SPAIN'S PREVIEW TO SEPTEMBER GAERC

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000912 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/11/2019 TAGS: PHUM PREL SP EU SUBJECT: SPAIN'S PREVIEW TO SEPTEMBER GAERC Classified By: ADCM William H. Duncan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In a follow-up conversation with Spanish MFA Deputy European Correspondent Pablo Nuno Garcia September 10 regarding the September GAERC, Nuno confirmed that focus will remain on Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the MEPP. FM Moratinos is expected to lead the discussion on the MEPP and report on his recent trip to the region. Conclusions will be issued on Sudan and Honduras, with no additional discussion expected. ¶2. (C) Sri Lanka: Sri Lanka will be discussed at dinner September 14, and although Nuno said that the GOS is in general agreement with the USG on the points presented, he explained that Spain does not have deep ties with the country and thus it is not a priority. He added that Spain supports the constitutional reform groups' efforts, stating that the solution must be a political one, not military. ¶3. (C) Afghanistan: Nuno reported that discussions at the GYMNICH were somewhat difficult regarding Afghanistan. The Swedish had proposed that EU member states demarche the Electoral Complaints Commission, but the German FM vetoed the idea, claiming too much interference in the process. Nuno confirmed that member states were asked to provide input on the Commission's "blue book" on EU cooperation with Afghanistan, but did not have specifics as to Spain's contribution. ¶4. (C) Honduras: According to Nuno, the Council will direct the Secretary General to study additional measures which could be imposed on Honduras, but with respect to travel restrictions, he said that the prohibitions will have to be unilateral. Spain has not yet issued travel restrictions on the senior officials of the Honduran de facto regime, but will, Nuno said, adding that the forthcoming GAERC conclusions will provide the grounds for doing so. CHACON