NETHERLANDS/SUDAN: DUTCH SUPPORT JOINT INTEGRATED

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000041

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR AF/SPG

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/09/2017
TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL NL SU
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/SUDAN: DUTCH SUPPORT JOINT INTEGRATED
UNITS, WANT DETAILS

REF: SECSTATE 1335

Classified By: Political Counselor Andrew Schofer for reasons 1.5(b) an
d (d)


1. (U) SUMMARY: On January 10, 2008 POLOFF delivered reftel
points to Mr. Huub Buise, Head of the Dutch MFA's Sudan Task
Force and Horn of Africa section. Buise was accompanied by
Lisette den Breems, senior policy officer for Sudan, Erwin
van Veen, policy advisor in the Unit for Peacebuilding and
Good Governance, and Jaime de Bourbon Parme, policy officer
for Peacekeeping Operations.


2. (C) The Dutch are inclined to offer training for the Joint
Integrated Units (JIU),but they want further details about
the situation in Sudan and the JIU support cell. FM Verhagen
will visit Sudan February 4-7 and would welcome an
opportunity to meet with the new Special Envoy to Sudan, Mr.
Williamson. Post requests Washington guidance on responding
to Dutch concerns (para 4,6). END SUMMARY.


3. (C) Buise said that the Dutch agree the JIU deployment is
a "good first step." The Dutch are "extremely willing to
support" Security Sector Reform (SSR). Buise indicated that
"financially" the Netherlands could conceivably provide
airlift. However, given the many uncertainties, the
Netherlands is inclined to start in a limited way, with
training. The Dutch are not inclined to provide military
equipment or transport at this time. They are looking for
the needs assessment from the JIU support cell and have
several other questions related to JIU support. Nonetheless,
if the Sudanese are truly open to assistance, the
international community needs to "move forward quickly." FM
Verhagen and Minister of Development Koenders will visit
Sudan during February 4-7. Support to the JIUs could be a
deliverable for the visit.


4. (C) Buise and his team raised several questions about the
proposed assistance to the JIUs, in addition to their request
for the JIU support cell's needs assessment. First, the
Dutch are looking for the U.S. assessment of how willing the
GOS is to receive this aid. Anecdotally, Buise noted that
the GOS has not released a shipment of blue berets for UN
forces. Second, how will the USG manage aid to the SPLA and
SAF elements, which could become a sensitive political issue
for the GOS. Third, how will the USG coordinate with the JIU
support cell? Fourth, the Dutch need accurate military
information. The GOS continues to deny a visa to the
proposed Dutch DATT. Buise confided that their first
candidate for that job has now been assigned elsewhere. The
GOS has also denied a visit to the Dutch logistics officer.
Fifth, the Dutch are interested in the reaction of other
partners to the U.S. request for JIU support. The Dutch
would also like to know if the USG is engaging China in this
effort. Finally, Buise offered his condolences on the death
of Mr. Granville. The Dutch are interested in how the murder
investigation proceeds and would welcome an assessment of
threats to diplomatic personnel in Sudan.


5. (SBU) Buise emphasized that FM Verhagen sent him a note
expressing interest in a meeting with the new Special Envoy
to Sudan, Mr. Williamson.


6. (SBU) Post requests guidance on responding to Dutch
concerns in paragraph 4.
Arnall