SPAIN: ICAO DEMARCHE RESPONSE

UNCLAS MADRID 002071 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT PASS TO EUR/WE IO/T FOR FRANK OSTRANDER EB/TRA FOR DAS JOHN BYERLY E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR ASEC SP SUBJECT: SPAIN: ICAO DEMARCHE RESPONSE REF: STATE 83002 On May 06, Econoff delivered reftel points to both Pablo Montesino, Subdirector General of Air, Land and Sea Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and to Eugenia Llorens, Subdirector General of International Cooperation at the Civil Aviation Ministry. Montesino replied to Econoff on June 01, stating that Spain would likely support the imposition of two-year term limits on the positions of Secretary General and Council President. In addition, Montesino said that the GOS would also likely support changes that would provide the Secretary General with greater competency in regard to management of the Secretariat. Finally, Montesino said that Spain has not yet SIPDIS formulated a position in regard to candidates for the position of Secretary General. However, Montesino did say that the GOS would consider supporting a candidate from Latin America, with Mexico being named specifically, or Europe, should one be presented. (Comment: The GOS does not seem to have established a strong position in regard to these issues at this early stage. Econoff does not believe that Spain will vigorously support the re-election of Dr Cherif, but they are also unlikely to strongly oppose him. Econoff believes that Spain's position will develop over the next year and that a more accurate gauge of GOS views can be obtained closer to the election date. End Comment) MANZANARES