SPAIN ASKS FOR U.S. SUPPORT ON INVITATION TO AHLC

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 027868 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/17/2028 TAGS: PREL KWBG ECON EAID IS SP BE UK NO SUBJECT: SPAIN ASKS FOR U.S. SUPPORT ON INVITATION TO AHLC LONDON MEETING Classified By: NEA DAS Robert M. Danin for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. The Spanish Charge d,Affaires to the United States presented a demarche to NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary Danin on March 14, asking that the U.S. support Spanish participation in the upcoming Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) in London and that we weigh in with the EU, Norway and the UK. The Charge conveyed that this request came directly from Spanish Foreign Minister Moratinos. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Spanish Charge Jose Pascual Martinez met with DAS Danin on March 14. Martinez said that Foreign Minister Moratinos feels very strongly about Spanish attendance at the May 2 AHLC Meeting in London. Martinez noted that Spain,s contribution at the Paris Donors, Conference last December represented a dramatic increase in the nation,s assistance to the Palestinian Authority, and, exceeded that of some other AHLC members. He pointed out that Spain,s pledge of $330 million in Palestinian assistance over three years is second only to the UK, urging that it had earned Spain a seat at the table in London. ¶3. (C) Martinez made clear that the Spanish request is for the May meeting in London only, and not for permanent Spanish membership in the AHLC. Danin explained that the strongest opposition would likely be from the Europeans, who believe that if the AHLC is opened up to the Spanish, "the avalanche will begin." Martinez responded that a "sympathetic word" from the U.S. to London, Oslo and the EU would be most appreciated, again emphasizing that this message comes directly from FM Moratinos. Danin promised that the request would be shared with the Secretary. RICE