DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION'S SEPTEMBER 12,2009,

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000987 SIPDIS FOR EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2018 TAGS: PREL ETRD GG KV SP SUBJECT: DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION'S SEPTEMBER 12,2009, MEETING WITH NEW DG FOR EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA REF: STATE 97574 Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Arnold A. Chacon, Reasons 1.4b, d. ¶1. (C) Summary: Deputy Chief of Mission Chacon called September 12, 2009, on new MFA Director General for Europe (non-UE) and North America Luis Felipe Fernandez de La Pena. They discussed the bilateral relationship, Georgia, Kosovo, and intellectual property rights. End summary. ¶2. (C) The DCM reviewed the bilateral relationship, noting its fundamental strength and stressing that meetings being planned for the margins of UNGA offered an opportunity for frank dialogue on the key issues. Fernandez de la Pena agreed that the U.S. and Spain had strong POLITICAL and economic RELATIONS but argued RELATIONS could be even stronger if both countries made a greater effort to turn the page on the differences of the past. He indicated his focus would be on developing a positive agenda that would include not only government-to-government contacts but increased cultural and civil society relations. ¶3. (C) Turning to Georgia, the DCM reviewed the U.S. position and delivered a copy of the reftel non-paper. Fernandez de la Pena said the EU response to Russia's actions had been rapid and united, something the EU had not always achieved. He said the EU's united front on this occasion made it a more consistent partner for the U.S. ¶4. (C) Taking up the theme of partnership, the DCM noted U.S. and Spanish differences on Kosovo as well as rumors that Spain was lobbying other countries (e.g., in Latin America) against recognition. He noted this was an issue that might come in meetings with U.S. officials on the margins of UNGA. Fernandez de la Pena insisted there was a misperception that Spain was lobbying regarding Kosovo. He distinguished between explaining the Spanish position (which he described as "coherent") when asked and actively campaigning against recognition. He said emphatically that Spain was not lobbying. ¶5. (C) The DCM raised IPR and Spain's appearance of the Special 301 watchlist, urging that the GOS take strong action against internet piracy. Fernandez de la Pena seemed unfamiliar with the issue but promised to give it his attention. Aguirre