US embassy cable - 05THEHAGUE3109

C O N F I D E N T I A L THE HAGUE 003109 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR WHA/AND NAN FIFE AND USOAS/POL SERGIO GARCIA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/17/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, EAID, NL, CO 
SUBJECT: NETHERLANDS/COLOMBIA: SEEKING SUPPORT FOR THE OAS 
MISSION IN COLOMBIA 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 207709 
     B. THE HAGUE 03011 
 
Classified By: Acting DCM Andrew J. Schofer 
for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d). 
 
 1. (U) The Dutch plan to continue, and perhaps increase, 
their contribution to the OAS Mission in Colombia.  On 
November 17, Dimitri Vogelaar (Venezuela Desk Officer, MFA) 
shared this information with POLOFF in response to ref A 
points. 
 
2. (C) FM Bot's recent visit to Bogota has renewed Dutch 
interest in the Colombian peace process.  The Dutch 
contribution to the OAS Mission may reflect this renewed 
interest; Though the amount has yet to be finalized, Vogelaar 
surmised that the Dutch contribution could be as much as 1.5 
million dollars.  This represents a significant increase from 
past contributions reported ref A. 
 
3. (C) The Dutch are keen to foster involvement of 
multilateral partners in the Colombian peace process.  As 
reported in ref B, FM Bot solicited the EU's assistance at 
the November 7 GAERC; Vogelaar explained that the Dutch also 
have plans for the UN.  Concerned that the vacuum created by 
the dissolution of Colombian paramilitary groups will be 
quickly filled by the FARC, the Dutch emphasize the 
importance of FARC disarmament.  The Dutch feel this is a job 
best performed by the UN, and plan to appeal to the UN for a 
peacekeeping presence. 
BLAKEMAN