Cablegate: Spanish Fm Moratinos to Participate in May 2 Ahlc

VZCZCXRO6065
PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHMD #0458 1141721
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 231721Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY MADRID
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4648
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE
RUEHLA/AMCONSUL BARCELONA 3403

UNCLAS MADRID 000458

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR EUR/WE, NEA/RA, NEA/IPA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAID KPAL PREL SP
SUBJECT: SPANISH FM MORATINOS TO PARTICIPATE IN MAY 2 AHLC

REF: STATE 40303

1. In response to reftel demarche, Deputy Director General
Alberto Ucelay told us that Foreign Minister Moratinos will
attend the May 2 AHCL in London. Ucelay said that the
Spanish MFA had already given the Norwegians input that the
AHLC's primary focus should be energizing the international
community to continue the initiatives discussed at the
Annapolis Conference. Spain agrees that it is essential to
make progress in specific areas affecting Palestinian
economic development, especially access and movement. Spain
will also work to increase support for Prime Minister Fayyad
and President Abbas.

2. According to Ucelay, Spain was the first EU member state
to utilize the new PEGASE mechanism to contribute funds
directly to the Palestinian single treasury account. Spain
deposited 20 million euros to the Palestinians in the last
several weeks with the intention of supporting May salary
payments for Palestinian National Authority officials, in
accordance with the priorities determined by Abbas and Fayyad.

3. Spain shares our concerns about the situation in Gaza.
The Spanish MFA issued an official communique April 17
calling for all parties to end violence and exercise
restraint. Ucelay said that FM Moratinos looked forward to
working with our team in London.

AGUIRRE

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