SPAIN RECEIVES DEMARCHE ON PRESIDENT'S IRAQ POLICY

UNCLAS MADRID 000061 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/WE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MOPS PGOV PREL IZ SP SUBJECT: SPAIN RECEIVES DEMARCHE ON PRESIDENT'S IRAQ POLICY ADDRESS REF: SECSTATE 3592 DCM, accompanied by visiting UNVIE Ambassador Greg Schulte, made reftel points January 11 to Spanish National Security Advisor Carles Casajuana. The DCM outlined the security, political/economic, and international engagement elements of the new strategy. Acknowledging past differences on Iraq, the DCM underscored that Spain and the U.S. agreed on the need for a stable and democratic Iraq. The DCM noted Spain's strong support for the Iraq Compact and the significant commitment of Spanish economic assistance to the Maliki government. He encouraged Spain to stay engaged in helping to stabilize Iraq, strengthen its economy, bolster moderates, and foster national reconciliation. The DCM provided Casajuana with a copy of an NSC-produced presentation outlining the new Iraq strategy and said we looked forward to continued engagement with Spain on Iraq. Casajuana said he would review the material we provided. Casajuana's discussions with Schulte on the Iranian nuclear weapons program will be reported septel. Aguirre