EXTENSION OF ANNUAL STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT

UNCLAS STATE 022404 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MASS MOPS PREL NL NT NA AA XL SUBJECT: EXTENSION OF ANNUAL STATUS OF FORCES AGREEMENT (SOFA) FOR EXERCISES IN THE NETHERLANDS ANTILLES AND ARUBA REF: 08 THE HAGUE 0389 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (U) Summary/Action Request: Department requests that post propose to the Netherlands Government (GONL) to extend the current bilateral SOFA through an exchange of diplomatic notes based on the text in paragraphs 3 and 4 below, which is virutally identical to the previous exchange of notes that effected the current extension (ref A). End Summary/Action Request. ¶2. (SBU) Post is requested to propose to the GONL to extend the current bilateral SOFA through an exchange of diplomatic notes based on the text in paragraphs 3 and 4 below, which is virtually identical to the text of the previous exchange of notes that effected the current extension. The need for an extension is in anticipation of both governments' interest in conducting military exercises, training, ship visits and other agreed activities in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba in 2009 and 2010. ¶3. (U) Begin text of draft note: (Complimentary Opening) and has the honor to refer to the agreement between the United States of America and the Kingdom of the Netherlands concerning the status of military and civilian personnel of the United States Department of Defense temporarily present in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba in connection with military exercises and training constituted by exchange of notes at The Hague on May 3, 2005 (the agreement),which would have terminated, in accordance with its terms, on May 3, 2006, and was extended three times, each time for a period of one year, and which will terminate, in accordance with its terms, on May 3, 2009. Desiring to continue military cooperation between our military forces in the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba, and in view of upcoming military training and exercises and other activities, including bilateral training and professional development seminars, and any other agreed activities, including scheduled port calls, the Government of the United States proposes that the agreement shall again be extended for an additional period of one year, so that the agreement will remain in force until May 3, 2010. If the foregoing is acceptable to the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Government of the United States proposes that this note, together with the response from the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, shall constitute an agreement between our two governments which shall enter into force on May 3, 2009, and shall remain in force until May 3, 2010. End text. ¶4. (U) The reply of the Government of the Netherlands should read as follows: Begin text: (Complimentary Opening) and refers to the Embassy's note (number and date) which reads as follows: (quote U.S. note in its entirety). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has the further honor to inform the Embassy of the United States of America that the proposals set forth in the Embassy's note are acceptable to the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and to confirm that the Embassy's note and this note shall constitute an agreement between the two governments, which shall enter into force on May 3, 2009. End text. ¶6. (U) Any host country proposals for changes to the U.S. text of the diplomatic note should be referred to the Department of State and Department of Defense. State contacts are EUR/WE Timothy L. Smith (202-647-6591), WHA/CAR Jacquelyn Rosholt (202-647-4719) and L/PM Thomas Herold (202-647-7563). Defense contacts are Walter Earle (703-697-3327) and Ashley Richardson (703-697-3514). ¶7. (U) Upon conclusion of the exchange of notes, post should report the agreement by cable and send the original host country note to the Department: L/T, Room 5420 (Attn: Daphne Cook). CLINTON