SPANISH NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER ON CUBA

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 003066 SIPDIS SIPDIS NOFORN E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2016 TAGS: PREL SP CU SUBJECT: SPANISH NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISER ON CUBA Classified By: Ambassador Eduardo Aguirre for reasons 1.4 (b) & (d). ¶1. (C/NF) SUMMARY: In a December 1 meeting, Spanish National Security Adviser Carles Casajuana told WHA A/S Tom Shannon and the Ambassador that he would discuss a possible EU statement on the future of Cuba with President Zapatero and Foreign Minister Moratinos. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (C/NF) A/S Tom Shannon, in Madrid for the Haiti Donors Conference (septel),and the Ambassador met with National Security Adviser Carles Casajuana on December 1. Shannon thanked Casajuana for the GOS's efforts in hosting the conference, which provided a useful opportunity to check signals with other donors. ¶3. (C/NF) Regarding the situation in Cuba, Shannon described the USG's continuing efforts to push for a transition to democracy rather than a succession from Fidel to Raul. Shannon said that, although there is no way to predict how the transition will unfold, it is important that the Cuban people and the nations who support them share a common vision of Cuba's democratic future. The Ambassador reminded Casajuana that FM Moratinos had committed Spain's support for an EU statement on democracy in Cuba in a conversation with the Secretary in July, but that so far Spain had not fulfilled this promise. He said that the Cubans deserve to know that the European democracies will support their efforts toward democracy. He also pointed out to Casajuana that just as the US had acceded to Spain's desire to include in the NATO Riga Summit communique a reference to the Alliance of Civilizations, the US would appreciate Spain's leadership on this issue. ¶4. (C/NF) Casajuana replied that the US and Spain have three key points in common: (1) they disagree with the present regime; (2) Cuba needs to evolve to full democracy; and (3) the transition will not be easy and bloodshed and serious instability should be avoided. He said that the US and Spain disagree on the rhythm of change in Cuba, and argued for patience, noting that while early, possibly ugly phases of transition will seem to last forever, they will indeed pass. Casajuana said that he would discuss a possible EU statement with Zapatero and Moratinos. ¶5. (C/NF) Shannon also previewed the USG's plans to engage with the many new governments in the Americas beginning in early 2007. He told Casajuana that the USG would look for ways to link our policies and programs to the daily reality of Latin Americans and Caribbeans, highlighting how we enhance job creation, good education, and health care. He noted Spain's credibility with Latin Americans on social issues and said that, when the Secretary visits Spain in 2007, the communique could focus on the social content of democracy. ¶6. (C/NF) Casajuana embraced this idea, noting that Spain currently spends 0.5 percent of GDP on international cooperation and will soon raise this to 0.7 percent. He said that President Zapatero is very involved in cooperation and development issues and Spain is happy to be involved in messages about reducing poverty and social exclusion. ¶7. (U) A/S Shannon cleared this cable. AGUIRRE