

Currently released so far... 12553 / 251,287
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/08
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
APECO
ASEC
AMGT
AFIN
APER
ACABQ
AORC
AEMR
AF
AE
AR
AGMT
AU
AY
ABLD
AS
AG
AJ
APCS
AX
AM
AMEX
ATRN
ADM
AMED
AFGHANISTAN
AZ
AL
ASUP
AND
ARM
ASEAN
AFFAIRS
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
AODE
APEC
ACBAQ
AFSI
AFSN
AO
ABUD
AC
ADPM
ADCO
ASIG
ARF
AUC
ASEX
AGAO
AA
AER
AVERY
AGRICULTURE
AIT
AADP
ASCH
AORL
AROC
ACOA
ANET
AID
AMCHAMS
AINF
AMG
AFU
AN
ALOW
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
ACS
ADANA
AECL
ACAO
AORG
AGR
BEXP
BR
BM
BG
BL
BA
BTIO
BO
BP
BC
BILAT
BK
BU
BD
BRUSSELS
BB
BF
BBSR
BIDEN
BX
BE
BH
BT
BY
BMGT
BWC
BTIU
BN
CA
CASC
CFED
CO
CH
CS
CU
CE
CI
CM
CMGT
CJAN
COM
CG
CIS
CVIS
CR
CKGR
CHR
CVR
COUNTER
CIA
CLINTON
CY
CPAS
CD
CBW
COUNTERTERRORISM
CITEL
CDG
CW
CODEL
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
COE
CN
CARICOM
CB
CONDOLEEZZA
CWC
CACS
CSW
CIDA
CIC
CITT
CONS
CL
CACM
CDB
CDC
CAN
CF
CJUS
CTM
CBSA
CARSON
CT
CLMT
CBC
CEUDA
CV
COPUOS
CTR
CROS
CAPC
CAC
CNARC
CICTE
CBE
ECON
ETRD
EIND
ENRG
EC
ELAB
EAGR
EAID
EFIS
EFIN
EINV
EUN
EG
EPET
EAIR
EU
ELTN
EWWT
ECIN
ERD
EI
ETTC
EUR
EN
EZ
ETC
ENVI
EMIN
ET
ENVR
ER
ECPS
EINT
EAP
ES
ENIV
ECONOMY
EXTERNAL
EINN
EFTA
ECONOMIC
EPA
EXBS
ECA
ELN
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ENGR
ECUN
ENGY
ECONOMICS
ELECTIONS
EIAR
EINDETRD
EREL
EUC
ECONEFIN
EURN
EDU
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ECIP
ENERG
EFIM
EAIDS
EK
ETRDECONWTOCS
EINVETC
ECONCS
EUNCH
ESA
ECINECONCS
EUREM
ESENV
EFINECONCS
ETRC
ENNP
EAIG
EXIM
EEPET
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EUMEM
ETRA
ERNG
ETRO
ETRN
EINVEFIN
ICTY
IN
IS
IR
IC
IZ
IA
INTERPOL
IAEA
IT
IMO
IO
IV
ID
IRAQI
IEA
INRB
IL
IWC
ITU
ICAO
ISRAELI
ICRC
IIP
IMF
IBRD
ISLAMISTS
ITALY
ITALIAN
ILO
IPR
IQ
IRS
IAHRC
IZPREL
IRAJ
IDP
ILC
ITF
ICJ
IF
ITPHUM
INMARSAT
ISRAEL
IACI
IBET
ITRA
INR
IRC
IDA
ICTR
IGAD
INRA
INRO
IEFIN
INTELSAT
INTERNAL
INDO
ITPGOV
KWMN
KSCA
KDEM
KTFN
KIPR
KCRM
KPAL
KE
KPAO
KPKO
KS
KN
KISL
KFRD
KJUS
KIRF
KFLO
KG
KTIP
KTER
KRCM
KTIA
KGHG
KIRC
KU
KPRP
KMCA
KMPI
KSEO
KNNP
KZ
KNEI
KCOR
KOMC
KCFC
KSTC
KMDR
KFLU
KSAF
KSEP
KSAC
KR
KGIC
KSUM
KWBG
KCIP
KDRG
KOLY
KAWC
KCHG
KHDP
KRVC
KBIO
KAWK
KGCC
KHLS
KBCT
KPLS
KREL
KCFE
KMFO
KV
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KFTFN
KVPR
KTDB
KSPR
KIDE
KVRP
KTEX
KBTR
KTRD
KICC
KCOM
KO
KLIG
KDEMAF
KMRS
KRAD
KOCI
KSTH
KUNR
KNSD
KGIT
KFSC
KHIV
KPAI
KICA
KACT
KHUM
KREC
KSEC
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KCMR
KPIN
KESS
KDEV
KNAR
KNUC
KPWR
KENV
KWWMN
KWMNCS
KPRV
KOM
KBTS
KCRS
KNPP
KWNM
KRFD
KVIR
KTBT
KAID
KRIM
KDDG
KRGY
KHSA
KWMM
KMOC
KSCI
KPAK
KX
KPAONZ
KCGC
KID
KPOA
KIFR
KFIN
KWAC
KOMS
KCRCM
KNUP
KMIG
KNNPMNUC
KERG
KTLA
KCSY
KJUST
MOPS
MARR
MASS
MNUC
MX
MCAP
MO
MR
MI
MD
MK
MA
MP
MY
MTCRE
