INVITATION FROM SPANISH MINISTRY OF DEFENSE TO

UNCLAS MADRID 001207 SIPDIS FOR EUR/WE, ALSO FOR EUR/RPM AND NEA/RA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR PREL SP SUBJECT: INVITATION FROM SPANISH MINISTRY OF DEFENSE TO PARTICIPATE IN SEMINAR ON SECURITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, BARCELONA, DECEMBER 1-2, 2008 ¶1. (U) The Ambassador received November 13 the following letter (translated in relevant part) from Manuel Lopez Blazquez, Spanish MOD Director General of Institutional Relations. Begin text: The Ministry of Defense of Spain and the CIDOB Foundation of Barcelona (Center of Investigation of International Relations and Development),sponsor annually an international seminar concerning security and defense in the Mediterranean. The meeting constitutes a forum for the exchange of ideas in relation to Mediterranean security. Moreover, it is a point of encounter that encourages mutual understanding and relations between the coastal countries of the Mediterranean, those of the European Union, those of NATO, and those others interested in this question because of their geographic proximity. The seventh edition of the seminar will be celebrated in Barcelona December 1-2. In this meeting, we intend to review the initiatives of cooperation underway and contemplate possible future perspectives in areas such as the ESPD in the Mediterranean, scenarios of security (or insecurity) in the Mediterranean, fundamental freedoms and security in the Mediterranean, civil-military cooperation in humanitarian missions, and the reform of the security sector. A provisional agenda is attached. Minister (of Defense) Carme Chacon has directed a letter to her counterparts in the countries previously mentioned inviting them to designate a representative of their department to participate in the seminar. In this regard, I ask that the Embassy make a direct effort to encourage the present of representatives of your country who have responsibilities or interests in the subjects that will be dealt with in this seminar. Additionally, it would be a great satisfaction to count on your presence in the seminar or, if you consider it convenient, that of Embassy personnel whom you consider opportune. End text. ¶2. (U) Please advise if there is interest from Washington (or elsewhere) in sending a representative to this seminar. We will send a copy of the draft agenda to EUR/WE. AGUIRRE