IRISH VIEW OF SHAPING POST-CYCLONE ASSISTANCE IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000390 SIPDIS EAP/MLS FOR AARON COPE E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/30/2018 TAGS: BM EAID EUN PGOV EI SUBJECT: IRISH VIEW OF SHAPING POST-CYCLONE ASSISTANCE IN BURMA REF: STATE 68527 Classified By: Pol/Econ Section Chief Ted Pierce; Reasons 1.4 (B) and ( D). ¶1. (C) On June 30, 2008, POLOFF spoke with Conleth Brady, Deputy Director of the Asia and Oceania Division of the Department of Foreign Affairs. Brady indicated that to date Ireland had disbursed 1 million euro (USD 1.57 million) through Irish charities, and it is currently reviewing its ability to contribute additional funds. However, he stated that additional contributions would be dependent upon an EU decision to lift its restrictions on development aid to Burma. Ireland remains one of a small number of European States fully committed to a democratic Burma, Brady said, stating that the Irish position is "very close" to America's. He pointed out that Burma is the only Asian country in Ireland's current "Programme for Government" earmarked for long term assistance. Brady expects that as the need shifts from humanitarian assistance to development assistance, the international community will have greater leverage to influence the Burmese Government. FOLEY