NETHERLANDS/LEBANON: DUTCH SUPPORT FOR LEBANON

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000122 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/08/2018 TAGS: PREL KDEM NL LE SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/LEBANON: DUTCH SUPPORT FOR LEBANON REF: SECSTATE 10786 Classified By: POLCOUNS Andrew J. Schofer for reasons 1.5(b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On February 6, poloff shared reftel points with Gert Kampman, deputy director of Middle East Affairs at the Dutch MFA. Poloff expressed appreciation for the Netherlands' role as host for the Lebanon Tribunal and outlined USG efforts to secure sufficient funding for the Tribunal. ¶2. (C) In a follow-up discussion on February 8, Kampman indicated that the Dutch would provide 100 trucks to the Lebanese armed forces as well as training in logistics by two Dutch military officers. The Dutch continue to provide forensics expertise in support of the Hariri investigation and other murder investigations. Kampman further noted that the Dutch contribution to UNIFIL would end in March 2008, to be replaced by an Italian/French frigate. The Netherlands will continue to support the government of PM Siniora. Gallagher