SPANISH FM MORATINOS TO PARTICIPATE IN MAY 2 AHLC

UNCLAS MADRID 000458 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/WE, NEA/RA, NEA/IPA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID KPAL PREL SP SUBJECT: SPANISH FM MORATINOS TO PARTICIPATE IN MAY 2 AHLC REF: STATE 40303 ¶1. In response to reftel demarche, Deputy Director General Alberto Ucelay told us that Foreign Minister Moratinos will attend the May 2 AHCL in London. Ucelay said that the Spanish MFA had already given the Norwegians input that the AHLC's primary focus should be energizing the international community to continue the initiatives discussed at the Annapolis Conference. Spain agrees that it is essential to make progress in specific areas affecting Palestinian economic development, especially access and movement. Spain will also work to increase support for Prime Minister Fayyad and President Abbas. ¶2. According to Ucelay, Spain was the first EU member state to utilize the new PEGASE mechanism to contribute funds directly to the Palestinian single treasury account. Spain deposited 20 million euros to the Palestinians in the last several weeks with the intention of supporting May salary payments for Palestinian National Authority officials, in accordance with the priorities determined by Abbas and Fayyad. ¶3. Spain shares our concerns about the situation in Gaza. The Spanish MFA issued an official communique April 17 calling for all parties to end violence and exercise restraint. Ucelay said that FM Moratinos looked forward to working with our team in London. AGUIRRE