SPAIN: ZAPATERO GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZES AFGHANISTAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 002529

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/WE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2014
TAGS: PREL PGOV MOPS PTER SP
SUBJECT: SPAIN: ZAPATERO GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZES AFGHANISTAN
CONTRIBUTION; PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL LIKELY

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission J. Robert Manzanares,
reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: The Zapatero government's Council of
Ministers approved July 2 a substantial increase in Spain's
presence in Afghanistan. Zapatero will put the contribution
to a parliamentary vote Tuesday, July 6. We expect
parliament to approve the contribution. The GOS has proposed
to increase its Afghanistan presence to a total of between
940 and 1,040 troops. In addition, according to the GOS
plan, Spain would contribute 4 helicopters, 2 C-130s and a
field hospital. Included in the 940-1,040 figure would be a
battalion of 400-500 troops to provide security for
elections. This is welcome news from the Zapatero government
and the first sign it wishes to stay engaged in fighting
international terror since Zapatero pulled Spain's troops
from Iraq. End summary.


2. (U) Zapatero's Council of Ministers formally approved the
Afghanistan contribution that Foreign Minister Moratinos and
Defense Minister had briefed to the Congress's foreign
affairs and defense committees July 1. Of the total of
940-1,040 troops, 540 troops would be distributed among
Spain's 115-troop contribution to Eurocorps, a field
hospital, support for 4 helicopters and 2 C-130s and other
support and protection elements. In addition, the GOS has
proposed to send a battalion of 400-500 troops for a total of
90 days to provide security for Afghan elections currently
expected to be held in September.


3. (U) The Zapatero government also announced it plans to
withdraw its frigate currently supporting Operation Enduring
Freedom in the Indian Ocean (with its 217 sailors),and
approximately 130 additional troops currently stationed in
Afghanistan.


4. (C) Comment: This long awaited announcement from the
Zapatero government is welcome news and represents the first
significant sign the GOS wishes to stay engaged in the fight
against international terror since it withdrew Spain's troops
from Iraq in May. Zapatero has said he will seek a vote in
parliament to support the Afghanistan deployment, and all
indications are the legislature will handily approve the
move. The vote will likely happen Tuesday, July 6.

ARGYROS