SPANISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE RE ROAD SAFETY

UNCLAS MADRID 001061

SIPDIS

IO/T FOR JANE COWLEY AND FRANK OSTRANDER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELTN AORC SP UN WHO
SUBJECT: SPANISH RESPONSE TO DEMARCHE RE ROAD SAFETY

REF: STATE 55662


1. We delivered reftel demarche to the MFA, the Ministry of
the Interior, the Ministry of Public Works, and the Ministry
of Health and Consumer Affairs.


2. In follow-up conversations with Ana Paredes, Subdirector
General of Services for Technical Bodies and Rosario Bernal
Garcia, Head of Services for Technical Bodies, MFA, they
agreed that the Economic Commission for Europe,s Working
Party 1 (WP.1) has technical expertise in road safety related
issues. Paredes noted, however, that the WP.1 currently has
"geographical limitations" and assignment of additional
responsibilities would significantly expand its scope. The
GOS is not opposed to the USG position and will enter the
meetings with an "open mind." Bernal requested USG views on
whether the WP.1, if designated, should receive additional
funding to fulfill these expanded duties.


3. The Spanish delegations have not yet been determined.
Paredes said that Jose Miguel Corbinos, Counselor, Embassy of
Spain in Paris will be a part of the delegation for the Paris
meeting. Bernal anticipates that members of the Spanish
Mission to the United Nations will likewise attend the
meeting in New York. Bernal promised to inform us when the
delegates were named.
ARGYROS