(S/NF) NETHERLANDS FM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT AFGHAN

S E C R E T THE HAGUE 000832 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2028 TAGS: PREL PHUM AF IZ NL SUBJECT: (S/NF) NETHERLANDS FM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT AFGHAN DETAINEE MULLA BARI GUL Classified By: DCM Mike Gallagher for reasons 1.5 (b,d) ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: FM Verhagen has serious concerns over the status of Afghan detainee, Mulla Bari Gul, who is reportedly in U.S. custody in Iraq. On November 5 the Foreign Minister must report to Parliament on detainees in Afghanistan and will be questioned as to the status of each detainee the Dutch have delivered to the Afghan authorities. If Bari Gul is not in Afghan control and not seen by Dutch Authorities, the consequences for future Dutch support in Afghanistan could be at risk. Post believes the case would gather significant and negative political and media coverage. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (S/NF) Dutch Deputy Director for Political Affairs, Robert de Groot, summoned the DCM to the MFA to express FM Verhagen's concern that Afghan detainee, Mulla Bari Gul has reportedly been moved to Iraq at the request of the "Americans". The Australian forces picked up a valued target, Mulla Bari Gul, earlier this year. In accordance with existing protocol, they turned him over to the Dutch, and the Dutch subsequently turned him over to the Afghan authorities. The Dutch also notified Afghan human rights NGO's. The Dutch are committed and required by Parliament to monitor the health and welfare of detainees that have been in their custody. In a first visit to Bari Gul a few delays were encountered but they were eventually able to see him. On a subsequent attempt, about two weeks ago, they were told he could not be seen as "he is in Iraq at the request of the Americans". De Groot did not identify the specific Americans holding Bari Gul. ¶3. (S/NF) FM Verhagen and Development Minister Koenders were in New York for the UNGA and held bilateral talks with President Karzai. They raised this issue with him and then while in Washington raised it in their meetings at both the State Department and the Pentagon. Despite raising these concerns, Bari Gul reportedly remains in Iraq. ¶4. (S/NF) The FM is very concerned because if Bari Gul is not soon in Afghan control and has not been seen by Dutch authorities, it will cause issues with the Parliament. On November 5, he must report to the Parliament on detainees in Afghanistan. In the past the parliamentarians asked very direct questions about each person who had been in Dutch custody and transferred into Afghan custody. Parliament will want assurances that Dutch authorities have recently seen each person. ¶5. (S/NF) Comment: De Groot was careful, calm and objective during the meeting with the DCM. He explained that the FM is very concerned. De Groot understands that the U.S. will always want to talk to persons like Bari Gul, but persons who have been detained by the Dutch must remain in Afghan control. De Groot opined that Dutch failure to maintain this practice could have negative political consequences for the Dutch ability to maintain its presence in Afghanistan. He stated, "You have now had Bari Gul for almost three weeks; he must get back under the control of Afghan authorities in Afghanistan". De Groot concluded that the Dutch Embassy in Washington will be receiving instructions for either the Ambassador or DCM to seek high level appointments at the Department of State and the Pentagon today. He was not sure if Ambassador Jones-Bos would ask to see U/S Burns or Assistant Secretary Fried. He also said that Dutch authorities in Kabul are being asked to raise this with Ambassador Wood and General McKiernan. ¶6. (C/NF) Comment, continued: Detainee issues are a volatile topic in the Dutch parliament. We expect news of a missing Dutch detainee would gather significant political and press attention here. End Comment. Culbertson