MOPPS
MASC
MIL
MTS
MLS
MILI
MAR
MU
MEPN
MAPP
MTCR
MEPI
MZ
MEETINGS
MG
MW
MAS
MT
MCC
MIK
ML
MARAD
MV
MERCOSUR
MTRE
MPOS
MEPP
MILITARY
MDC
MQADHAFI
MUCN
MRCRE
MAPS
MEDIA
MASSMNUC
MC
NZ
NZUS
NL
NU
NATO
NP
NO
NIPP
NE
NH
NR
NA
NPT
NI
NSF
NG
NSG
NAFTA
NC
NDP
NEW
NRR
NATIONAL
NT
NS
NASA
NAR
NV
NORAD
NSSP
NK
NPA
NGO
NSC
NATOPREL
NW
NPG
NSFO
OPDC
OTRA
OIIP
OREP
OVIP
OSCE
OEXC
OIE
OPRC
OAS
OPIC
OTR
OMIG
OSAC
OFFICIALS
OECD
OSCI
OBSP
OFDA
OPCW
ODIP
OFDP
OES
OPAD
OCII
OHUM
OVP
ON
OIC
OCS
PHUM
PREL
PGOV
PINR
PTER
PARM
PREF
PM
PE
PINS
PK
PHSA
PBTS
PRGOV
PA
PORG
PP
PS
PGOF
PL
PO
PARMS
PKFK
PSOE
PEPR
PAK
POL
PPA
PINT
PMAR
PRELP
PREFA
PALESTINIAN
PBIO
PINF
PNG
PMIL
PFOR
PUNE
PGOVLO
PAO
POLITICS
PHUMBA
PSEPC
PTBS
PCUL
PROP
PNAT
PNR
POLINT
PGOVE
PROG
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PDEM
PECON
PROV
PHUMPREL
PGOC
PY
PCI
PLN
PDOV
PREO
PGIV
PHUH
PAS
PU
POGOV
PF
PINL
POV
PAHO
PRL
PG
PRAM
POLITICAL
PARTIES
POLICY
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PGGV
PHUS
PSA
PHUMPGOV
PEL
PSI
PAIGH
POSTS
PBT
PTERE
RS
RU
RW
RM
RO
RP
REGION
RSP
RF
RICE
RCMP
RFE
RIGHTS
RIGHTSPOLMIL
ROBERT
RUPREL
RELATIONS
ROOD
REACTION
RSO
REPORT
SENV
SNAR
SCUL
SR
SC
SOCI
SMIG
SI
SP
SU
SO
SW
SY
SA
SZ
SAN
SF
SN
STEINBERG
SG
ST
SIPDIS
SNARIZ
SNARN
SSA
SK
SPCVIS
SOFA
SAARC
SL
SEVN
SARS
SIPRS
SHUM
SANC
SWE
SHI
SYR
SNARCS
SPCE
SYRIA
SEN
SH
SCRS
SENVKGHG
TRGY
TSPL
TPHY
TSPA
TBIO
TI
TW
THPY
TX
TU
TS
TZ
TC
TH
TT
TIP
TO
TERRORISM
TRSY
TINT
TN
TURKEY
TBID
TL
TV
TNGD
TD
TF
TP
TFIN
TAGS
TK
TR
UNSC
UK
UNGA
UN
US
UNHRC
UG
UP
UNMIK
UNHCR
UE
USTR
UNVIE
UAE
UZ
UY
UNO
UNESCO
USEU
USOAS
UV
UNODC
UNCHS
UNFICYP
UNEP
UNIDROIT
UNDESCO
UNDP
UNPUOS
UNC
UNAUS
USUN
UNCHC
UNCHR
UNCND
UNICEF
UNCSD
UNDC
USNC
USPS
USAID
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 10MADRID80, AMBASSADOR SOLOMONT'S JANUARY 22, 2010 MEETING
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #10MADRID80.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
10MADRID80 | 2010-01-25 16:45 | 2010-12-08 12:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Madrid |
VZCZCXRO7217
RR RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHNP RUEHROV RUEHSL RUEHSR
DE RUEHMD #0080/01 0251645
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 251645Z JAN 10
FM AMEMBASSY MADRID
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 1744
INFO RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC
RUEWMFD/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
RHMFISS/HQ USEUCOM VAIHINGEN GE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 MADRID 000080
SIPDIS
FOR EUR/WE
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/25/2020
TAGS: PREL SP
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR SOLOMONT'S JANUARY 22, 2010 MEETING
WITH SPANISH PRESIDENT ZAPATERO
Classified By: Ambassador Alan D. Solomont, Reasons 1.4(b),(d).
