VZCZCXRO4700
RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV
DE RUEHTC #0760 1140839
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240839Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8947
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RUEHLB/AMEMBASSY BEIRUT 0209
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS 0475
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 4263
UNCLAS THE HAGUE 000760
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR EUR/UBI (RREITER)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID ECON EFIN PGOV LE NL
SUBJECT: SUPPORTING LEBANON: PLANNED DUTCH CONTRIBUTION FOR
2007
REF: STATE 12496
THIS MESSAGE IS SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. PLEASE HANDLE
ACCORDINGLY.
1. (SBU) Summary. The Dutch are finalizing a plan to provide
3.6 million euros (approximately $4.9 million) in 2007 to
support of Lebanese reconstruction and security sector reform
efforts. Dutch support in 2006 totaled 11.1 million euros
(approximately $15.1 million). End Summary.
2. (SBU) Following the January 25 Lebanon Donor's Conference
held in Paris (reftel), Econoff followed up with Peter van
der Bloemen, Desk Officer for Syria and Lebanon, Middle East
and North Africa Division, Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Van der Bloemen said GONL Lebanon donation plans for 2007 are
in "the final stages" and will focus on reconstruction and
security sector reform (SSR). If approved in full, van der
Bloemen added, the 2007 budget should total 3.6 million euros
(approximately $4.9 million).
3. (SBU) For reconstruction, van der Bloemen said the GONL
plans to contribute 1.4 million euros (approximately $1.9
million) for three efforts: a UNHABITAT proposal to build
capacity in southern Lebanon communities, small civil society
projects to foster dialogue between different ethnic and
religious groups in Lebanese society, and a seminar in Beirut
for Lebanese media. The funds would be distributed through
the Dutch mission in Beirut.
4. (SBU) On SSR, the Dutch Ministry of Defense is in final
consultations with Lebanese authorities, van der Bloemen
said. The GONL plans to contribute 2.2 million euros
(approximately $3.0 million) to "enhance" Lebanese army
logistical capabilities by providing trucks and training, he
added.
5. (SBU) Van der Bloemen said the first "concrete" project
for 2007 will start in May. The Dutch will provide a
month-long training course on the latest forensic techniques
to 20 Lebanese officials involved in crime-site research.
6. (SBU) In 2006, the Dutch provided 11.1 million euros
(approximately $15.1 million) for Lebanon as follows:
-- International Committee of the Red Cross: 2.5 million
euros (approximately $3.4 million)
-- UN World Food Programme: 1.5 million euros (approximately
$2.0 million)
-- UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs:
300,000 euros (approximately $407,000)
-- Netherlands Red Cross via Palestinian and Lebanese Red
Cross: 250,000 euros (approximately $339,000)
-- Netherlands Red Cross via Syrian Red Cross: 250,000 euros
(approximately $339,000)
-- UN Children's Fund: 2,150,000 euros pledged at Stockholm
Conference (approximately $2.9 million)
-- UN Mine Action Coordination Centre: 4,150,000 euros
pledged at Stockholm Conference (approximately $5.6 million)
ARNALL