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