NETHERLANDS/UNGA: DUTCH SUPPORTIVE ON MOST THIRD

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 001939 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2017 TAGS: UN KTIA PHUM PREL NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/UNGA: DUTCH SUPPORTIVE ON MOST THIRD COMMITTEE RESOLUTIONS REF: A. A. SECSTATE 145641 ¶B. B. THE HAGUE 1840 ¶C. C. THE HAGUE 1809 ¶D. D. THE HAGUE 1627 Classified By: Eric Falls, Political Officer, for reasons 1.4(b) and (d ) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: On October 24, 2007, POLOFF delivered reftel A points to Dutch MFA Director for Human Rights, Ms. Maryem van den Heuvel, and Reneko Elema, Senior Policy Officer. Van den Heuvel welcomed the consultation, noting Dutch agreement on all country resolutions. While inclined to support the USG on the religious freedom and elections resolutions, Dutch had reservations about the anti-rape resolution and concerns about the USG opposition to the EU death penalty resolution. The Netherlands traditionally opposes 'no action' motions in favor of open debate. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) BURMA: The Dutch have led efforts within the EU to sanction Burma (reftel B),so Van den Heuvel welcomed U.S. support for the EU's Burma resolution in New York. Negotiations in New York are proceeding well. The Dutch would like to add language referring to a visit by Special Rapporteur Pinheiro. Pinheiro's visit should not be used by the regime to dilute world criticism. The visit ought to instead prompt effective action by the regime. Van den Heuvel added that the Dutch hope to send Dutch Human Rights Ambassador Arjan Hamburger to Burma a second time to emphasize to authorities that the world remains focused on Burma. ¶3. (C) OTHER COUNTRY RESOLUTIONS: Van den Heuvel said the New York negotiations on the Belarus, Iran and North Korea resolutions "are going well." The Dutch want to send strong signals to the regimes. On Iran, the Dutch plan to give an explanation of position regarding discrimination against homosexuals in Iran. The Dutch understand that adding language to the resolution on this issue is not possible at this time but want to draw attention to it. On Uzbekistan, Van den Heuvel noted that the human rights situation deserves attention. She would be interested in seeing a text if the United States prepares a draft. Ambassador Hamburger recently received a visa to visit Uzbekistan but was unable to meet with the government or NGOs. Among EU states, the Netherlands takes the "firmest" approach that dialogue with Uzbekistan and other Central Asian nations should achieve concrete results. ¶3. (C) RAPE AS AN INSTRUMENT OF STATE POLICY: Van Den Heuvel repeated Dutch concerns about the U.S. draft resolution opposing rape as an instrument of state policy (reftel C). The Dutch agree that the matter is important and support the idea of the initiative. Furthermore, FM Verhagen is focused on women's rights and security as they relate to human rights. However, notwithstanding USG objections, the Dutch believe it is important to cite relevant UN instruments, such as CEDAW, as part of the resolution. ¶3. (C) RELIGIOUS INTOLERANCE: Debate on the EU's draft resolution in Geneva was postponed until December. Previously, the Netherlands had hoped to coordinate resolutions in Geneva and New York to avoid duplication (reftel D). Now, the Netherlands is supporting, within the EU, a 'shorter' resolution introduction in New York. The EU presidency is expected to present a draft in the near future. ¶4. (SBU) DEFAMATION OF RELIGION: The Dutch want to manage this issue carefully and ask that the United States stay in close contact. They have not seen any text for the resolution. ¶5. (SBU) ELECTIONS: Van den Heuvel welcomed the opportunity to review the text of the U.S. elections resolution. ¶6. (C) DEATH PENALTY: Van den Heuvel stated that that the EU's resolution on the death penalty was "very important," and that the situation was worrying in many parts of the world. She noted, 'off the record,' that the U.S. had tacitly agreed not to lobby against the resolution during some previous sessions of the Third Committee. POLOFF reviewed the U.S. position on the resolution (reftel D) and promised to seek information about U.S. lobbying plans. Gallagher