Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08THEHAGUE492
2008-06-09 07:50:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:
NETHERLANDS/BURMA: CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR
how-toVZCZCXRO4229 RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV DE RUEHTC #0492 1610750 ZNR UUUUU ZZH R 090750Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1589 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHGO/AMEMBASSY RANGOON 0121
UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000492
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID PHUM NL BM
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/BURMA: CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR
HURRICANE VICTIMS
REF: A. SECSTATE 59122
B. COPE-FALLS E-MAIL 6/3/08
UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000492
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID PHUM NL BM
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/BURMA: CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR
HURRICANE VICTIMS
REF: A. SECSTATE 59122
B. COPE-FALLS E-MAIL 6/3/08
1. Summary: On June 3, POLOFF shared reftel A points to the
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As reported in ref B, on
May 22, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen
strongly spoke against the actions of the Burmese regime and
the continued delay of aid in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. On
May 26, Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders
discussed the inadequate response of the regime as well as
the resolve of the Netherlands to set aside aid for the
Burmese. End Summary.
2. Verhagan comments: Verhagen addressed the UN Security
Council in New York, noting the obligation of the
international community as well as the Burmese regime in
assisting the Burmese people. Verhagen stated that a
government is tasked with protecting it's people from harm,
whether it be arms, man-made, or by natural disasters.
Verhagen further stated that, "Gross negligence and woefully
inadequate responses to threats may actually lead to even
greater humanitarian suffering," specifically referencing the
Burmese regime. This negligence would in turn be cause for
the UN Security Council to consider action against the
Burmese regime. Before addressing the UN Security Council,
Verhagen met with UN SGY Ban, pledging Dutch support for the
UN mission. Verhagen also approved of the UN decision to
pressure the Burmese regime to improve their aid operations.
3. Koenders discussion: At a dialogue attended by
representatives of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg,
Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, Koenders discussed
the actions of the UN and the Netherlands in regards to
Burma. Koenders stated that the Netherlands is prepared to
set aside more funds for a humanitarian situation he calls
"disastrous." Echoing the comments of Verhagen, Koenders
called the response by the Burmese regime, "totally
inadequate."
Foster
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL EAID PHUM NL BM
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/BURMA: CONTINUING SUPPORT FOR
HURRICANE VICTIMS
REF: A. SECSTATE 59122
B. COPE-FALLS E-MAIL 6/3/08
1. Summary: On June 3, POLOFF shared reftel A points to the
Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. As reported in ref B, on
May 22, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen
strongly spoke against the actions of the Burmese regime and
the continued delay of aid in the wake of Cyclone Nargis. On
May 26, Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders
discussed the inadequate response of the regime as well as
the resolve of the Netherlands to set aside aid for the
Burmese. End Summary.
2. Verhagan comments: Verhagen addressed the UN Security
Council in New York, noting the obligation of the
international community as well as the Burmese regime in
assisting the Burmese people. Verhagen stated that a
government is tasked with protecting it's people from harm,
whether it be arms, man-made, or by natural disasters.
Verhagen further stated that, "Gross negligence and woefully
inadequate responses to threats may actually lead to even
greater humanitarian suffering," specifically referencing the
Burmese regime. This negligence would in turn be cause for
the UN Security Council to consider action against the
Burmese regime. Before addressing the UN Security Council,
Verhagen met with UN SGY Ban, pledging Dutch support for the
UN mission. Verhagen also approved of the UN decision to
pressure the Burmese regime to improve their aid operations.
3. Koenders discussion: At a dialogue attended by
representatives of Denmark, Finland, Germany, Luxembourg,
Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, Koenders discussed
the actions of the UN and the Netherlands in regards to
Burma. Koenders stated that the Netherlands is prepared to
set aside more funds for a humanitarian situation he calls
"disastrous." Echoing the comments of Verhagen, Koenders
called the response by the Burmese regime, "totally
inadequate."
Foster