IRISH VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE MARCH 5-6 EU GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000175 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2017 TAGS: KPAL PREL PGOV ENRG IR IE SUBJECT: IRISH VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE MARCH 5-6 EU GAERC REF: A. SECSTATE 23592 ¶B. DUBLIN 153 Classified By: Pol/Econ Section Chief Joe Young; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) POLOFF delivered demarche (Ref A) on March 2 to Pat Kelly, European Correspondent, Department of Foreign Affairs. The Irish Government values U.S.-EU cooperation on energy and climate issues, in the Western Balkans, and in Darfur. The Government also welcomes the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government and continues to favor negotiations with Iran, though it will comply with any sanctions the EU devises. Kelly said conditions in Uzbekistan would probably not improve sufficiently by May to warrant the lifting of EU sanctions. He indicated that Ireland is in agreement with the U.S. on the failures of the UN Human Rights Commission. End summary. Energy and Climate Issues -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Kelly said that Ireland and the EU welcome cooperation with the U.S. on energy and climate initiatives. He indicated that he would provide feedback on U.S. climate proposals to the EU following the GAERC. (Note: On February 28, an official from the U.S. Department of Energy addressed an EU Commission-sponsored conference in Dublin on wind/wave energy. The conference organizers saw DOE participation as a way to advance U.S.-EU cooperation under the High-Level Dialogue (HLD) on climate change. End note.) Bosnia, Serbia and Kosovo -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Kelly agreed that reform and political engagement in the Balkans must move forward, as stagnation could lead to disaster. He said that Ireland and the EU value U.S. support for Attasari in Kosovo and recognize the value of the EU and U.S. speaking with one voice throughout the region. Israeli-Palestinan Issues -------------- ¶4. (SBU) Ireland supports the Quartet principles and welcomes the formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG),according to Kelly. Ireland hopes to see substantive discussions take place between the NUG and the EU. Kelly indicated that the framework for such negotiations will be discussed during the GAERC. Iran -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Kelly said that Ireland continues to favor negotiations with Iran, thougQit will readily comply with any sanctions the EU puts in place (Ref B). He agreed it was important for the international community to speak to Iran with a single voice. Sudan/Darfur -------------- ¶6. (SBU) Ireland continues to staunchly support AMIS in Darfur, Kelly noted. (Note: During the past week, the Irish Government pledged an additional euro 2 million for AMIS, bringing Ireland's contribution this year to euro 5 million.) Uzbekistan -------------- ¶7. (C) Kelly agreed that reforms are needed, especially regarding human rights. He noted that EU sanctions will be reviewed in May 2007, but said it was difficult to see how sanctions could be lifted given the Uzbekistan Government's lack of willingness so far to reform. UN Human Rights Council -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Kelly said that the Irish Government agrees with the USG on the failures of the UN Human Rights Commission (UNHRC),though he indicated that the Ireland would continue to negotiate with UNHRC to urge it to take a more balanced approach. Afghanistan -------------- ¶9. (U) Irish views on Afghanistan will be reported septel. FOLEY