SPANISH MFA ISSUES STRONG STATEMENT CONDEMNING

UNCLAS MADRID 003075 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL PTER IZ SP KPOA SUBJECT: SPANISH MFA ISSUES STRONG STATEMENT CONDEMNING TERROR IN IRAQ REF: MADRID 2991 ¶1. On August 5 we demarched the Spanish Foreign Ministry (MFA) encouraging Spain to make a strong statement condemning hostage taking and murder in Iraq (reftel). Assistant Secretary Burns raised the issue with Foreign Minister SIPDIS Moratinos August 8, and Moratinos requested a copy of Ambassador Boucher's August 4 statement on Iraq. We delivered the statement to FM Moratino's office on August 9, and on August 10, the MFA issued a strong communique condemning kidnappings and killings in Iraq. An unofficial translation of the MFA statement follows. ¶2. Text of August 10 MFA Communique: The Government wishes to express its deep concern for the wave of kidnappings and killings that have devastated Iraq in the last few months. Such criminal acts affect third-country nationals whose only wish is to participate in the reconstruction of Iraq and the return to normality in civilian life, are direct attacks against the security and stability of the whole of Iraqi society, and delay the full incorporation of Iraq into the international community. All this leads the Government to express its most robust condemnation against the recent kidnappings and assassinations, as well as the blackmail of governments and contract businesses, whose citizens and workers have been the victims of such acts. In addition, the Government reiterates its firm willingness to contribute, within the framework of the international community, to the stability, democratization, reconstruction, and territorial integrity of Iraq. MANZANARES