IRISH SEE NEED FOR ACTION, BUT PREFER DIALOGUE

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000565 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2017 TAGS: KPAL ENRG ETRD ETTC PGOV PREL SOCI EI SUBJECT: IRISH SEE NEED FOR ACTION, BUT PREFER DIALOGUE OVER SANCTIONS IN THE GAERC REF: A. STATE 100725 ¶B. STATE 98749 Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Ted Pierce; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) POLOFF delivered Ref B demarche on July 19, 2007 to Pat Kelly, European Corespondent, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Kelly indicated that the Irish Government largely sees eye to eye with U.S. positions, with the exception that, in general, the Irish prefer to continue political dialogue, rather than increase sanctions -- including in Iran and Sudan. End summary. Kosovo -------------- ¶2. (C) Ireland will continue to strive for EU unity on Kosovo, according to Kelly. He added that Ireland holds out hope that the UNSC will be able to reach agreement. In the meantime, Kelly said, Ireland will use its influence to counsel patience on the part of the ethnic Albanian population in Kosovo. Albania -------------- ¶3. (C) Kelly noted that the U.S. and Ireland are on the same page regarding the situation in Albania, adding that Ireland will urge the EU to press the Albanian Government to implement stronger rule of law, good governance and constitutional reform. Bulgarian Medics in Libya -------------- ¶4. (C) Noting that the death sentences of the medics had been commuted, Kelly said the EU was working diligently behind the scenes to gain their release. Ukraine -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Kelly indicated that the item on Ukraine was on the GAERC agenda mostly in preparation for the EU/Ukraine summit scheduled for September. He said that Irish and U.S. concerns coincided, adding that the Irish would support measures within the EU to ensure that the Ukraine parliamentary elections are fair and to resolve internal dissension peacefully. While Kelly couldn't comment specifically on the NAMSA II program, he indicated that all aspects of good governance in the Ukraine would be aired during the EU/Ukraine summit. Iran -------------- ¶6. (C) Kelly indicated that the EU's Foreign Policy Chief Javier Solona would brief the GAERC on the situation in Iran and that decisions on next steps would follow that briefing. Ireland, Kelly said, was modestly encouraged by Iran's recent willingness to address IAEA concerns. He stated that while Ireland continued to favor political dialogue over targeted sanctions, the Irish Government recognized the need for forceful measures. In the end, Kelly said, Irish policy on Iran will be guided by the decisions of the EU-3. Middle East -------------- ¶7. (C) Ireland agrees with the U.S. that the Abbas Government must be supported, Kelly stated. At the same time, he said, Israel needs to enhance its dialogue with the Palestinians, take steps to shore up Abbas' position, and (together with Abbas) encourage reconciliation among the Palestinian factions. Kelly noted that humanitarian assistance is critical, especially in Gaza. He said that the Palestinian issue was being discussed actively in Brussels and that he expected the EU to issue a statement on Monday, July 23. (Note: Ref A, regarding President Bush's speech on Middle East peace, was given to Kelly on July 20. End note.) Sudan/Darfur -------------- ¶8. (C) Kelly said that the Irish fully support the hybrid force in Darfur, though he indicated he did not expect the force to be in place until early 2008. In the meantime, Kelly said, Ireland agrees that pressure must be maintained on the Government of Sudan and the rebel factions to ensure that the arrival of the force goes smoothly (and that the situation improves in the lead up to the force's arrival). He indicated that Ireland was encouraged by recent Chinese willingness to engage on the issue at the UN and by the planned talks with rebel leaders in September. He noted that only a political solution would bring lasting peace. Kelly added that while the threat of sanctions appeared to be useful, the Irish are skeptical of actually implementing additional sanctions at this point, especially outside the UN framework. FOLEY