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

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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

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authority and concern for lack of political progress after
the elections.
CHACON