NETHERLANDS/IRAN: MFA REPORTING FROM TEHRAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000476 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2019 TAGS: PREL ECON IR NL SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/IRAN: MFA REPORTING FROM TEHRAN REF: 09THEHAGUE376 Classified By: Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs Andrew C. M ann for reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: The Dutch describe a "cleansing" in Iran, with massive arrests of civil society networks. Vocal protests continue in Tehran. At the inaugural activities, the Dutch opted to send their DCM to the procedure in the Iranian parliament, and no representative to the ceremony at which the Ayatollah Khamenei confirmed the election. Opposition candidate Mousavi may face arrest. The Dutch request information on U.S.-E3 sanctions discussions ahead of the September 2 meeting in Frankfurt. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C) IRANIAN CRACKDOWN: On August 7, 2009 Loek Ten Hagen, Dutch MFA Iran desk officer, and Christoffer Jonker, deputy head of Nuclear Affairs and Non-Proliferation Division, reviewed with Emboff reporting from the Dutch embassy in Tehran. They expressed concern about human rights in the region, and in particular the mistreatment and torture of prisoners. The Dutch DCM in Tehran, Andre van Wiggen, said the situation can almost be described as "a cleansing" with the arrests of "networks" and members of civil society. Reports confirm three deaths in prison with moremQQK+Qy. ¶3. (C) CONTINUING PROTESTS: Public reaction reflects an increased awareness of the severity of the state of affairs. Ten Hagen speculated that the violent public reaction against government actions could explain the GOI,s decision to release 140 prisoners. Shouted protests from Tehran,s rooftops after 10 pm continue but have reduced in number. When the Dutch DCM attended the inauguration in parliament, he could hear the protestors shouting outside despite the heavy security presence. ¶4. (C) IRAN ACCUSATIONS, EU RESPONSE: The GOI remains paranoid about foreign involvement, cutting off the foreign reconstruction funds to the earthquake-devastated city of Bam as well as monitoring the flow of money to other projects. An Iranian prosecutor accused the Netherlands of supporting a "velvet revolution," and the Dutch responded through diplomatic channels that any such allegations were false. The Dutch, in accordance with EU policy, will not be sending letters of congratulations to the GOI. Although the Dutch DCM attended the parliamentary inauguration, no Dutch official attended the confirmation by the spiritual leader Ayatollah Khamenei. ¶5. (C) MOUSAVI TO BE ARRESTED? Ten Hagan noted that Kayhan, a hard-line political newspaper under the control of the Office of the Supreme Leader, has proposed Mousavi should be arrested. In the past, this newspaper,s suggestions have been implemented, so the Dutch are worried the GOI may soon arrest Mousavi. ¶6. (C) PESSIMISM ON THE NUCLEAR PORTFOLIO: Jonkers noted that a director from the Iranian nuclear agency stepped down, probably because of his relation to Mousavi. Nuclear production is proceeding, but perhaps slowing down because of money and the shift of attention and focus on domestic politics. Jonkers had little hope for cooperation in regards to nuclear negotiations. He noted the Dutch are looking for more information about the September 2nd meeting in Frankfurt between the United States and the E3. They emphasized FM Verhagen,s outspoken support for tough sanctions. (Comment: The Dutch have previously expressed frustration at being excluded from the E3 discussions and Qfrustration at being excluded from the E3 discussions and have solicited greater information sharing by the Embassy on this portfolio. End comment.) GALLAGHER