IRELAND UNLIKELY TO CHANGE POSITION ON UNESCO

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001259 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ETRD OPDC PREL SCUL UNESCO BHUM SUBJECT: IRELAND UNLIKELY TO CHANGE POSITION ON UNESCO CULTURAL DIVERSITY CONVENTION REF: SECSTATE 184292 On October 6, emboff delivered reftel points to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) UN/Illicit Drugs Section First Secretary Brian Cahalane and on October 7, the Ambassador SIPDIS delivered them to Dermot Gallagher, Secretary General of the DFA. Cahalane said that Ireland's position on the UNESCO Cultural Diversity Convention has not changed; Ireland still supports the EU position that the convention requires no further delays or negotiations. He added that he is still in consultation with the DFA's cultural section and that a written response to the Secretary's letter is forthcoming. KENNY