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