US embassy cable - 05THEHAGUE2300

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002300 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KG, NL, PREF, PREL, UZ 
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: ASSURANCES ON UZBEK REFUGEES IN 
KYRGYZSTAN 
 
REF: STATE 153133 
 
1. Polmiloff discussed talking points per reftel at the MFA 
working level on August 19, stressing the need by the Kyrgyz 
Procurator General for an explicit assurance by the 
Netherlands (and Finland and Sweden) that the 15 Uzbeks 
detained in Kyrgyzstan are recognized as refugees under 
national law.  According to Ruud Lek (Eastern Europe and 
Central Asia Section, MFA), the Dutch have received a similar 
request by the Kyrgyz government in the form of several 
outstanding questions.  Lek explained that the Dutch felt 
these concerns were irrelevant, given the letter from Dutch 
PM Balkenende co-signed by Sweden and Finland.  The Dutch 
have no plans at present for an additional letter; the 
Balkenende letter should be sufficient. 
 
2. Lek noted that the Dutch continue to work this issue both 
bilaterally and through the EU.  The Dutch ambassador to 
Kyrgyzstan has assured the Kyrgyz government that the 
Netherlands welcomes the asylum-seekers, and has requested 
their release.  Senior leadership at the MFA was not 
available to discuss this issue; Lek invited polmiloff to 
call back August 22 if necessary for further information. 
SOBEL