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

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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

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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.


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