THE HAGUE, 19/05/06 - Former conservative (VVD) MP Ayaan Hirsi Ali is more than welcome in the US, regardless of what status she has in the Netherlands. This could be deduced yesterday from the words of American Undersecretary of State Robert Zoellick at a press conference in The Hague.

In answer to questions, Zoellick praised the Somali-born politician, who resigned from the Lower House with immediate effect on Tuesday. "We recognise that she is a very important figure, from whom we in Europe and the US can all learn."

Integration Minister Verdonk has decided that Hirsi Ali has with retrospective effect never been a Dutch citizen because she lied about her identity when applying for asylum in 1992. The Lower House and Prime Minister Balkenende however want Verdonk to reconsider her decision.

What status Hirsi Ali receives is a matter for the Dutch government, Zoellick added. Asked whether Hirsi Ali could come to the US regardless of the outcome of the discussion in the Netherlands, he stated: "She can come in."

Zoellick did not wish to go into security measures that would have to be taken if Hirsi Ali went to Washington. "But it is clear that she will have to be taken care of." The world famous Islam critic is expected to be working for the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) from 1 September.

Zoellick was in the Netherlands for one day en route to Tunisia. He had a meeting in The Hague with Foreign Minister Ben Bot and Development Cooperation Minister Agnes. Topics discussed included Darfur and Afghanistan.