US embassy cable - 04DUBLIN1020

C O N F I D E N T I A L DUBLIN 001020 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2014 
TAGS: PREL, EAID, EUN 
SUBJECT: IRISH RESPONSE TO GAERC DEMARCHE 
 
REF: STATE 147536 
 
Classified By: POL CHIEF MARY DALY FOR REASONS 1.4.B 
 
(C) Emboffs delivered reftel points on July 9 to Deputy 
Political Director Paul Kavanagh.  He offered the following 
comments: 
 
--In regards to the China arms embargo, Kavanagh said that if 
the UK holds a hard line against lifting the embargo, it 
likely will remain in effect; however, if the UK appears to 
be softening then the embargo likely would be lifted. 
 
--In regards to Asia and the EU-ASEM summit, Kavanagh stated 
the Dutch will appoint former Dutch Foreign Minster Hans van 
den Broek to be special envoy for Burma.  He also stated that 
there are differing views within the EU regarding how the 
worsening human rights situation in Burma will effect the 
October EU-ASEM summit.  While Germany, France, Italy, 
Poland, and Austria are willing to accept Burmese 
participation in the summit at the ministerial level (as 
opposed to PM level), the UK is holding firm to the position 
that the EU must take a strong stance (likely in the refusal 
of any Burmese participation) until Burma shows positive 
signs of reform.  Kavanagh stated the issue on how to address 
the Burma situation is unlikely to be resolved until the 
September GAERC.  He said Asian countries were aware of the 
divergent views within the EU and would play on that. 
 
--In regards to Helms-Burton, Kavanagh promised to inform 
Irish Foreign Minister Cowen on the status of Title III of 
the Act and also reiterated Irish concerns that Helms-Burton 
is an extra-territorial law. 
 
--Kavanagh confirmed Iraqi PM Allawi's attendance at the 
GAERC and added that reftel items regarding Iraq, 
Afghanistan, and Venezuela are still being considered within 
the EU. Post will report in septel if substantive information 
is made available. 
FORT