SPAIN: AFGHANISTAN TRAGEDY OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR

UNCLAS MADRID 002943

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

TO THE SECRETARY AND EUR DAN FRIED FROM THE AMBASSADOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV SP MARR
SUBJECT: SPAIN: AFGHANISTAN TRAGEDY OFFERS OPPORTUNITY FOR
HIGHEST LEVEL OUTREACH


1. (SBU) The tragic loss of 17 Spanish military personnel in
the helicopter crash in Afghanistan offers the opportunity
for the US to reach out to the Spanish public through their
senior leadership as we express our condolences on the loss
of life and our support for Spain's continued commitment to
the task in Afghanistan. Your outreach to Moratinos and Dan
Fried's to National Security advisor Casajuana reinforced
this message. They were both extremely grateful to receive
the calls.


2. (SBU) President Zapatero has just appeared on national TV
with a firm statement underscoring the courage of Spanish
troops in a humanitarian mission to bring about peace and
stability and an end to tyranny and violence in Afghanistan.
He also saluted their efforts in Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo.
At this point, Zapatero and Defense Minister Bono's rapid
reaction seems aimed at maintaining public support for this
Spanish Parliament-approved mission. They are also seeking
to avert the kind of political controversy that embroiled the
previous government over the alleged mismanagement of an
Afghanistan related plane crash in 2003, in which 62 Spanish
military personnel lost their lives. Personal outreach by the
President to Zapatero, as the head of the Spanish government,
would send a welcome public diplomacy signal as we work to
create a positive environment in which the Spanish government
can cooperate with the US on issues of vital concern to us.
You will be in the best position to recommend the form and
content of that personal outreach. As always, I am grateful
for your support and that of our colleagues in EUR.
AGUIRRE