IRELAND'S VIEWS ON JULY 22-23 GAERC ISSUES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 DUBLIN 000428 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2018 TAGS: EUN PHUM PREL PGOV IR SO SU CD ZI UP EI SUBJECT: IRELAND'S VIEWS ON JULY 22-23 GAERC ISSUES REF: STATE 75702 Classified By: Classified By: Pol/Econ Section Chief Ted Pierce; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) POLOFF delivered reftel demarche on July 12 to Pat Kelly, European Correspondent, Department of Foreign Affairs. EU Foreign Ministers will be briefed by High Representative Javier Solana following his scheduled discussions with Saeed Jalili in Geneva on June 19. They will also hear from Tony Blair, who will brief the ministers on the peace process in the Middle East. Kelly noted that the EU and US are closely aligned on Somalia Policy. He added that Ireland and the EU are still looking at how best to support efforts in Somalia. Kelly indicated that Sudan/Darfur would not be on the agenda for this month's GAERC, but that he believes EU policy is in line with U.S. statements. With respect to Chad, Kelly believes the primary focus of the discussion will be on conducting a mid-term review of the EU operation and discussing how to transition to a UN mission. Kelly stated that the EU shares the U.S.'s disappointment in the failure of the UN Security Council to adopt the draft resolution on Zimbabwe. Ireland is supportive of further measures that would not directly extend the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. Kelly affirmed that the EU is anxious to broaden relations with Ukraine through use of the European neighborhood policy framework. End summary. -------------- Iran -------------- ¶2. (C) Kelly indicated that no conclusions would likely be reached on Iran during the GAERC. Mainly, he said, the Foreign Ministers would listen to High Representative Javier Solana's report-out on his discussions with Iranian leaders in Geneva on July 19. -------------- Middle East -------------- ¶3. (C) The Middle East will likely be an addition to the GAERC agenda as Tony Blair will brief the ministers on the peace process. Kelly indicated that the Irish Minister had just returned from Israel and that he believes events on the ground could still deteriorate. He emphasized the importance of settlements between Israel and the West Bank and a resolution to the Gaza crossings issue. -------------- Somalia -------------- ¶4. (C) On July 22, the Ministers are expected to endorse the political agreement. However, they are still undecided as to how to support implementation of the agreement. Kelly noted that work in Brussels is still ongoing. Ireland shares the U.S.'s concern over acts of piracy as an Irish national was kidnapped off the coast of Somalia. -------------- Sudan/Darfur -------------- ¶5. (C) Kelly stated that although this issue is not likely to be on the agenda, the EU is in line with U.S. statements. -------------- Chad -------------- ¶6. (C) Currently, Ireland maintains a force of 430 troops in Chad. The Ministers are expected to initiate a midterm review of the operation and to discuss next steps. Kelly indicated that the mission will likely lead into a follow-on UN mission. -------------- Zimbabwe -------------- ¶7. (C) Kelly stated that both Ireland and the EU share in the U.S.'s disappointment in the UN Security Council decision. The EU is expected to reaffirm its position and consider whether further pressure is necessary. Ireland's position is that encouraging African partners to cooperate and the formation of a transitional government with a genuine coalition is crucial. Kelly added that Ireland is supportive DUBLIN 00000428 002 OF 002 of further measures that would not directly extend the suffering of the Zimbabwean people. -------------- Ukraine -------------- ¶8. (C) The GAERC agenda includes the discussion of a new agreement between EU and Ukraine. Kelly stated that the Ministers are anxious to develop relations with Ukraine and are preparing for an EU/Ukraine summit in early September. FOLEY