172485

10/3/2008 14:32

08THEHAGUE832

Embassy The Hague
SECRET//NOFORN

VZCZCXYZ0023
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DE RUEHTC #0832 2771432
 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 031432Z OCT 08 ZFF4
FM AMEMBASSY THE HAGUE TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2045
INFO RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL IMMEDIATE 0375
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE
RUEKJCS/CJCS WASHDC IMMEDIATE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC IMMEDIATE

S E C R E T THE HAGUE 000832

NOFORN SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/03/2028 TAGS: PREL, PHUM, AF, IZ, NL
SUBJECT: (S/NF)
NETHERLANDS FM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT AFGHAN DETAINEE MULLA BARI GUL

Classified By: DCM Mike Gallagher for reasons 1.5 (b,d)

1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: FM Verhagen has serious concerns over the
status of Afghan detainee, Mulla Bari Gul, who is reportedly
in U.S. custody in Iraq. On November 5 the Foreign Minister
must report to Parliament on detainees in Afghanistan and will
be questioned as to the status of each detainee the Dutch have
delivered to the Afghan authorities. If Bari Gul is not in
Afghan control and not seen by Dutch Authorities, the
consequences for future Dutch support in Afghanistan could be
at risk. Post believes the case would gather significant and
negative political and media coverage. END SUMMARY.

2. (S/NF) Dutch Deputy Director for Political Affairs, Robert
de Groot, summoned the DCM to the MFA to express FM Verhagen's
concern that Afghan detainee, Mulla Bari Gul has reportedly
been moved to Iraq at the request of the "Americans". The
Australian forces picked up a valued target, Mulla Bari Gul,
earlier this year. In accordance with existing protocol, they
turned him over to the Dutch, and the Dutch subsequently
turned him over to the Afghan authorities. The Dutch also
notified Afghan human rights NGO's. The Dutch are committed
and required by Parliament to monitor the health and welfare
of detainees that have been in their custody. In a first visit
to Bari Gul a few delays were encountered but they were
eventually able to see him. On a subsequent attempt, about two
weeks ago, they were told he could not be seen as "he is in
Iraq at the request of the Americans". De Groot did not
identify the specific Americans holding Bari Gul.

3. (S/NF) FM Verhagen and Development Minister Koenders were
in New York for the UNGA and held bilateral talks with
President Karzai. They raised this issue with him and then
while in Washington raised it in their meetings at both the
State Department and the Pentagon. Despite raising these
concerns, Bari Gul reportedly remains in Iraq.

4. (S/NF) The FM is very concerned because if Bari Gul is not
soon in Afghan control and has not been seen by Dutch
authorities, it will cause issues with the Parliament. On
November 5, he must report to the Parliament on detainees in
Afghanistan. In the past the parliamentarians asked very
direct questions about each person who had been in Dutch
custody and transferred into Afghan custody. Parliament will
want assurances that Dutch authorities have recently seen each
person.

5. (S/NF) Comment: De Groot was careful, calm and objective
during the meeting with the DCM. He explained that the FM is
very concerned. De Groot understands that the U.S. will always
want to talk to persons like Bari Gul, but persons who have
been detained by the Dutch must remain in Afghan control. De
Groot opined that Dutch failure to maintain this practice
could have negative political consequences for the Dutch
ability to maintain its presence in Afghanistan. He stated,
"You have now had Bari Gul for almost three weeks; he must get
back under the control of Afghan authorities in Afghanistan".
De Groot concluded that the Dutch Embassy in Washington will
be receiving instructions for either the Ambassador or DCM to
seek high level appointments at the Department of State and
the Pentagon today. He was not sure if Ambassador Jones-Bos
would ask to see U/S Burns or Assistant Secretary Fried. He
also said that Dutch authorities in Kabul are being asked to
raise this with Ambassador Wood and General McKiernan.

6. (C/NF) Comment, continued: Detainee issues are a volatile
topic in the Dutch parliament. We expect news of a missing
Dutch detainee would gather significant political and press
attention here. End Comment.

Culbertson