AMBASSADOR SOLOMONT,S JANUARY 26, 2010 MEETING

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MADRID 000090 SIPDIS FOR EUR/WE OSD FOR ANDREW WINTERNITZ E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/27/2020 TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR NATO AF SP SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR SOLOMONT,S JANUARY 26, 2010 MEETING WITH SPANISH DEFENSE MINISTER CHACON REF: MADRID 67 Classified By: Ambassador Alan D. Solomont, Reasons 1.4(b),(d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Solomont called January 26 on Spanish Defense Minister Carme Chacon. The two discussed aspects of the bilateral defense relationship, Spanish support for Afghanistan, the humanitarian response to the earthquake in Haiti, and Spanish leadership of EU missions in Bosnia and countering Somali piracy. Chacon warmly welcomed the Ambassador, describing the GOS-USG relationship as a close, wonderful partnership on key defense and political issues across the board. She praised Secretary Gates' positive engagement with Spain and for bringing about this "most brilliant moment" in bilateral relations. Chacon said she looked forward to the forthcoming June renewal of the U.S.-Spain Agreement on Defense Cooperation (ADC),indicating that the GOS is happy with the positive results of the agreement and expected to suggest only a few technical improvements to it. END SUMMARY. //Afghanistan// ¶2. (C) Underscoring Spain's "absolute contentment" with the Obama administration, Chacon lauded the positive developments under Obama and General McChrystal in Afghanistan. She pointed to Spain,s 50-percent increase in its troop commitment and said that the GOS believed that all of Europe should stand behind the U.S. in Afghanistan, and looked forward to the January 28 London Conference. She predicted the Spanish parliament would authorize the additional troops promised by President Zapatero, notwithstanding partisan rhetoric. She said that the Spanish public was increasingly reassured that ISAF was on the right track in Afghanistan, despite heavy Spanish casualties and the high costs of overseas missions. The GOS was happy to contribute additional military troops and police trainers. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador noted his outreach to conservative opposition Popular Party (PP) leader Mariano Rajoy (ref A), who pledged to the Ambassador the PP's support for allied efforts in Afghanistan. The Ambassador noted the effectiveness of President Obama's commitment to dialogue and to multilateral solutions in addressing the world's most pressing problems. Cooperation and support from our allies was absolutely essential. After a careful review of our approach and policy in Afghanistan, the allies were increasingly taking a share of responsibility for responding to the challenge. Under President Obama's leadership, we have sought "in word and deed" a new era of engagement with the world. The Ambassador explained that in addition to his primary goal of strengthening the GOS and USG partnership, he wanted to help Spanish officials better explain USG policy to Spanish audiences to help build support for our policies. We can build greater political support by explaining to the public that our policies are in the respective interests of the Spanish and the United States. //Defense Cooperation// ¶4. (C) The Ambassador thanked Chacon for our continued access to the Spanish military bases at Rota and Moron. He noted that the bases were critical enablers for both of our countries in our efforts around the world. Additionally they were essential in helping our very strong military-to-military relationship prosper. He briefed the forthcoming visit of Senator Cardin and congressional members of the Helsinki Commission to Spain, including their stop at Naval Station Rota. Chacon welcomed the opportunity to meet with them. //Countering Somali Piracy// ¶5. (C) Ambassador Solomont thanked Chacon for Spain's leadership and for her personal involvement in and support for counter piracy efforts, including past Spanish command of the EU's Operation Atalanta as well as Spain's participation with frigates in NATO's Standing Naval Maritime Group and Spanish staff participation in the CTF-151 coalition. She said that hijackings in the Horn of Africa had previously had a one-in-three chance of success; now the odds were only one in six. Spain was particularly pleased that World Food Program convoys were getting through. Spain appreciated USG support on piracy, and was working to ensure close coordination between EU and NATO operations. Chacon said it was imperative to bring pirates to justice, highlighting the effective EU accord with the Kenyan judiciary to try pirates in Nairobi. She hoped NATO could reach a similar agreement, lest these criminals escape justice. Ambassador said that MADRID 00000090 002 OF 002 President Obama was committed to smart power to solve problems, using all of the tools available, including defense, diplomacy, and development assistance. It was clear that defense is still a critical option, and the USG appreciated Spain's support in this regard. //Haiti// ¶6. (C) On Haiti, Ambassador said that Spain's efforts are noteworthy in the aftermath of the earthquake, in particular its commitment to send 450 troops to assist with security and the distribution of humanitarian aid and economic assistance. The USG especially appreciated President Zapatero and our friends speaking out publicly in support of our humanitarian response in Haiti. Our commitment there was a reflection of American values and belief in the power of volunteerism and community service to make a difference. Chacon characterized as "ridiculous" the criticism in some press outlets of the USG effort in Haiti, underscoring that Spain and she personally were grateful for U.S. leadership there. "Don,t stop what you,re doing, the U.S. military is to be commended," Chacon added. //Bosnia// ¶7. (C) The Ambassador thanked Chacon for Spanish leadership in EUFOR. He acknowledged Spain's desire to shift the mission in Bosnia but urged it to remain steadfast until there is an EU decision. Chacon called the Dayton Accords a total success; after 20 years it was time to transition to an advisory role in Bosnia; the remaining problems should be solved politically. She added that the people of Bosnia wanted the allies to play a different role. It was time to consider reducing and scaling back the military mission, in coordination with the allies, she said. The Ambassador said that Balkans stability was a high priority for the USG, noting Assistant Secretary Gordon and Deputy Assistant Secretary Jones' consultations with Spanish officials the week of January 14 on the Balkans and other key areas. He explained that the USG understands the need to change the mission in Bosnia but it is imperative to work closely and collaboratively. ¶8. (C) Chacon closed the meeting by assuring the Ambassador she hoped to see him regularly, inviting him and his wife to dinner with her husband. In response to Chacon's confirmation that "Casablanca" was her all time favorite movie, the Ambassador said that their first meeting augured well for the beginning of a great friendship. SOLOMONT