IRELAND IN AGREEMENT WITH US REGARDING MEETING OF

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001028

SIPDIS

OES/OA JEAN-PIERRE PLE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIS SENV IWC
SUBJECT: IRELAND IN AGREEMENT WITH US REGARDING MEETING OF
THE INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION

REF: STATE 145797


1. Summary. Irish IWC Commissioner O'Grady stated that
Ireland's positions follow closely with all US positions
mentioned in reftel. O'Grady, however, did elaborate on
Ireland's positions regarding sanctuaries, and finance and
administration. O'Grady stated that the GOI believes
sanctuaries are undermined unless all IWC members agree to
them; thus, Ireland will abstain on votes to create new
sanctuaries unless there is consensus. O'Grady also stated
the GOI shares the USG concern regarding the financial
situation of the IWC and would advocate bi-annual meetings
and the maintaining of English as the working language of the
IWC to minimize costs. End Summary.

SANCTUARIES
===========


2. Emboff, drawing on reftel points, spoke on July 9 with
Chris O'Grady, Director of National Parks and Wildlife at the
Department of the Environment and Ireland's Commissioner to
the International Whaling Commission (IWC). Regarding
sanctuaries, O'Grady stated Ireland would abstain from all
votes calling for the creation of new sanctuaries unless
there is a consensus because the GOI believes sanctuaries are
undermined unless IWC countries fully abide by them. O'Grady
cited Japan as a prime example of a country that does not
respect sanctuary boundaries. O'Grady also said that by
abstaining the GOI wants to be seen as a country that favors
conservation but also understands the concerns of countries
that advocate increased whaling. This, the GOI hopes, will
allow Ireland to be seen as a country that can facilitate
agreement between opposing sides. He stated Ireland would
continue to support the Southern Ocean Sanctuary.

FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
==========================


3. O'Grady stated that the GOI shares USG concerns regarding
the IWC's financial situation. O'Grady stated that with new
francophone members being admitted there may be a movement to
implement translation of all IWC conferences and materials to
other languages besides the working language of English. He
stated that while the GOI understands the reasoning behind
the possibly proposal, it would be concerned about the cost
translation would entail. O'Grady also stated that he
previously suggested that the IWC meet on a bi-annual basis
as opposed to annually. Besides lowering costs, O'Grady
suggested that this would give countries "time to catch their
breath" before the next meeting, possibly reducing the
polarization experienced at the present annual meetings.
According to O'Grady, the Norwegians already expressed
support to him for bi-annual meetings.
FORT