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