SPAIN SUPPORTS USG INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN IAEA

UNCLAS MADRID 000633 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT FOR EUR/WE AND NP/MNA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KNNP PARM TRGY SP IAEA SUBJECT: SPAIN SUPPORTS USG INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN IAEA REF: STATE 21700 (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel points February 9 to the Spanish MFA's deputy director for International Disarmament Affairs Marcos Rodriguez. Rodriguez said the GOS supports the USG proposal to set up a Special Committee within the IAEA to help ensure that countries meet their safeguard obligations and comply with the IAEA Additional Protocols and the Non-Proliferation Treaty. He noted that Spain now serves as an observer on the IAEA Board of Governors and is not in a position to vote on the USG proposal. However, Spain would favor the implementation of the proposed draft terms of reference for the Special Committee. It would also recommend that member states under investigation for non-compliance not be permitted to participate in decisions of the Board or the Special Committee. MANZANARES