SPAIN: SUPPORT FOR AMISOM AND SOMALI SECURITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000212 SIPDIS AF/RSA (COL. MIKE SKARDON) E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/27/2019 TAGS: KPKO PGOV PREL SP SO SUBJECT: SPAIN: SUPPORT FOR AMISOM AND SOMALI SECURITY SECTOR REFORM REF: A. SECSTATE 17205 ¶B. 08MADRID982 ¶C. 08MADRID792 Classified By: ADCM William H. Duncan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) POLOFF delivered reftel a demarche to Spanish MFA Subdirector General for Sub-Saharan Africa Guillermo Lopez MacLellan February 25. Lopez agreed that the convergence of recent, positive developments creates an window of opportunity within which support for Somalia is critical. He said that GOS officials met with TFG President Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed in early February at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, and reiterated Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Lossada's announcement at the summit of Spain's 10 million euro contribution to the AU, the first payment of FM Moratinos' 2008 commitment to give 30 million euros over a three-year period. Lopez reiterated Spain's commitment to the Somali peace process and said that the GOS understands the importance of a "Somali-led process." Although he could not speak directly to additional support for AMISOM, stating that Spain is studying the most appropriate mechanism through which to provide support, Lopez opined that security is the primary problem in Somalia and that development of and support for loyal security forces is key. Lopez indicated that Spain is very much interested in collaborating with the United States on this issue. ¶2. (C) Comment: Spain has consistently supported Somalia's peace process, calling on the EU time and time again to coordinate with the African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) (reftel b) and fulfill its commitment of support for Somali security forces via payment of salaries (reftel c). Post anticipates a more detailed discussion of this issue with Lopez next week and will report findings septel. CHACON