US embassy cable - 05THEHAGUE2435

S E C R E T THE HAGUE 002435 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NP/CBM 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2015 
TAGS: PARM, ETTC, KSCA, MNUC, TSPA, NL, MTCRE 
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS: PREPARATIONS FOR MTCR PLENARY IN 
MADRID 
 
REF: A. STATE 160777 
     B. STATE 158474 
     C. STATE 161771 
     D. STATE 163775 
 
Classified By: Political Counselor Andrew Schofer, reasons 1.4 (b,d) 
 
1. (C) Summary: Polmiloff discussed reftel A points with Ceta 
Noland (Policy Advisor, Nuclear Affairs and Non-Proliferation 
Division, MFA) September 6.  Noland stated that the Dutch can 
support the U.S. proposal on North Korea, as it allows states 
to pursue its goals on a "case by case basis" according to 
national means.  However, Noland expressed concern over the 
so-called "Syria Model" strategy to announce support for a 
proposal that does not gain MTCR consensus.  While noting 
that the Netherlands could publicly support the proposal at 
Madrid, she feared the precedent set in Seoul and possibly 
again in Madrid may damage the MTCR.  Polmiloff delivered 
papers per reftels in preparation for the Madrid MTCR 
plenary.  Noland briefly highlighted presentation topics the 
Dutch planned to deliver during the plenary.  End Summary. 
 
U.S. Proposal on North Korea 
---------------------------- 
 
2. (C) Noland noted that the Netherlands considers North 
Korea a state "of great concern" and can support the U.S. 
proposal to monitor the activities of North Korean vessels. 
Noland explained that current Dutch and EU legislation 
actually prevents them from designating end users or 
employing company black lists -- this hampers their ability 
to pursue initiatives like the U.S. proposal.  On the other 
hand, the proposal allows states to decide for themselves on 
a case-by-case basis how best to accomplish its goals.  She 
added that strengthened Dutch legislation to be implemented 
in 2007 will allow the Dutch to pursue such initiatives more 
effectively. 
 
3. (C) Noland stated that the Netherlands will publicly 
support the U.S. proposal during the MTCR plenary.  She 
expressed concerns, however, regarding the precedent set in 
Seoul in 2004 and possibly again in Madrid.  By side-stepping 
MTCR consensus, Noland questioned whether the so-called 
"Syria Model" might harm the MTCR as a consensus-building 
regime over the long term. 
 
Other MTCR Papers 
----------------- 
 
4. (S) Polmiloff delivered MTCR papers from Refs B, C, and D 
to Noland on August 31, September 6, and 7, respectively. 
Noland doubted that the Dutch would be able to provide 
comments in time for the plenary. 
 
Dutch MTCR Presentations 
------------------------ 
 
5. (C) Noland noted that the Dutch will have four 
presentations for the plenary; unfortunately, they will not 
be completed in time for prior circulation.  For the 
information exchange, the Dutch will present on: Libya's 
missile ambitions; Non-Strategic and Non Dual-Use Procurement 
in the Netherlands; and a recent aluminum export case to Iran 
(no further details).  The Dutch will also provide an update 
of the Henk Slebos case -- along the lines of their 
presentation in the Nuclear Suppliers' Group -- during the 
enforcement exchange. 
 
BLAKEMAN