US embassy cable - 04DUBLIN1028

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001028 
 
SIPDIS 
 
OES/OA JEAN-PIERRE PLE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: EFIS, SENV, IWC 
SUBJECT: IRELAND IN AGREEMENT WITH US REGARDING MEETING OF 
THE INTERNATIONAL WHALING COMMISSION 
 
REF: STATE 145797 
 
1.  Summary.  Irish IWC Commissioner O'Grady stated that 
Ireland's positions follow closely with all US positions 
mentioned in reftel.  O'Grady, however, did elaborate on 
Ireland's positions regarding sanctuaries, and finance and 
administration.  O'Grady stated that the GOI believes 
sanctuaries are undermined unless all IWC members agree to 
them; thus, Ireland will abstain on votes to create new 
sanctuaries unless there is consensus.  O'Grady also stated 
the GOI shares the USG concern regarding the financial 
situation of the IWC and would advocate bi-annual meetings 
and the maintaining of English as the working language of the 
IWC to minimize costs.  End Summary. 
 
SANCTUARIES 
=========== 
 
2.  Emboff, drawing on reftel points, spoke on July 9 with 
Chris O'Grady, Director of National Parks and Wildlife at the 
Department of the Environment and Ireland's Commissioner to 
the International Whaling Commission (IWC).  Regarding 
sanctuaries, O'Grady stated Ireland would abstain from all 
votes calling for the creation of new sanctuaries unless 
there is a consensus because the GOI believes sanctuaries are 
undermined unless IWC countries fully abide by them.  O'Grady 
cited Japan as a prime example of a country that does not 
respect sanctuary boundaries.  O'Grady also said that by 
abstaining the GOI wants to be seen as a country that favors 
conservation but also understands the concerns of countries 
that advocate increased whaling.  This, the GOI hopes, will 
allow Ireland to be seen as a country that can facilitate 
agreement between opposing sides.  He stated Ireland would 
continue to support the Southern Ocean Sanctuary. 
 
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION 
========================== 
 
3.  O'Grady stated that the GOI shares USG concerns regarding 
the IWC's financial situation.  O'Grady stated that with new 
francophone members being admitted there may be a movement to 
implement translation of all IWC conferences and materials to 
other languages besides the working language of English.  He 
stated that while the GOI understands the reasoning behind 
the possibly proposal, it would be concerned about the cost 
translation would entail.  O'Grady also stated that he 
previously suggested that the IWC meet on a bi-annual basis 
as opposed to annually.  Besides lowering costs, O'Grady 
suggested that this would give countries "time to catch their 
breath" before the next meeting, possibly reducing the 
polarization experienced at the present annual meetings. 
According to O'Grady, the Norwegians already expressed 
support to him for bi-annual meetings. 
FORT