US embassy cable - 04THEHAGUE544

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 000544 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2014 
TAGS: PHUM, PREL, CH, NL, UNHRC-1 
SUBJECT: DUTCH/EU THOUGHTS: 60TH SESSION OF UN CHR 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 41252 
     B. SECSTATE 41778 
 
Classified By: PolCouns Mary E. Daly Reasons 1.5 (d) 
 
1.  (C) PolOff met with Hans Docter, MFA Commission on Human 
Rights (CHR) action officer, to discuss reftel.  The Dutch 
are fully engaged with their EU partners in advance of the 
GoNL return to the CHR this spring. In addition to 
resolutions noted reftel, the EU will sponsor resolutions on 
Russia and Zimbabwe as well as a resolution on religious 
tolerance.  The Dutch do not expect a decision on an Iran 
resolution until late into CHR.  The EU is not expecting the 
U.S. to introduce a China resolution.  Docter outlined Dutch 
and EU thinking on CHR issues, detailed below. 
 
Religious Tolerance 
-------------------- 
 
2. (C) The EU (vice the Netherlands as noted reftel) will 
introduce a resolution on religious tolerance.  The GoNL is 
circulating a draft text among member states currently.  The 
Dutch MFA agreed to share a draft text with the U.S. in 
advance of CHR.  The EU plans to keep the resolution general 
without references to specific religions.  When asked about 
anti-Semitism, Docter noted that a one-sentence anti-Semitism 
and Islamaphobia reference is currently  in the text.  He 
reports it is either the same or similar to last year's CHR 
wording.  However, the EU is still considering if such a 
reference might be appropriate elsewhere, possibly in a 
racism resolution.  Docter reinforced that the EU wants to 
deal with anti-Semitism, but it is currently unsure of where 
to do so. 
 
Country Specific Resolutions 
----------------------------- 
 
3. (C) China -- Docter reported that EU members highly doubt 
the U.S. will introduce a resolution on China.  PolOff asked 
if a China resolution would affect the current discussion on 
lifting the EU Arms Embargo.  Docter stated that the 
Netherlands opposes lifting the ban, and would support a 
resolution.  The Dutch Foreign Minister has stated publicly 
that the GoNL, feeling isolated within the EU, will not 
oppose an EU decision to lift the embargo.  When pressed 
Docter stated that an EU resolution could help to bring 
additional attention to the human rights situation in China, 
and possibly aid in making it more difficult for the EU to 
lift the Embargo. 
 
4. (C) Iran -- There is still hope within the EU for a 
Canadian-led resolution on Iran.  Due to the ongoing 
sensitivities in the EU-Iran relationship, the EU has not 
come to a formal position. Docter said the Irish-led 
discussion in Geneva among EU representatives isn't going 
anywhere at present.  However, the general atmosphere is more 
positive towards supporting and, if necessary, introducing a 
resolution, than last year.  France and the UK have signaled 
they are willing to go forth under certain conditions (which 
were not elaborated).  The Dutch are supportive.  Docter 
anticipates a decision on Iran late into CHR. 
 
5. (C) North Korea, Burma and Cuba -- The EU will support 
resolutions on North Korea, Burma and Cuba.  The Dutch are 
anxious to see text on a Cuban resolution, and to have 
confirmation on which country will introduce it. 
 
6. (C) Russia/Chechnya -- The EU favored a Chairman's 
Statement on Chechnya, but previously decided that if Russia 
rejected such, the EU would introduce a resolution.  In 
recent talks, the Russians declined a Chairman's Statement. 
The Irish, to ensure there was no miscommunication, bluntly 
asked the Russians if they were rejecting a statement, and 
the Russians again confirmed.  The EU will therefore table a 
resolution. 
 
7. (C) Afghanistan -- The Italians are currently working on 
text for a Chairman's Statement on Afghanistan.  Docter, 
responding to PolOff's concerns on language, stated that the 
text, while still under construction, is likely stronger than 
the U.S. would like. 
 
8. (C) Zimbabwe -- The EU will introduce a strong resolution 
on Zimbabwe.  A draft text is already circulating among EU 
members. 
 
9. (C) Iraq -- The GoNL does not/not favor a resolution on 
Iraq, and there appears to be consensus against such within 
the EU. 
 
10. (C) Middle East -- Docter was cognizant of U.S. concerns 
for resolutions on the Middle East, but stated that the EU 
does not plan to alter its current position on Middle East 
resolutions at CHR. 
 
11. (C) Belarus and Turkmenistan -- The GoNL is pleased that 
U.S. and EU cooperation on these resolutions continues. 
12. (C) Uzbekistan --  Docter said the Swiss are 
contemplating addressing the situation in Uzbekistan in 
various manners, including a 1503 procedure, Chairman's 
Statement (judged unlikely) or resolution.  If a resolution 
is introduced, the EU will likely support. 
 
13. (C) East Timor -- The Portuguese are busy working with 
Dili on an Article 19 Chairman's Statement.  The GoNL is not 
certain of the necessity of such, but the EU will support. 
 
14. (C) Sudan -- The GoNL is working with the Sudanese on a 
Article 19 Chairman's statement.  However, if unable to reach 
consensus, the Dutch and EU will consider a resolution.  If a 
resolution is deemed appropriate by the EU, the Dutch will 
not/not draft. (Note:  At the 59th CHR, the Dutch 
confidentially drafted the Sudan resolution for the Greek 
 
SIPDIS 
Presidency.) 
 
Others 
------- 
 
15.  Rights of the Child -- Docter said the EU disagrees with 
U.S. ideas of possibly splitting a resolution on this issue, 
nor does the EU want to run a resolution on a specific issue 
related to children's rights each year.  It prefers an 
omnibus resolution.  On the subject of the juvenile death 
penalty, Docter noted that the EU believed references to this 
subject were agreed upon previously with the U.S. and would 
not be problematic with EU members. 
 
16.  Norms on HR responsibilities of transnational 
corporations -- The EU agrees that the CHR is not/not the 
place to discuss this issue as presented by the 
Sub-Commission.  "It is too early" Docter noted.  However, he 
did leave the door open for the possibility of a conversation 
on this issue in future years. 
 
Engagement with EU 
-------------------- 
 
17.  Docter discussed the mutual benefits to the US-EU CHR 
dialogue that have evolved in the past two years.  The EU is 
pleased with progress to date.  Docter highlighted the 
importance of former PDAS Southwick's various visits to 
Europe, complimenting Southwick's ability to listen and 
understand EU concerns while nevertheless working towards 
finding pragmatic solutions on the contentious issues between 
the U.S. and EU.  The GoNL and the EU want to see such 
engagement continue on a frequent basis to ensure that the 
CHR can become a more effective UN institution. 
SOBEL