SUDAN - UNAMID DEMARCHE REQUEST TO FOREIGN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 002195

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR D - GDELGADO, ALSO FOR EUR/WE AND IO/PSC

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/04/2017
TAGS: PREL KPKO UN SU SP
SUBJECT: SUDAN - UNAMID DEMARCHE REQUEST TO FOREIGN
MINISTER MORATINOS

REF: A. STATE 161824


B. LLORENS-ALLEGRONE EMAIL OF 11/29/07

Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDUARDO AGUIRRE, JR., REASONS 1.4B AND D.


1. (C) On December 4 the Ambassador raised the issue of
helicopters for UNAMID with FM Moratinos, emphasizing the
urgent need given UNAMID's lack of AIR mobility assets and
the enormous and rugged terrain in which UNAMID must operate.
He underscored that UNAMID's effectiveness was critical to
the entire effort to bring sustainable peace to Darfur and
avert a further humanitarian crisis. Moratinos said he
personally favored Spanish deployment of helicopters to
support UNAMID. He said it made good sense, was in a part of
the world Spain regarded as strategic, and would serve an
important humanitarian cause. Moratinos added that he had
discussed the issue with President Zapatero, who was also
favorably disposed. Nevertheless, Moratinos noted the MFA
did not control the assets. He said this decision would be
made by Minister of Defense Alonso, and Zapatero, according
to Moratinos, would not FORCE Alonso's hand. Moratinos
warned the MOD was already stretched thin by other
international commitments (echoing what MOD Secretary of
State for Security Policy Luis Cuesta told the Charge
d'Affaires November 30). Moratinos suggested the Ambassador
call Alonso, without mentioning that he had suggested the
call.


2. (C) The Ambassador will call Alonso and make the case to
him.
AGUIRRE