IRELAND: LIBERIAN MILITARY REFORM

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000361

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID MARR MASS PREL
SUBJECT: IRELAND: LIBERIAN MILITARY REFORM

REF: A. STATE 49284

B. 04 DUBLIN 325


1. On March 22, Emboff delivered ref A points to Pauline
Conway, Counselor, Africa Desk at the Department of Foreign
Affairs. According to Conway, Ireland appreciates the
importance of security sector reform (SSR),but by Irish
regulation, SSR does not qualify as Overseas Development
Assistance (ODA). She added that Development Cooperation
Ireland (DCI) (the GOI's aid mechanism) will continue to
provide aid to Liberia, but cannot devote funds to SSR.


2. Conway said that Ireland has pledged euro 5,000,000 over
two years with two million allocated last year and three
million to be spent in 2005. This money is earmarked for the
UN Disarmament, Demobilization, Rehabilitation and
Reintegration (DDRR) program. Per ref A, Ireland did pledge
euro (not dollar) 500,000 in March 2004, but according to
Conway, it is part of the overall pledge and intended for
DDRR considerations. The money is to be channeled either
directly through the UN or through NGOs and it is earmarked
for the following priorities: DDRR, elections, agriculture,
health and education.
BENTON