SPAIN SUPPORTS EVENTUAL RUSSIAN OECD MEMBERSHIP

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 001688 SIPDIS PASS LABOR DEPARTMENT E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/27/2015 TAGS: AMGT EFIN ECON ETRD RS SP OECD NATO SUBJECT: SPAIN SUPPORTS EVENTUAL RUSSIAN OECD MEMBERSHIP REF: STATE 66309 Classified By: Economic Counselor Whitney Baird for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Econoff discussed reftel points with Ministry of Foreign Affairs Subdirector General for Multilateral Economic Relations Pablo Montesino-Espartero on April 27. SubDG Montesino discussed Spain's position with Spanish Ambassador to the OECD Fernando Ballestero Diaz prior to the discussion with Econoff. Spain supports eventual Russian membership in the OECD, however, the government feels that at this time Russia should only be "in the pipeline." Spain believes a decision on formal accession should not be taken at this time, and that the progress of Russia's internal reforms should be monitored. However, Montesino stressed the importance of the Differentiated Engagement Strategy (DES) and the importance of engaging Russia within that framework. According to Montesino, Russia must be part of the enlargement strategy, and thus Spain also supports Russia's continued participation in certain OECD working groups. ¶2. (C) Comment: When questioned whether Spain had already engaged Russia on an informal basis, Montesino only replied after a long period of hesitation. Montesino again repeated that Russia should be considered for OECD membership "in the future." End Comment. MANZANARES