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