NETHERLANDS/BURMA: SUPPORTING SUU KYI'S RELEASE,

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000301 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/11/2019 TAGS: PHUM PGOV PREL NL BM SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/BURMA: SUPPORTING SUU KYI'S RELEASE, SEEKING U.S. POLICY UPDATE REF: A. SECSTATE 46562 ¶B. 08 THE HAGUE 683 Classified By: Head of Economic Unit Shawn Gray for reasons 1.5(b,d) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch will continue to support the release of Ang Sang Suu Kyi. The Dutch welcome U.S. views as they reassess efforts to improve the situation in Burma. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (SBU) SUPPORTING CONTINUED SANCTIONS AND SUU KYI'S RELEASE: Poloff discussed reftel A points with Senior Policy Adviser Annelies Faro at the Dutch MFA. Faro cited four efforts in support of Suu Kyi and democratic reform in Burma. First, the Dutch may approach GOB representatives directly about Suu Kyi during the upcoming Asia-Europe meeting. (Myanmar and the Netherlands delegations are usually seated near each other.) Second, FM Verhagen will also encourage an EU statement on Burma during the next COASI Troika meeting. Third, Faro noted FM Verhagen told parliament that the Netherlands will continue to support current sanctions against Burma, and all Dutch political parties responded with support for that policy. However, Verhagen stated that the current sanctions have not been effective in changing GOB policy, so the MFA will be looking at other options. Verhagen was asked about barring teak imports from Burma, and he responded that the Netherlands follows EU and WTO rules, in the absence of UNSC guidance. Thus, Burmese teak built into a table in Thailand may be imported into the EU. However, the GONL has worked to prosecute companies that try to evade the import ban on teak lumber. Finally, Verhagen noted the MFA will fund civil society development programs in Burma, and several political parties support that effort. ¶3. (C) SEEKING U.S. VIEWS: Faro requested any update on the U.S. policy review for Burma. She is preparing a letter for FM Verhagen to send to parliament on efforts to change the behavior of the GOB; the letter will be followed by a parliamentary hearing, perhaps in June. Faro said "even a draft" of the new U.S. policy would be welcome as the Dutch evaluate strategies to improve the situation in Burma. GALLAGHER