IRELAND ON OCTOBER GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 000449 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL EI EUN SUBJECT: IRELAND ON OCTOBER GAERC REF: A. ELIZABETH KONICK E-MAIL 10-17-2009 ¶B. WILLIAM LUCAS E-MAIL 10-18-2009 Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Dwight Nystrom. Reasons 1.4(b/d). ¶1. (U) On October 22 Poloff spoke with Peter Ryan, European Correspondent in the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) about the EU FMs, GAERC meeting on October 26-27. Ryan had the following comments: ¶2. (C) Afghanistan/Pakistan: The draft conclusions for the EU FMs further underscore the EU's engagement in Afghanistan and Pakistan, and its regional approach. The EU is ready to assist with the second round of elections in Afghanistan on November 7, and Ireland supports an EU role in the elections. Ryan said Ireland supports expanded EU civilian assistance in Afghanistan, but declined to comment specifically on full staffing of EUPOL. ¶3. (SBU) Western Balkans: The European integration process is moving forward in the Western Balkans, and will continue despite bumps along the way. It is important to Ireland that the 5 2 conditions be fulfilled before the Office of the High Representative transitions to an EU Special Representative. ¶4. (C) Middle East Peace: Ryan implied that GAERC discussion on this point could focus on perceived Israeli misdeeds, singling out Israeli settlement activity in East Jerusalem and the Israeli blockade of Gaza as topics of planned discussion. FAUCHER