PEACEKEEPING IN CYPRUS, IRELAND IN WAIT AND SEE

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001695 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL UNFICYP SUBJECT: PEACEKEEPING IN CYPRUS, IRELAND IN WAIT AND SEE MODE REF: STATE 241068 ¶1. Emboff, drawing on reftel points, spoke on November 15 to UN Desk Officer at the DFA, Eoin Duggan. Duggan said that Ireland will not initially look to contribute additional funds or personnel to UNFICYP. He said that Ireland has a strong record of support for peacekeeping efforts, dating back to 30 years of personnel, logistics and financial contributions. He added that the GOI is in a "wait and see" mode with regards to Cyprus, and will bear in mind any EU or EU member states' consideration of support, but will not be the first to offer more financial contribution. ¶2. According to Duggan, Ireland currently has 19 civilian police and 2 military officers participating in UNFICYP. He said that the Irish see that the situation in Cyprus is such that an increase in the number of military troops is no longer needed, and the current level of support is satisfactory. KENNY