more intense discussions" rather than UNSC sanctions. Hartogh asked for information on U.S. views on prospects for winning Chinese support for UN sanctions. The French may be reluctant to support sanctions given their investments in Burma. Hartogh asked for further information on U.S. investment bans under consideration in Washington. 3. (SBU) At the EU, finding the right sanctions will be difficult. The Dutch want to target the leaders without hurting the Burmese people at large. Possible sanctions include broadening the assets freeze, visa ban, and travel ban for Burmese leadership; expanding the EU investment ban; adding a ban on the transfer of technology or the trade in precious stones. The EU PermReps will take this up today, October 3, with an eye toward action by the General Council next week. 4. (C) No date has been set for travel by an EU delegation to Burma. Dutch FM Verhagen suggests that Mr. Solana or his human rights adviser make the visit. Hartogh said the Dutch parliament is opposed naming a special EU representative, given that the UN already has a special representative to Burma. 5. (C) At the Human Rights Council, the Dutch have circulated a text and received comments from Cuba and others. 6. (C) Hartogh suggested increasing pressure on other Asian nations, such as India and Indonesia, that are "still not doing much." Arnall |