IRELAND WILL SUPPORT AN EXTENSION OF THE MANAS

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000620

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2016
TAGS: KG MARR MOPS PREL AF EI
SUBJECT: IRELAND WILL SUPPORT AN EXTENSION OF THE MANAS
AIRFIELD AGREEMENT THROUGH EU-WIDE DISCUSSIONS

REF: STATE 081543

Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Mary E. Daly; Reasons 1.4 (
B) and (D).

(C) On May 25, emboff delivered reftel points to Department
of Foreign Affairs International Security Policy Deputy
Director David Leahy and met with Third Secretary Louise
Hartigan on May 30 to receive the Irish response. Hartigan
stated that the GOI is interested in the issues surrounding
the need for extending the Manas Airfield agreement,
especially in the wake of the recently increased violence in
Afghanistan that is expected to spark retaliation. She noted
the heightened need to strengthen the presence of coalition
forces in the area and vital role that Manas Airfield will
continue to play in peacekeeping efforts. Hartigan confirmed
Ireland's plans to continue to assist Afghanistan in building
a peaceful democratic society by helping to provide a secure
and stable environment as a contributing partner to the
International Security Assistance Force. Although Ireland
does not plan on approaching the Government of Kyrgystan on
an individual basis, Hartigan said that the GOI will support
USG efforts to renew the Manas Airfield agreement through its
participation in EU-wide discussions in Brussels.

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