NETHERLANDS/IRAQ: DUTCH EXTEND NATO TRAINING

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000606 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2018 TAGS: PREL NATO MARR IZ NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/IRAQ: DUTCH EXTEND NATO TRAINING MISSION REF: STATE 73794 Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Drew Mann for reasons 1.5(b ,d) (C) On July 15, Poloffs shared reftel points with Matthijs Wolters and Maarten Wammes of the Dutch MFA Security Policy Department. Previously, on July 2, the Dutch parliament strongly supported a one year extension to the contribution of NTM-I, agreeing to sustain the current seven Dutch military personnel through August 2009. Wolters explained that in supporting parliament's decision, the Dutch MFA had considered information from Brussels, including the substance of reftel points, PM Maliki's request, and the improved security situation in Iraq. Wolters suggested that it was unlikely that the Dutch would increase their 2008-2009 contribution now that parliament had approved an extension at the current level. Evaluation of future NTM-I needs in Iraq will begin in fall 2008 by the Dutch MFA Security Policy Department, which then may consider an increase in the Dutch contribution. The Dutch parliament will revisit their commitment to NTM-I in the spring of 2009. Gallagher