IRELAND UNDECIDED, BUT LIKELY TO ATTEND ASEM

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 001248

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2014
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM
SUBJECT: IRELAND UNDECIDED, BUT LIKELY TO ATTEND ASEM

REF: A. STATE 179237


B. DUBLIN 1104

C. DUBLIN 1020

Classified By: PEO JOE YOUNG PER REASONS 1.4 (b & d)


1. (U) Summary. On August 23, Emboff, drawing on reftel
points A, spoke to Ms. Cliona Manahan, Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA) Director for Asia and the Pacific. Ireland has
yet to decide on participation in the Asia-Europe Meeting
Summit October 8-9 in Hanoi, but will likely send a
delegation, despite its serious reservations regarding Burma.
End Summary.

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Ireland to follow EU lead
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2. (C) While Ireland,s views on Burma's participation in the
upcoming ASEM meeting parallel that of the USG, Manahan
stated that Ireland would likely send a delegation. The
ultimate decision on whether to send a representative to
Hanoi in October (and on the level of representation) will
come after the Gymnich meeting (private meeting among EU
member states) on September 3-4. Her opinion is that all EU
members will send a delegation and that the GOI will follow
suit.


3. (C) According to Manahan, there is not an EU consensus on
the Burmese issue. Some EU countries favor engagement with
Burma while others favor a more hard-line stance. Manahan
also stated that while public opinion and the press may push
for Ireland (and the EU) not to attend ASEM, it would be
"explosive" if the EU decided not to attend.


4. (C) Manahan asked for additional input from the USG on
this situation. She also expressed concerns about Japan
giving aid to Burma without obligations for political reform,
and she asked for the USG to raise the issue with the GOJ.
KENNY