UNCLAS DUBLIN 001057

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM PREF PARM MOPS EAID
SUBJECT: IRISH RESPOND POSITIVELY TO REQUEST FOR CONTINUED
SUPPORT IN DARFUR

REF: STATE 153857


1. Summary. Irish officials Don Sexton and Pat Kelly
responded positively to the request for European support for
deployment of an African Union (AU) protection force. Both
stressed Ireland's interest in African affairs, especially
regarding humanitarian aid. Ireland has given nearly three
million euros in assistance for basic needs in Darfur and
plans to lend more financial assistance upon the Minister of
State for Development Tom Kitt's return from Darfur. End
Summary.


2. Emboff, drawing on reftel points, spoke on July 15 with
Don Sexton, First Secretary in the Development Cooperation
Division at the DFA. Sexton stated that Ireland already
supports the AU Mission in Sudan and that EU funding for the
mission was fast-tracked during the Irish Presidency.
Ireland also provides one of the EU observers in Darfur.
Sexton informed emboff that Minister of State for Development
Tom Kitt is in Darfur and is planning additional GOI
contributions based upon his findings in the region. Sexton,
while not being able to provide an exact amount, stated he
was confident the new funding would exceed the previous 2.9
million euro donation. Sexton continued to stress that
Ireland's main goal for the next 12-18 months is to meet
Darfur's humanitarian needs, such as food and health care.


3. In regards to the GOI's willingness to play a direct role
in organizing and deploying an international protection
force, Sexton stated that Ireland is willing to listen to all
suggestions and initiatives but generally follows a UN
mandate. Sexton could not supply specifics in terms of what
types of support could be expected from the GOI in the future.


4. Following the meeting with Sexton, emboff spoke with Pat
Kelly, Deputy Director of African Affairs at the DFA. Kelly
reiterated the points made by Sexton in the earlier meeting,
stressing Ireland's interest in Sudan and the GOI's
willingness to assist the AU. Kelly stated that their
primary efforts will continue to go towards the AU mission,
but they are willing to examine further initiatives. Kelly
also stressed that the GOI will continue to work within the
UN.
KENNY