Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MADRID1035
2007-05-29 13:49:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Madrid
how-toVZCZCXRO8772 PP RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHMD #1035 1491349 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 291349Z MAY 07 FM AMEMBASSY MADRID TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2648 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS PRIORITY 0331 RUEHLA/AMCONSUL BARCELONA PRIORITY 2755
C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 001035
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NEA/ELA FOR S. SITA SONTY
NEA/PI FOR KENT PATTON
DRL/NESCA FOR JOE BARGHOUT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/25/2017
TAGS: KDEM PREL SY SP
SUBJECT: SPAIN ON SYRIA REFERENDUM
REF: STATE 71071
Classified By: DCM Hugo Llorens; reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 001035
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NEA/ELA FOR S. SITA SONTY
NEA/PI FOR KENT PATTON
DRL/NESCA FOR JOE BARGHOUT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/25/2017
TAGS: KDEM PREL SY SP
SUBJECT: SPAIN ON SYRIA REFERENDUM
REF: STATE 71071
Classified By: DCM Hugo Llorens; reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
1. (C) Poloff contacted MFA Subdirector General for the
Middle East Alberto Ucelay on 5/25 to relay reftel points,
urging Ucelay to issue a statement calling attention to
Syria's sham May 27 Presidential Referendum. Ucelay, who had
returned that day from Lebanon, acknowledged that Spain did
not view the referendum as a democratic process, but said
Spain did not intend to issue a statement. Ucelay was
uncertain as to whether the EU would issue a statement, but
noted that in most cases, Spain would not issue an
independent declaration if an EU statement was being
contemplated.
//COMMENT//
2. (C) Spain has taken the lead within the EU to ease Syria's
isolation, so it is not surprising that Madrid would not take
a forward-leaning position on this issue. Spanish officials
do not view the Syrian opposition as representing a
significant force for change in Damascus and therefore favor
engaging and developing relationships with the current
leadership, particularly those they view as more open to
reforms (notably the Foreign Minister and the Communications
Minister).
AGUIRRE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
NEA/ELA FOR S. SITA SONTY
NEA/PI FOR KENT PATTON
DRL/NESCA FOR JOE BARGHOUT
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/25/2017
TAGS: KDEM PREL SY SP
SUBJECT: SPAIN ON SYRIA REFERENDUM
REF: STATE 71071
Classified By: DCM Hugo Llorens; reasons 1.4 (B) and (D)
1. (C) Poloff contacted MFA Subdirector General for the
Middle East Alberto Ucelay on 5/25 to relay reftel points,
urging Ucelay to issue a statement calling attention to
Syria's sham May 27 Presidential Referendum. Ucelay, who had
returned that day from Lebanon, acknowledged that Spain did
not view the referendum as a democratic process, but said
Spain did not intend to issue a statement. Ucelay was
uncertain as to whether the EU would issue a statement, but
noted that in most cases, Spain would not issue an
independent declaration if an EU statement was being
contemplated.
//COMMENT//
2. (C) Spain has taken the lead within the EU to ease Syria's
isolation, so it is not surprising that Madrid would not take
a forward-leaning position on this issue. Spanish officials
do not view the Syrian opposition as representing a
significant force for change in Damascus and therefore favor
engaging and developing relationships with the current
leadership, particularly those they view as more open to
reforms (notably the Foreign Minister and the Communications
Minister).
AGUIRRE