Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MADRID916
2008-08-21 15:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Madrid
Cable title:  

RUSSIA - GEORGIA CONFLICT: DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT

Tags:  MARR PREL RU GG SP 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO5862
RR RUEHAG RUEHROV
DE RUEHMD #0916 2341517
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 211517Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY MADRID
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 5260
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RUEHLA/AMCONSUL BARCELONA 3550
C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000916 

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/WE AND GEORGIA TASK FORCE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/20/2018
TAGS: MARR PREL RU GG SP
SUBJECT: RUSSIA - GEORGIA CONFLICT: DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT
WITH SPAIN

REF: A. STATE 89769

B. MADRID 897

Classified By: DCM Arnold Chacon for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000916

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EUR/WE AND GEORGIA TASK FORCE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/20/2018
TAGS: MARR PREL RU GG SP
SUBJECT: RUSSIA - GEORGIA CONFLICT: DIPLOMATIC ENGAGEMENT
WITH SPAIN

REF: A. STATE 89769

B. MADRID 897

Classified By: DCM Arnold Chacon for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Poloffs delivered reftel A points to Deputy FM Angel
Lossada's chief of staff as well as Spanish MFA Deputy
Political Director Carlos Fernandez-Arias on August 20,
stressing support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty and
territorial integrity. As in our continuing demarches,
Embassy stressed that Russia abide by the cease-fire
agreement and its commitment to immediate withdrawal. We
also emphasized the need for unfettered access for the
delivery of humanitarian assistance, support for OSCE
monitoring, prevention of human rights violations, and
increased aid for Georgia. According to Lossada's office,
the GOS will continue to work within the EU framework and
support the French EU Presidency. Lossada's office again
discouraged any action against Russia that would, in the long
run, prove "counter-productive" and encourage nationalistic
sentiment in the region.


2. (C) The MFA Deputy Political Director's office echoed this
sentiment, stating that "now is not the time to place blame
or one side or the other, but rather offer a balanced
approach while encouraging Georgia's independence and
territorial integrity." The Deputy Political Director's
office indicated that the GOS position, resisting NATO
Membership Action Plans for Georgia and the Ukraine, has not
changed since Bucharest and future Spanish involvement in the
OSCE's observership will be civilian in nature, not military.
The GOS committed 500,000 Euros (739KUSD) in response to the
call for humanitarian aid made by the International Committee
of the Red Cross for the affected population.


3. (U) The Spanish MFA issued a press release noting that
FM Moratinos spoke with Secretary Rice and other FMs on
August 18 in advance of the August 19 NATO meeting to discuss
Georgia. The MFA highlighted Spain,s active involvement in
the international community,s efforts (especially the
European Union and OSCE efforts) to achieve a ceasefire and
bring peace and union to the region.


4. (U) Embassy is actively disseminating our points to a
wide audience of policy makers. We are working to place a
Spanish language Op-Ed in the press on August 21. The
Ambassador addressed a group of 50 prominent business
representatives in southern Spain on August 19. In addition
to his overview of bilateral relations, he also presented
U.S. views on Russia,s aggressive military actions and the
need for Russia to uphold its commitments to respect
Georgia,s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ambassador
Aguirre,s remarks were covered in the local press.
Aguirre