Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08DUBLIN23
2008-01-16 08:20:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Dublin
Cable title:  

IRISH PRESIDENT MCALEESE TACKLES GLOBAL ISSUES IN NEW

Tags:  PGOV PREL PHUM EI 
pdf how-to read a cable
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RR RUEHAG RUEHDF RUEHIK RUEHLZ RUEHROV
DE RUEHDL #0023 0160820
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 160820Z JAN 08
FM AMEMBASSY DUBLIN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8836
INFO RUEHBL/AMCONSUL BELFAST 0660
RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES
UNCLAS DUBLIN 000023 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM EI
SUBJECT: IRISH PRESIDENT MCALEESE TACKLES GLOBAL ISSUES IN NEW
YEAR'S ADDRESS TO DIPLOMATIC CORPS


UNCLAS DUBLIN 000023

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL PHUM EI
SUBJECT: IRISH PRESIDENT MCALEESE TACKLES GLOBAL ISSUES IN NEW
YEAR'S ADDRESS TO DIPLOMATIC CORPS



1. Summary: President of Ireland Mary McAleese addressed diplomats
on January 14, delivering a wide-ranging speech focusing on Irish
Government policy in regards to conflict resolution, climate change,
human rights, overseas development aid, humanitarian crises, nuclear
weapons proliferation, poverty and disease, and the progress
achieved in Northern Ireland. The President, in the main, expressed
views and sentiments compatible with USG policy. We will continue
to seek ways to effectively collaborate with the Irish in addressing
these compelling global issues. End Summary.


2. On January 14, President of Ireland Mary McAleese addressed
diplomats representing over 50 countries during her annual
presentation of New Year's greetings to the Diplomatic Corps.
Calling the diplomats and their families important visible signs
that the international community is, indeed, functioning as a
community, her wide-ranging speech focused on a wide swath of global
issues. She extended thanks, on behalf of the Irish people, to each
of the representatives for their efforts in building bilateral
relations with Ireland, and for acting as builders of trust and
cooperation within the global community.


3. Addressing conflict resolution, McAleese expressed hope that the
international community would look to the Northern Ireland peace
process as an example of a regional conflict where peace was brought
about through the building of trust. She noted the recent visits of
First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin
McGuinness to the United States and Brussels, saying that such
visits underscore the economic benefits of the peace process --
including foreign investment -- which could be seen already.
McAleese thanked the international community for its support and
encouragement during the long difficult years of the conflict in
Northern Ireland


4. McAleese spoke about the threat of climate change, calling for
the issue to be addressed both locally and globally. She
characterized the recent climate change conference in Bali as
hopeful. She called for effective concerted global responses to
promote human rights, remove the threat posed by nuclear weapons,
and overcome poverty and disease in misery-stricken regions such as
the Middle East, Darfur, and Burma. She stated that Ireland,
through the expansion of official development assistance and the
funding of NGOs, would play its part in alleviating human suffering
in many regions of the world, particularly in Africa. (Note: In
2006, Ireland ranked sixth internationally in per capita spending on
international aid. End note.) In addition to an expansion of
development assistance, McAleese indicated that Ireland would also
work to increase voluntary efforts in the developing world. She
noted that Irish troops will shortly deploy to Chad as part of an EU
peace-keeping mission, and that Ireland supports the African Union's
efforts to resolve conflicts in Kenya and Zimbabwe.


5. Calling the European Union a story of remarkable success, peace
and prosperity, she said she looked forward to a well-informed and
constructive debate in Ireland on the EU Reform Treaty ratification
process. (Note: Ireland is the only EU nation where a national
referendum will be required for ratification. End note.)


6. Comment: The President's remarks -- which embodied official
Irish Government foreign policy -- covered a broad swath of global
issues. In the main, she expressed views and sentiments that are
compatible with USG policies -- and that would resonate with most
Americans. The post will continue to seek ways to effectively
collaborate with the Irish in addressing these compelling global
issues.

FOLEY