IRISH RESPONSE TO SYRIA-IRAQ BORDER DEMARCHE

S E C R E T DUBLIN 001156

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/29/2014
TAGS: PREL PTER IE
SUBJECT: IRISH RESPONSE TO SYRIA-IRAQ BORDER DEMARCHE

REF: STATE 166961

Classified By: Pol/econ chief Mary Daly per 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (S)Emboff, drawing on reftel points, on August 3 spoke to
Brendan Ward, Deputy Director of the Middle East Section at
DFA. Ward stated that the GOI fully supports efforts to help
restore stability in Iraq and believes Syria must honor
pledges it made July 21 in Cairo. However, Ward also
stressed that there was a joint responsibility to keep the
border secure and expressed hope that, despite their
differences, Syrian and the Iraqi Interim Government were
working together. While there is no Irish Embassy in Syria,
Ward promised the GOI would urge Syria to cooperate whenever
an opportunity was available.
KENNY