SPAIN ON UN SCALE OF ASSESSMENTS

UNCLAS MADRID 003083 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS IO/MPR FOR G. ABRAHAMS, D. LEIS, H. WARD USUN/MR FOR AMBASSADOR WALLACE AND A. HILLMAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT AORC PREL UNGA SP SUBJECT: SPAIN ON UN SCALE OF ASSESSMENTS REF: A. STATE 200954 ¶B. MADRID 2512 ¶1. (SBU) Poloff delivered ref. A demarche to Miriam Alvarez, Spanish MFA Deputy Subdirector General for the United Nations, on December 20. After consulting with New York and the MFA Director General in charge of UN affairs, Alvarez informed Poloff on December 21 that the debate was ongoing in New York, but said that Spain understands the United States position and will continue working toward a consensus agreement. She noted that Spain could not speak on behalf of the entire EU, but she promised to convey our position to other European delegations in New York. Alvarez also mentioned that a Chinese diplomat had paid a visit to their office on the same topic on December 20. ¶2. (SBU) Ref. B summarizes Spain's position from October 2006: Spain understands that the 22 percent ceiling is a red line for the United States, but it would appreciate assurances that the U.S. will fully clear its arrears and pay its dues in a timely fashion, as well as making a significant contribution to the UN Capital Master Plan. -------------- Visit Embassy Madrid's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/madrid/ -------------- AGUIRRE