NETHERLANDS/BOLIVIA: DUTCH EXPRESS CONCERN TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000810 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/25/2018 TAGS: KDEM PGOV PREL ASEC PINR NL BL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/BOLIVIA: DUTCH EXPRESS CONCERN TO BOLIVIAN D/FM FERNANDEZ REF: SECSTATE 99473 Classified By: Political Officer Eric Falls for reasons 1.5(b,d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Dutch DG for Political Affairs De Gooijer told visiting Bolivian Vice Minister for Foreign Relations Fernandez on September 12 that the Netherlands feels "uncomfortable about the declaration of persona non grata of Ambassador Goldberg." Fernandez responded that the U.S. is intervening in internal affairs. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) Poloff delivered reftel points to Dutch MFA desk officers for Venezuela and Bolivia on September 22, and Senior Policy Officer Joke Zuidwijk responded with details of the De Gooijer-Fernandez meeting. In addition to expressing concern about the PNG of Ambassador Goldberg, De Gooijer told Fernandez that diplomats are free to meet with whomever they like because "that is democracy." Fernandez said he agreed that ambassadors can speak with the opposition. However, the difference between the U.S. and the EU is that the EU "does not intervene." Fernandez said the U.S. sees itself as the "patron," the boss. He appreciated the suggestions from the Dutch regarding the process of change. He noted the important role of Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. He described Venezuelan President Chavez as "a big friend of ours; his acting has to be seen in the framework of the Caribbean character. The United States is jealous about this and finds it difficult to adapt itself to this new situation. Before Bolivia was seen as its 'backyard,' now they see us as their 'home' and want to decide what we do internally and who our foreign friends are." Culbertson