IRELAND'S VIEWS ON UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY THIRD

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000523 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/14/2018 TAGS: PHUM PREL UN EI SUBJECT: IRELAND'S VIEWS ON UN GENERAL ASSEMBLY THIRD COMMITTEE 2008 HUMAN RIGHTS PRIORITIES REF: STATE 95334 Classified By: Political Section Chief Theodore S. Pierce; Reasons 1.4 (B) and (D) -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) On September 12, POLOFF spoke with James McIntyre, Director of Human Rights at the Department of Foreign Affairs. Ireland largely shares the same priorities as the U.S. for the Third Committee. However, Ireland believes that this year will be more difficult than ever to get support for a human rights resolution on Iran. The EU is in agreement that both the Burma and DPRK resolutions must be introduced, and plans to introduce both. In light of the recent developments in Zimbabwe, the EU prefers to table that resolution. The EU would prefer to delay action on Belarus until after the September 20 election. Ireland and the EU are anxiously awaiting a draft copy of the Freedom of Expression resolution. In the context of the Third Committee, indications are that the French Presidency will take on a dominant role. However, some member states are beginning to question the France-centric approach. End Summary. -------------- No Action Resolutions -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The EU and Ireland share the U.S.'s determination in this area. -------------- Iran -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Both the EU and Ireland are strongly in support of this resolution. However, given the current climate, Ireland anticipates more difficulty than ever this year. -------------- Burma and DPRK -------------- ¶4. (C) The EU plans to introduce resolutions on both of these countries and Ireland is in full support. McIntyre stated the situation in the DPRK is bad and not improving and that he believes support for this resolution is growing. -------------- Zimbabwe and Sudan -------------- ¶5. (C) In light of the recent developments in Zimbabwe, the EU believes this resolution will be tabled. Regarding Sudan, The EU's priority is to renew the mandate. The current plan is to introduce a single resolution that will both renew the mandate and address human rights issues. If this is blocked, the EU would prefer to separate the two elements. McIntyre expects there will be a strong need to jointly demarche the Africa Group. -------------- Belarus -------------- ¶6. (C) McIntyre stated that the EU believes the situation in Belarus may be changing. Their objective is to wait for the results of the September 20 election before determining how best to move forward. -------------- Freedom of Expression -------------- ¶7. (SBU) In principle, Ireland and the EU support freedom of expression. However they have not yet seen the draft text, and request further guidance ASAP. -------------- Freedom of Religion -------------- ¶8. (SBU) Both Ireland and the EU hold this goal as a priority. -------------- Comment -------------- ¶9. (C) McIntyre's comments indicate that there may be emerging discontent under the French EU Presidency. He stated that the French are pressing more issues than any of their predecessors and that their style is much less collaborative than the other member states would like. Further, he indicated there is a perception that France's national self-interest seems to be playing a significant role in the presidency. FOLEY