Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08THEHAGUE810
2008-09-26 14:04:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy The Hague
Cable title:
NETHERLANDS/BOLIVIA: DUTCH EXPRESS CONCERN TO
how-toVZCZCXRO2500 RR RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHTC #0810 2701404 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 261404Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2018 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 0680 RUEHLP/AMEMBASSY LA PAZ 0436
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)
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
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