SPAIN'S VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE MAY 23 EU FOREIGN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 001891

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/18/2015
TAGS: CH PREL SU MARR MOPS SP EUN
SUBJECT: SPAIN'S VIEWS IN ADVANCE OF THE MAY 23 EU FOREIGN
MINISTERS MEETING

REF: A. STATE 90085

B. MADRID 1879

Classified By: Political Counselor Kathleen Fitzpatrick for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) SUMMARY: Poloff discussed the China Arms Embargo,
European Security and Defense Policy (ESDP),and Sudan with
Carlos Fernandez-Arias, MFA EU Policy Coordinator (and
Special Assistant to MFA Political Director Dezcallar) on May

17. Fernandez-Arias does not expect the China Arms Embargo
to be lifted this year, and he claimed Spain's position
regarding the arms embargo remains unchanged, despite Defense
Minister Bono's personal opposition to lifting the embargo
(Ref B). The GOS believes that recent NATO and EU
cooperation in Bosnia proves that NATO and the EU can work
together well. EU states agree with the U.S. agenda in Sudan
and are waiting to hear what type of logistical support is
needed by the African Union. The Middle East Peace Process
and budgetary issues will also be discussed during the May 23
Foreign Ministers Meeting (GAERC). END SUMMARY.

//CHINA ARMS EMBARGO//


2. (C) Fernandez-Arias does not foresee a lifting of the
China Arms Embargo during the Presidencies of Luxembourg and
the United Kingdom. EU states have agreed that there must be
significant movement on both human rights and political
reform in China before the conditions will be right for the
lifting of the arms embargo (a point Moratinos alluded to in
his speech before the U.S.-Spain Council May 14 - see Ref B).
Fernandez-Arias said the issue of the China Arms Embargo
would not be discussed at the GAERC meeting on May 23. He
added that EU member states would like to continue dialogue
with the U.S. and address U.S. concerns over China before
agreeing to end the arms embargo. Poloff emphasized to
Fernandez-Arias that discussions of the U.S.- EU Strategic
Dialogue on East Asia in Brussels on May 23 would not be a
negotiation with the EU, but rather a discussion of strategic
issues in East Asia, including China's military build-up.
Fernandez-Arias confirmed to Poloff that Spain's mid to
long-term view of the China Arms Embargo remains unchanged.
Basically, Spain favors a lifting of the China Arms Embargo
with an enhanced code of conduct after China delivers
political and human rights reforms. (Embassy Comment:
Fernandez-Arias' comment about Spain's position on the China
Arms Embargo likely is not the final word on this issue now
that the popular and influential Bono has publicly put
forward his personal opposition to lifting the embargo. We
will use Bono's opening to press the Spanish for a more
favorable position on the embargo as the GOS seeks to improve
ties with the U.S.)

//ESDP//


3. (C) Fernandez-Arias told Poloff that Foreign Ministers
would discuss elements of NATO and EU cooperation in Bosnia.
Spain believes in the Berlin-Plus arrangements and welcomes
further cooperation between NATO and the EU. Fernandez-Arias
added that Bosnia was a good example of how NATO and the EU
can work together.

//SUDAN//


4. (C) Fernandez-Arias told Poloff that Spain agrees
completely with U.S. objectives in Sudan. He told Poloff
that EU members expected African Union President Alpha Oumar
Konare to ask for both financial and logistical support in
Sudan during his current meetings in Brussels.

//OTHER ISSUES//


5. (C) The Middle East Peace Process will likely be
discussed in Brussels, according to Fernandez-Arias. The
discussions will likely focus on finding a European deputy
for Quartet Special Envoy James Wolfensohn.


6. (C) Fernandez-Arias told Poloff that few external
political issues would be discussed. Discussions at the
GAERC meeting would likely focus on financial perspectives
concerning the current EU budget debate, defense cooperation
and ESDP developments, and budgetary issues concerning EU
economic development and cooperation initiatives in the third
world.
NEALON