Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08THEHAGUE471
2008-06-03 15:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:
NETHERLANDS/HR: WORKING WITH DISSIDENTS
VZCZCXYZ0000 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHTC #0471 1551527 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 031527Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO SECSTATE WASHDC 1556
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
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
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