UKRAINE: IRELAND TO SEND ELECTION OBSERVERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 001542 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/12/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV SUBJECT: UKRAINE: IRELAND TO SEND ELECTION OBSERVERS REF: SECSTATE 217357 Classified By: POL/ECON CHIEF MARY DALY FOR REASONS 1.4 B AND D. On October 12, Emboff, discussed Ukraine's presidential election (reftel) with Deputy Director, Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the DFA, Austin Gormley. Gormley stated that Ireland supports the EU's statement issued on October 11, as well as the USG statement, but will not issue one individually. Ireland is concerned about the election and will send three observers, including Gormley and representatives from Irish NGOs, October 26-November 3. Gormley also said that Ireland is especially concerned about the lack of media independence and allegations that the government is imposing its editorials on television broadcasts. BENTON