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