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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MADRID 001042

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/ERA AND EUR/WE

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/23/2019

TAGS: PREL EU SP

SUBJECT: SPANISH VIEWS ON OCTOBER GAERC

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Classified By: ADCM William H. Duncan for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

¶1. (C) Poloff discussed anticipated GAERC agenda items with Spanish
MFA Deputy European Correspondent Pablo Nuno Garcia October 23.
Nuno indicated that the GAERC agenda continued to grow, now
covering the Western Balkans, Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, MEPP, Sri
Lanka, Guinea, Uzbekistan, Moldova, Indonesia, Sahel, and the Great
Lakes Region.

¶2. (C) Western Balkans: Nuno was quick to criticize Spain's exclusion
from Swedish FM Bildt and Deputy Secretary Steinberg's meeting at
Camp Butmir regarding Bosnia and Herzegovina, stating that because
Spain will bear the responsibility for implementation and follow-up
during their Presidency, they should have at least been consulted. He
did not have any criticism for the set of proposals, however, stating
that it was a "good agreement." He added that the GOS is concerned
regarding certain Dayton Accord issues, namely that forcing a
constitutional change could disturb the balance in the region and
create tension with the Serbian minority.

¶3. (C) Iran: Nuno confirmed that Iran will be discussed at the October
26 Ministerial dinner, reiterating Spain's support for the dual-track
approach. He said that the EU will work to achieve consensus on a
sanctions package, and that Spain would support such package, but
only if new negotiations do not produce results.

¶4. (C) Afghanistan/Pakistan: According to Nuno, the Swedes

developed an enhanced action plan and plan to release it at the
October GAERC. Nuno said that the GOS feels it is premature
considering the unfinished state of Afghanistan's electoral process and
that any new plan could further complicate the situation. The
Commission's bluebook on member states' contributions to
Afghanistan will be presented to the

Council for discussion, and conclusions congratulating President

Karzai on moving forward with a second round of elections will be
adopted without discussion. As evidence of Spain's commitment to
Pakistan, FM Moratinos will speak about plans for the first EU-Pakistan
Summit to be held during Spain's EU Presidency and how the summit
will serve to upgrade the strategic relationship with Pakistan. Regular
counter-terrorism dialogues at the expert level are also being planned
for by Spain for implementation during their presidency.

¶5. (C) Sri Lanka: Commenting on the suspension of trade benefits as

being a clear political sign, Nuno expects that the discussion
regarding Sri Lanka will focus on: the need for national conciliation,
the continued hardship suffered by IDPs, and the EU's desire to
commit financially to assist in the return of IDPs to their homes. He
said that in addition, the GOS wants to commit money and technical
equipment to assist in de-mining efforts. FM Moratinos will also
announce the political dialogue troika to take place during Spain's
Presidency.

¶6. (C) Guinea: Nuno confirmed that the EU is considering restrictive

measures for high-ranking officials. He stated that the disruption of
law and order is of grave concern to Spain and the EU and that the
foreign ministers will, at the very least, mandate the working groups to
draft additional restrictive measures.
¶7. (C) Uzbekistan: According to Nuno, of the several options on the
table, the EU is going with "Plan B," allowing the restrcitive measures
to lapse. Notwithstanding, the EU will send a strong message
regarding the need for reform with respect to human rights and will
warn Uzbekistan of the EU's intent to closely monitor their progress,
Nuno added. If there is no progress, new restrictive measures will be
considered, he said.

¶8. (C) Any Other Business (Moldova, Indonesia, Great Lakes, and
Sahel): Nuno said that association agreement negotiations with
Moldova will be discussed, adding that the EU is ready to re-launch
relations. The EU will also commit 22 million euros in direct budget aid
to be distributed before the end of 2009, he said. With respect to
liberalization of visa restrictions, Nuno said that the GOS is not fond of
the idea (claiming that Germany isn't either) as the Moldovans are not

complying with certain technical requirements. Conclusions on the

establishment of human rights negotiations with Indonesia

will be adopted; a statement will be issued welcoming progress and

stating the EU's concerns regarding the humanitarian situation caused
by the conflict in the Great Lakes Region; and conclusions will be
adopted regarding

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counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region. Nuno said there is wide-

spread concern with the security situation in Mauritania, Mali, and
Niger, and that the EU desires further engagement and intensified
dialogue in an effort to prevent terrorists in the region from uniting. "A
regional crisis calls for a regional approach. We want to coordinate

 
efforts with the United States and ECOWAS," Nuno said, adding that
this will be a priority for Spain during their upcoming presidency.
CHACON