SPAIN'S VIEWS ON DECEMBER GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MADRID 001282 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/05/2018 TAGS: PGOV PREL EUN SP ZL IS PK CG TU SUBJECT: SPAIN'S VIEWS ON DECEMBER GAERC REF: STATE 127023 MADRID 00001282 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: DCM Arnold Chacon for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Poloff delivered reftel demarche to Spanish MFA Deputy European Correspondent Maria Luisa Benitez Donoso on December ¶4. Benitez said that the GAERC agenda will include the EU Enlargement, MEPP, the Congo, Pakistan, declarations on ESDP, and Solana's presentation of the European Security Strategy. Benitez shared that the EU will also send a clear message of support to India, condemning the attacks, as well as Zimbabwe conclusions, calling for the EU to act with one voice, with a prudent yet strong hand, and showing support for the mediation and signed agreement. Western Balkans ¶2. (C) Benitez said that EU enlargement and European Neighborhood Partnership Action Plans would be discussed in general terms with respect to the Western Balkans. We want to share the "European perspective," she said, "that is, if reforms are made, membership is possible." With respect to Bosnia, Benitez said that the GOS generally agrees with USG points, supports the Prud/Odzak agreement, and continues to discuss the OHR objectives and incentives which could encourage completion of the objectives. Macedonia's dispute over its name, however, wilQ a barrier to EU membership, according to BeniQ "This is an issue that must be negotiated, as Greece is extreQ critical of Macedonia's prospects given the current dispute," she said. EU Enlargement and Turkey ¶3. (C) Turkey will not be discussed within the GAERC itself, but rather addressed by the Commission, according to Benitez. She said that the GOS remains supportive of Turkey's accession to the EU. On whether and when accession chapters will be opened on judicial reform and energy, Benitez had no definitive answer. "Spain supports opening of these chapters, but France is staunchly opposed," she said. Israeli-Palestinian Peace ¶4. (C) Benitez said that Spain's views coincided with the U.S. desire to support negotiation to the extent possible without jeopardizing the integrity of the process. She indicated that the MEPP GAERC discussion will focus on international community support for the process and acknowledgment of the progression thus far. She said that the GOS supports "upgrading" EU/Israel relations, as well as the tenants within the Arab Peace Initiative. EU High Representative Solana and EU Commissioner for External Relations Ferrero-Waldner propose revisiting the "Statebuilding for Peace in the Middle East: An EU Action Strategy," and engaging in additional discussion on the EU strategy, specifically on EU support in assisting the parties with movement toward the two-state resolution. Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) ¶5. (C) The GOS supports the appointments of President Obasanjo and President Nkapa and believes there is room for dialogue in resolution of the crisis in the eastern DRC. The GOS also believes that there is still a role for both the Nairobi Communique and Goma Agreement and that these processes provide the appropriate framework for long-term stabilization. She added that the GOS is deeply concerned regarding the humanitarian situation in the eastern provinces of the DRC, and Spain will likely contribute support to the United Nations Mission in the Congo (MONUC). Pakistan ¶6. (C) The GOS supports the Friends of Democratic Pakistan initiative according to Benitez. She said that the EU will send a clear message to Pakistan that it must cooperate with its neighbors (without mentioning any states in particular). Benitez added that the EU will also send positive signals to Pakistan, discussing potential trade agreements and planning for a 2009 EU/Pakistan Summit. ESDP Conclusions ¶7. (C) Benitez explained that the renewal of ESDP's role was an important objective for France in its presidency. The December GAERC will issue conclusions regarding the ESDP and the reinforcement of military capabilities and international security issues such as counterterrorism efforts, non-proliferation, cyber security, and piracy. This will be a restatement of ESDP strategic objectives as stated throughout the year, she said. MADRID 00001282 002.2 OF 002 European Security Strategy ¶8. (C) EU High Representative Solana will present the revised European Security Strategy, as writtQ by the European Council. The most significant anticipated change from the 2003 Strategy, according to Benitez, will be a policy for energy security. AGUIRRE