SPAIN'S VIEWS ON MAY GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000471 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA (JEFF GIAUQUE) E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/14/2019 TAGS: PGOV PREL SP SUBJECT: SPAIN'S VIEWS ON MAY GAERC Classified By: Charge d'Affaires William H. Duncan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Poloff discussed anticipated agenda items for the May 18-19 GAERC with Spanish MFA Deputy Political Director Ricardo Lopez Aranda May 14. Lopez said that the GUMBO GAERC would include a special meeting of Foreign Affairs and Defense Ministers to discuss EUFOR ALTHEA and Operation Atalanta. The foreign ministers will focus on Iran, the EU-Russia summit, Moldova, and Georgia; issue conclusions on Sri Lanka and Somalia; and discuss Kenya under "other business." The June European Council agenda will also be developed and will likely include the Middle East Peace Process and plans for a EU-Pakistan summit. ¶2. (C) Joint Foreign and Defense Ministerial: Commenting on the excellent "multi-lateral, civilian and military coordination," Lopez said that discussion on Operation Atalanta will focus on the characteristics and scope of the mission's future, considering civil and military capacities for development in light of member states' economic situations. They will review the mission's impact on piracy in the region, and how, geographically speaking, the mission should proceed. He pointed to the recent problems in the Seychelles, stating that protection is equally as important in this area. On EUFOR ALTHEA, Lopez said that although the decision whether to withdraw will be a collective one, Spain considers the military objectives completed. ¶3. (C) Iran: Lopez reiterated Spain's full support for U.S. participation in the E3 3 process and the new policy of engagement with Iran. Lopez confirmed that although several countries are anxious to prepare for alternatives should Iran continue to dismiss E3 3 overtures, Spain continues to support the dual-track strategy - believing that tightening or increasing sanctions will not produce the desired behavior. Lopez added that Spain will not block any internal EU move to consider additional sanctions, but would prefer the focus remain on the dual-track strategy. ¶4. (C) EU-Russia Summit: Lopez said that Spain's objective for the May 21-22 EU-Russia summit is to normalize relations. He added that summit preparations are on the right track, with the EU looking beyond differences (South Ossetia and Abkhazia) and using commonalities and areas of mutual understanding to deepen and develop good relations. ¶5. (C) Moldova: Lopez said the foreign ministers will have a follow-up discussion on Moldova, focusing on stimulating the government and its institutions and making clear that Chisinau's government must make changes that demonstrate a genuine respect for human rights if Moldova wants to approach the EU. ¶6. (C) Georgia: According to Lopez, the foreign ministers will discuss Georgia at a working lunch. They will focus on the importance of the OSCE and UNOMIG in the region and the need for the missions' continued cooperative relations. Of Spain's ten Guardia Civil allocated to the EU Monitoring Mission, Lopez said that their continued presence is an ongoing debate, but that for the time being, they will stay. DUNCAN