SPAIN: DEMARCHE ON USG PRIORITIES FOR UN REFORM

UNCLAS MADRID 002365 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KUNR AORC SP UNSC SUBJECT: SPAIN: DEMARCHE ON USG PRIORITIES FOR UN REFORM REF: A. STATE 11657 ¶B. STATE 11637 Charge conveyed Ref A demarche to the office of Minister of Foreign Affairs Miguel Angel Moratinos (who was in Brussels at the time) on June 17. Poloff had delivered Refs A and B demarches to Juan Manuel Gonzales de Linares, the Deputy Director General for UN Affairs at the MFA, on June 16, noting that there would be senior-level Embassy follow-up. Gonzales de Linares told Poloff that the GOS strongly agrees with the need for UN reform. After reading Ref A talking points, he said that Spain supports U.S. reform priorities, although he could not fully comment on the budget issues contained in the demarche. Gonzales de Linares said that the GOS strongly supports the creation of a Human Rights Council, the creation of a Peacebuilding Commission, and the adoption of a Comprehensive Convention on Terrorism. The GOS wants a "sober and reflective" discussion of UNSC reform, but does not support new permanent members on the UNSC. He promised to circulate Ref A and Ref B talking points within the MFA. Polcouns and Poloff will follow up on these USG priorities with senior MFA officials in charge of UN issues in a meeting already scheduled for June 22. MANZANARES