SPAIN WILL CONTRIBUTE 2 ARMORED VEHICLES TO MFO

UNCLAS MADRID 000204 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/WE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SP SUBJECT: SPAIN WILL CONTRIBUTE 2 ARMORED VEHICLES TO MFO ¶1. According to Spanish MFA Deputy Director General for the Middle East Alberto Ucelay, Spain has initiated the paperwork to transfer two armored vehicles to the MFO. He could not provide a delivery timetable, but said that, "the contribution reflected Spain's concern for regional stability and recognized the MFO's important work." Choosing his words carefully, Ucelay noted, " this donation will complete Spain's 2007 announcement of additional support to the MFO." Although Embassy had been pressing for Spain to contribute a larger number of FAVs, Ucelay implied that Spain could not consider any additional funding or material transfers at this time. ¶2. The announcement follows persistant advocacy by Embassy during the last six months during meetings with Deputy FM Leon, MFA Political Advisor Dezcallar and MFA Middle East Director General Iranzo. Embassy will continue its efforts to seek increased scope of Spanish contributions to the MFO in the year ahead. AGUIRRE