US embassy cable - 04THEHAGUE552

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 000552 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/03/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, BM, NL, EUN 
SUBJECT: CONSULTATIONS WITH EU ON BURMA: DUTCH RESPONSE 
 
REF: SECSTATE 42342 
 
Classified By: PolCouns Mary E. Daly Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d) 
 
1.  (C) The EU has not reached a common position to impose 
sanctions against the Burmese government.  MFA Burma Desk 
Officer Mariko Peters stated that the EU discussion on Burma 
in on-going, and will be on the agenda for the next COASI. 
While there is no disagreement on the need for the government 
to reform, internal debate continues on what is the most 
effective way to encourage the government to do so.  Peters 
mentioned, for example, interest in an Australian program 
that provided human rights training to mid-level civil 
servants.  Some EU members, following this idea, favor 
engagement.  The GoNL, which Peters stated continues to be 
one of the strongest voices speaking about against human 
rights violations in Burma in EU meetings, currently supports 
the status-quo within the EU.  However, the GoNL would 
welcome closer U.S.-EU consultations and possible joint 
coordination on Burma. 
 
2.  (C) Note:  The GoNL provides bilateral funding out of its 
Embassy in Bangkok for small-scale human rights projects in 
Burma.  The GoNL also support HIV programs in Burma via 
multilateral sources.  The Dutch oppose membership for Burma 
in ASEM (Asia Europe Meeting) and would oppose EU attendance 
at meetings during Burma's chairmanship of ASEAN in 2006 if 
circumstances do not significantly improve.  End note. 
SOBEL