IRISH VIEWS ON HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION ON CUBA

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000828 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNGA PHUM EI SUBJECT: IRISH VIEWS ON HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION ON CUBA REF: A. STATE 147620 ¶B. STATE 148533 ¶1. (SBU) Poloffs met with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs Deputy Director for Human Rights Gavan O'Leary on September 26 to encourage Ireland to promote democratic transition in Cuba. O'Leary noted the suggestions and promised to discuss the points with his Human Rights and Americas Desk colleagues within the Department of Foreign Affairs. He indicated he was well aware of the sensitivities surrounding the Cuba issue. ¶2. (U) Poloffs also delivered a copy of President Bush's remarks on Cuba (Ref B) to O'Leary and emphasized the key points in the speech. O'Leary promised to review the speech and said that the Government of Ireland would give the President's remarks careful consideration. ¶3. (SBU) Comment: The Irish Government is keenly aware of - and concerned about - human rights conditions in Cuba. Nonetheless, it is unlikely to be willing to coordinate with the U.S. bilaterally on Cuba, preferring instead to rely on the EU Common Position on Cuba to underpin its policy. End comment. PIERCE