US embassy cable - 04DUBLIN1057

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001057 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL, PHUM, PREF, PARM, MOPS, EAID 
SUBJECT: IRISH RESPOND POSITIVELY TO REQUEST FOR CONTINUED 
SUPPORT IN DARFUR 
 
REF: STATE 153857 
 
1.  Summary.  Irish officials Don Sexton and Pat Kelly 
responded positively to the request for European support for 
deployment of an African Union (AU) protection force.  Both 
stressed Ireland's interest in African affairs, especially 
regarding humanitarian aid.  Ireland has given nearly three 
million euros in assistance for basic needs in Darfur and 
plans to lend more financial assistance upon the Minister of 
State for Development Tom Kitt's return from Darfur. End 
Summary. 
 
2.  Emboff, drawing on reftel points, spoke on July 15 with 
Don Sexton, First Secretary in the Development Cooperation 
Division at the DFA.  Sexton stated that Ireland already 
supports the AU Mission in Sudan and that EU funding for the 
mission was fast-tracked during the Irish Presidency. 
Ireland also provides one of the EU observers in Darfur. 
Sexton informed emboff that Minister of State for Development 
Tom Kitt is in Darfur and is planning additional GOI 
contributions based upon his findings in the region.  Sexton, 
while not being able to provide an exact amount, stated he 
was confident the new funding would exceed the previous 2.9 
million euro donation. Sexton continued to stress that 
Ireland's main goal for the next 12-18 months is to meet 
Darfur's humanitarian needs, such as food and health care. 
 
3.  In regards to the GOI's willingness to play a direct role 
in organizing and deploying an international protection 
force, Sexton stated that Ireland is willing to listen to all 
suggestions and initiatives but generally follows a UN 
mandate. Sexton could not supply specifics in terms of what 
types of support could be expected from the GOI in the future. 
 
4.  Following the meeting with Sexton, emboff spoke with Pat 
Kelly, Deputy Director of African Affairs at the DFA.  Kelly 
reiterated the points made by Sexton in the earlier meeting, 
stressing Ireland's interest in Sudan and the GOI's 
willingness to assist the AU.  Kelly stated that their 
primary efforts will continue to go towards the AU mission, 
but they are willing to examine further initiatives.  Kelly 
also stressed that the GOI will continue to work within the 
UN. 
KENNY