SPAIN'S VIEWS ON JULY GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MADRID 000792 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/17/2018 TAGS: PREL EUN SP SUBJECT: SPAIN'S VIEWS ON JULY GAERC REF: STATE 75702 MADRID 00000792 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: DCM Hugo Llorens for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: POLOFF delivered GAERC demarche to Spanish MFA Deputy Political Director Carlos Fernandez-Arias on July ¶18. Fernandez-Arias said that the July GAERC will be relatively light and primarily address Somalia, Sudan/Darfur, Zimbabwe, Serbia and the Middle East Peace Process. END SUMMARY. //SOMALIA// ¶2. (C) Fernandez-Arias said that Foreign Minister Moratinos will address the Commission and brief them on the Prime Minister Nur Adde's recent trip to Madrid. The Somali Government asked for financial support, and specifically for the money promised by the Commission to pay the Somali soldiers. This message will be passed to the Commission along with a request for further endorsement of the Djibouti agreement. On the issue of anti-piracy efforts, according to Fernandez-Arias, the EU Military Committee is currently reviewing options. Fernandez-Arias said that Spain and France are working on the implementation of UNSCR 1816 and specifically in the development of a naval task force, which will be coordinated with non-EU countries that have interests in the area. //SUDAN/DARFUR// ¶3. (C) Fernandez-Arias said that although Sudan/Darfur is not on the agenda, there will be a short discussion on the need for increased pressure. Fernandez-Arias also said that the GOS has received messages from the Arab League and the Government of Saudi Arabia on this issue and that these groups are likely to approach the Sudanese government in an effort to reinvigorate the peace process. //ZIMBABWE// ¶4. (C) According to Fernandez-Arias, the EU will expand its sanctions against Zimbabwe, going a "couple of steps further, not just one step." Fernandez-Arias also said that it was important, despite the disappointing outcome of the AU Summit in Sharm El-Sheikh which effectively legitimized the election results, to cooperate with the African Union, giving the AU "constructive criticism." He said that the GOS has talked with both Angola and Mozambique, asking for their assistance in sending a clear SADC message and facilitating negotiations between Mugabe and the MDC. Fernandez-Arias said that the GOS was deeply disappointed in South Africa's vote against UN sanctions, but has not yet approached the GOSA as relations are not quite as good as with Angola and Mozambique. //SERBIA// ¶5. (C) Fernandez-Arias said that the Commission will take note of the new Serbian government and express a willingness and readiness to work with them, reminding the new government of its commitments and obligations, but in a constructive way. He said that the EU recognizes that the success and security in the region are at stake and that the "key to many problems lies in Belgrade." //MEPP// ¶6. (C) Fernandez-Arias said that there will be a short discussion on the Middle East as Tony Blair approached the Commission, requesting the opportunity to debrief them on his recent Middle East trip. //CHAD// ¶7. (C) Fernandez-Arias shared that although Chad is on the agenda, it is only to address the technical issue of reporting to the UN and that no substantive discussion was likely. //IRAN// ¶8. (C) Fernandez-Arias reiterated the GOS support for adoption of UNSCR 1803 into the EU "Common Position," along with the adoption of autonomous measures as "1803 is weak in substance and Spain remains flexible and in support of a 2-track approach." He said that the adoption of 1803 will likely occur after the GAERC as the EU working group meets again today and time will be needed for translation of documents. Fernandez-Arias said that there will be a short discussion on the issue within the Commission in which Solana MADRID 00000792 002.2 OF 002 will brief on Tehran's response to the P5 1 package. //UKRAINE// ¶9. (C) Fernandez-Arias noted the points made regarding the Ukraine, but said that this was not a GAERC issue. He said that the GOS is committed to continuing talks, but that the GOS and many other EU members remain hesitant on the issue of visas. According to Fernandez-Arias, the GOS is not yet ready to "open the door to all Ukrainians." Aguirre