GAERC: IRELAND HOPES FOR POSITIVE OUTCOME TO

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 DUBLIN 000668 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/09/2016 TAGS: PREL PHUM PTER EUN ECON ETRD SOCI EI SUBJECT: GAERC: IRELAND HOPES FOR POSITIVE OUTCOME TO NEGOTIATIONS WITH IRAN REF: STATE 91167 DUBLIN 00000668 001.4 OF 002 Classified By: Political-Economic Counselor Mary E. Daly; Reasons 1.4 ( B) and (D). ¶1. (C) Summary: On June 8, Post delivered reftel points to Jim Kelly, Department of Foreign Affairs EU Correspondent. Kelly stated that Montenegro will highlight the discussions on the Balkans and that he believes the EU will welcome the Montenegrin Parliament's expected declaration of independence. Kelly anticipates the GAERC ministers will also welcome the newly formed Iraqi government and will focus their discussions on future relations between Iraq and the EU. In regards to Cuba, Kelly said talks will focus on the next EU Common Position review and a strong statement is expected to be made calling for the release of imprisoned political dissidents. Kelly said that the possible solution to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine through a temporary international mechanism (TIM) will continue to be discussed at the GAERC, but added that he foresees an extreme logistical difficulty in its implementation. Kelly said the GOI was pleased about the recent US initiative toward Iran. Kelly stated that while the P-5 1 package to Iran will be of great interest during the GAERC, it would be too soon to develop a significant discussion on the issue without any specific details to the proposal itself or the reaction by the Iranian government. Balkans -------------- ¶2. (C) Kelly stated that discussions at the GAERC regarding the Balkans would focus on the recent Montenegrin referendum and future declaration of independence. The GOI has consistently supported this process and is pleased that the results have come with little difficulty and without any serious objections to the outcome, said Kelly. He mentioned that while Kosovo is not expected to be on the GAERC agenda, a general set of statements would be made about the status of issues pertaining to the ICTY, Serbia, and Albania. Kelly remains disheartened by Serbia's lack of cooperation with the ICTY and the missed opportunity for constitutional reform in Bosnia. He also added that the European Council meeting on June 15 and 16 is set to discuss further support for promoting democracy in Serbia. IRAQ -------------- ¶3. (C) Kelly confirmed that the GAERC is set to briefly cover the situation in Iraq, but expects that the European Council will handle a formal issuance of a declaration welcoming the newly formed government. Kelly anticipates discussions about EU-Iraqi relations to focus on future diplomatic communication and economic trade. Kelly also noted that the GOI's pledge to assist in funding humanitarian causes in Iraq still faces security complications on the ground that continue to prevent disbursement. CUBA -------------- ¶4. (C) GAERC discussions will be in anticipation of the next annual review of the EU's Common Position on Cuba, according to Kelly. He expects a strong statement to be released about the deterioration of human rights in the country that also calls for the release of imprisoned political dissidents. Kelly added that the EU remains oQn to communication with Cuba. PALESTINE -------------- ¶5. (C) Kelly confirmed that the GAERC will host ongoing EU discussions about a possible temporary international mechanism (TIM) to provide assistance to the Palestinian people. According to Kelly, the European Commission will take the lead in any discussions between contributing parties such as the USG and the World Bank, but noted his concern for the logistical difficulties that lie ahead. He added that GAERC discussions on the Middle East Peace Process will work towards attaining EU-wide conformity on the issue. IRAN -------------- ¶6. (S) Kelly anticipates EU Foreign Policy Chief Javier DUBLIN 00000668 002.4 OF 002 Solana to brief the GAERC over lunch to quell the curiosity about the recently presented package that derived from the "Vienna Understandings", but does not expect any substantial details to be released. Although the EU is not directly involved in these negotiations, Kelly noted that Ireland is pleased with the progress of P-5 1 in moving towards peaceful negotiations with Iran. He said that the GOI remains in support of a diplomatic solution to the conflict and are hopeful that an agreement will be reached on the recent proposal. Kelly expects a declaration of support and endorsement to come from the European Council meeting. He said that the situation with Iran has reached a crucial turning point and the GOI is hopeful for a positive outcome. In response to "broadening the conversation on Iran", Kelly said that the issue of proliferation has "side tracked" prior EU efforts and that these other issues will remain to be dealt with further down the road. * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Visit Dublin's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/dublin/index. cfm KENNY