SPANISH VIEWS ON JULY 27-28 GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MADRID 000749 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2019 TAGS: PHUM PREL SP EU SUBJECT: SPANISH VIEWS ON JULY 27-28 GAERC REF: 07/16/2009 GIAUQUE EMAIL MADRID 00000749 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: ADCM William H. Duncan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Poloff discussed anticipated agenda items for the July GAERC with Spanish MFA Deputy European Correspondent Pablo Nuno Garcia July 24. Nuno said that the Foreign Ministers will focus on Somalia, Georgia, Iran and Iceland's application. "Any Other Business" items will include discussion on Turkish use of Aegean airspace, Czech concern regarding Canada's imposition of visas, Kenya, and Moldova. ¶2. (C) Iran: Nuno reiterated Spain's full support for the U.S. policy of engagement with Iran, but agreed that in light of recent events, additional discussion is needed amongst member states. He added that the French will present a joint action request to member states requesting that no country sends representatives to Ahmadinejad's August inauguration. Nuno said that although Spain would consider such a request, there is concern within the GOS that avoiding the swearing-in would jeopardize dialogue with Iranian officials. A lunch discussion will include talk of the post-election situation, fulfillment of international obligations regarding its pursuit of nuclear weapons, and the detention of Clothilde Reiss, according to Nuno. When asked if the GOS would support tightening sanctions, designating additional Iranians associated with proliferation, Nuno responded that it would be premature for such actions but that Spain will consider supporting additional sanctions within the UN framework. ¶3. (C) Somalia: Nuno said that Spain is committed to the Djibouti Peace Process and agrees that Somalia's Transitional Federal Government (TFG) is critical to the stability and prosperity of Somalia. He said that FM Moratinos will make a statement to this effect and suggest that PM Sharmarke is too isolated and could benefit from a wider range of interlocutors. Nuno said that the GOS supports the drafted conclusions on Somalia, which praise the role of the EU Atalanta mission in the region. He said that there is discussion amongst member states regarding the creation of a EU Special Representative to Somalia (with speculation on an un-named Italian candidate),but that the GOS does not think the position necessary at this point. Nuno added that Spain will continue to provide monetary support to AMISOM and has committed $6 million to finance the training of police units. ¶4. (C) Georgia: According to Nuno, FM/GAERC chair Bildt will give a presentation on the Swedish Presidency priorities and on the recent Troika visit to the Caucus region. Nuno confirmed that the EUMM mandate will be extended, and that the GOS supports extension for a period of one year, agreeing that the continued presence of an international actor is important to the region's stability. Nuno said that U.S. participation or support of the EUMM would be considered by Spain when concrete offers were presented by the USG. He did add that Spain would have to seriously consider the potential implications of any such assistance on EU/Russia relations. Of Spain's ten Guardia Civil allocated to the EU Monitoring Mission, Nuno again affirmed that their continued presence is an ongoing debate within the GOS, but that for the time being, they will remain. ¶5. (C) Iceland's EU membership: Nuno said that the Council will request that the Commission issue avis so as to initiate accession proceedings. Negotiations will then begin on the remaining open chapters. He said that although accession will likely occur quickly considering Iceland's current membership in the European Economic Space, the issue of fisheries will present problems, with negotiations likely to last a year or two. Nuno also opined that Spain is ever-aware of Albania's membership request and how quick progress with Iceland's membership request will be perceived. He added that a decision in Albania's disputed national election is likely within the next few weeks, and hopefully then the EU can proceed with Albanian talks as well. ¶6. Any Other Business: Polish FM Sikorski will address the Council and present conclusions regarding the recent visit to Moldova. The Czech Republic will discuss possible imposition of bilateral measures against Canada in reaction to Canada's recent visa imposition on Czech citizens - which will not likely receive much support according to Nuno. The Czechs are now requiring visas for Canadian diplomats but cannot move beyond this measure due to the EU Common Visa Policy. Although no conclusions are anticipated, Nuno said that Greek and Cypriot delegations will bring up Turkish use of airspace in the Aegean. Kenya will be discussed on two fronts: ministers will show support for Kenya's efforts in bringing suspected pirates to justice in coordination with EU judicial MADRID 00000749 002.2 OF 002 authority and concern for lack of political progress after the elections. CHACON