IRISH GOVERNMENT ON OUTCOME OF MAY 2008 CLUSTER

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000398 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/03/2018 TAGS: PARM PREL PGOV MOPS NATO EI SUBJECT: IRISH GOVERNMENT ON OUTCOME OF MAY 2008 CLUSTER MUNITIONS CONFERENCE REF: A. STATE 66793 ¶B. DUBLIN 251 Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Ted Pierce; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) POLOFFs met on June 26 with Nicholas Twist, Deputy Director, Department of Foreign Affairs, to review the outcome of the May 19-30, 2008 Cluster Munitions Conference in Dublin (Ref A). During the Conference, the Irish achieved their two main objectives: the condemnation of cluster munitions; and the maintenance of interoperability in peacekeeping initiatives (Article 21) ) the latter a key desired outcome for the U.S. and other holders of cluster munitions. The Irish Government also recognizes and respects the U.S. Government's commitment to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) (Ref B) and intends to actively participate in the CCW. This does not necessarily mean, however, that the Irish can be expected to agree with U.S. positions in the CCW. End summary. -------------- Dublin Cluster Munitions Conference -------------- ¶2. (C) Twist told POLOFFs that the Irish Government was both relieved and delighted with the outcome of the conference. With considerable behind-the-scenes arm-twisting, he said, Ireland's two main objectives were realized: the condemnation of cluster munitions and the maintenance of interoperability in peacekeeping endeavors (Article 21),where, he said, Ireland is a key stakeholder. (Note: Ten percent of Ireland's 8,500-troop army is deployed on overseas peacekeeping missions at any given time. End note.) Twist noted the Irish Government's appreciation of U.S. views of the outcome of the conference (Ref B). ¶3. (C) Twist said that the next step in the Oslo Process would be the signing of the Cluster Munitions Convention in Oslo in December, 2008. He stated that there would be a great deal of work to accomplish during the remainder of the year to assist nations in ratifying the Convention. He conveyed that he expected the Irish Parliament to produce a ratification instrument quickly, which could then be used as a template for other nations that might not be as far along in the process. Twist noted that widespread regional seminars and conferences would be held across Europe to explain the outcome of the Dublin conference. He mentioned that Bulgaria and Uganda might hold conferences in the near future. While Ireland hopes for the Convention to come into force by the end of 2008, Twist acknowledged that it may take more time to get the required number of nations (30) to deposit instruments of ratification. ¶4. (C) Twist stated that the Irish Government recognized and respected the U.S. Government's commitment to the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW) (Ref B). He noted that Ireland was firmly committed to working with the U.S. to move the CCW process forward during the July conference in Geneva, declaring that Ireland has "always been keen" on the United Nations as an institution and that this platform was not going to change. Nonetheless, Twist warned that Ireland would push back in Geneva if it perceived any attempts to dilute the outcome of the Dublin Cluster Munitions Conference. ¶5. (C) Twist asked about the ongoing U.S. Government internal review on the future uses of cluster munitions, requesting the latest read-out. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶6. (C) At the heart of Ireland's commitment to a ban on cluster munitions lies a national ethos of humanitarian initiative and military neutrality. However, the Irish are also pragmatic ) they understand the need for credible military forces, which can take on peacekeeping interventions that are often necessary to create conditions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Irish worked hard ) and successfully ) during the Dublin Conference to achieve an outcome that addressed their concerns, but was workable for the U.S. and other holders of cluster munitions. This does not necessarily mean, however, that the Irish can be expected to agree with U.S. positions in the CCW. FOLEY