NETHERLANDS/HR: WORKING WITH DISSIDENTS

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000471 SIPDIS FOR DRL/SEA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/HR: WORKING WITH DISSIDENTS REF: A. STATE 44903 B. 07 STATE 108924 C. THE HAGUE 450 ¶1. BACKGROUND: Following up on reftel A, Embassy The Hague notes that the Netherlands is a staunch advocate for and defender of human rights, a generous contributor to human rights initiatives, as well as a refuge for asylum seekers fleeing persecution in their home countries. In addition, the Dutch take great pride in The Hague's status as the "International Legal Capital of the World," and believe that this creates a special responsibility to uphold international standards with regard to human rights and the rule of law. The Hague is home to a number of international legal institutions, and we have appreciated Dutch willingness in recent years to host, for example, the trial of Charles Taylor for war crimes. ¶2. EMBASSY ACTIVITIES: Since reftel B, post has hosted several meetings with NGOs and expat communities in the Netherlands to discuss issues of human rights. Most recently, the Charge met with "Glasnost in Cuba" on CUBA Solidarity day (reftel C). Dissidents from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Afghanistan, and Burma have met with Embassy representatives over the past ten months. Embassy the Hague anticipates that a new ambassador will arrive at post later this summer, when post will include dissident outreach among the priority meeting for the new Chief of Mission. Gallagher