¶1. (C) Summary: In a wide-ranging two-hour meeting with the Ambassador January 22, President Zapatero praised USG humanitarian efforts in Haiti, reiterated his personal commitment to resettle as soon as possible five detainees from Guantanamo, pledged Spanish support on Iran and Afghanistan, and endorsed the Ambassador,s efforts to promote job creation both in the U.S. and Spain through enhanced economic ties and investment. Zapatero told the Ambassador that his government considered him special and
would open "all doors" to him. He pledged to work towards concrete deliverables leading to a U.S.-EU Summit and said Spain was open to an expanded USG presence at the Rota Naval Base for Africom objectives. Zapatero made a strong case for Spain,s ongoing participation in the G-20, noting that he appreciated D/NSA Froman,s openness to Spain,s possibleparticipation if the EU reduces its institutional membership. Zapatero expressed sincere admiration for President Obama and his belief that the President's election had transformed the U.S. standing and image in the world. He also evinced a deep fascination with the U.S. political system and recent electoral developments, noting his life-long obsession with politics. End Summary.
Bilateral Relations
-------------------
¶2. (C) The Ambassador thanked Zapatero for receiving him so quickly after his arrival in Spain, and for the warm welcome by his cabinet, in particular NSA Leon, Foreign Minister Moratinos, and Interior Minister Rubalcaba. The Ambassador said President Obama, NSA Jones, and the USG appreciated Spains expressed desire to work closely and collaboratively with the United States. He welcomed Zapateros upcoming visit to Washington to participate in the forthcoming National the Prayer Breakfast as well as King Juan Carlos, mid-February visit to the White House. Despite the negative press Zapatero had received for attending a "religious" event, the Ambassador noted the close connection between religious and political values in promoting the cause of justice, compassion and service to a cause greater than
ourselves.
¶3. (C) The Ambassador said his priorities are to strengthen the GOS-USG partnership; explain USG policies to the Spanish public, particularly on our mutual interests in Afghanistan; and to promote job creation through enhanced investment and economic activity, both in the U.S. and in Spain. He thanked President Zapatero for publicly praising USG humanitarian efforts in Haiti, which are an important expression of American values. Zapatero said not only he but the European Parliament and the whole world recognized that the U.S. is
doing an exemplary job in Haiti. He lauded the U.S. military forces, and thanked the Ambassador for his condolences for Spanish casualties in Haiti. The Ambassador also welcomed ongoing law enforcement and counter-terrorism cooperation with Spain and thanked Zapatero for the warm reception DHS Secretary Napolitano had received during her three visits to Spain over the past year.
Guantanamo
----------
¶4. (C) In view of the mixed signals and confusing messages from Interior Minister Rubalcaba and other GOS senior officials, the Ambassador said he wanted to express clearly and concisely the importance of Spain following through on its commitment to take five detainees at Guantanamo. He welcomed Leon,s clarification that Spain would act quickly, including taking the detainee from Yemen which it had agreed to. Zapatero reiterated his personal commitment. The
Ambassador stressed the need for the GOS to follow through and to be consistent in its public messages. Zapatero acknowledged that Spain's desire to be helpful on Guantanamo was in response to its desire to have the USG close the facility, and said he would talk to Minister Rubalcaba to ensure the government was speaking with one voice on this important matter.
Iran
----
¶5. (C) On Iran, the Ambassador said we appreciated Foreign
MADRID 00000080 002 OF 003
Minister Moratinos, public comments about the importance of
sanctions as a diplomatic tool. He briefed on U/S Burns recent meetings with EU Foreign Ministers to lay the ground for a UNSC resolution. While we were not closing the door to dialogue, Iran had not been responsive and the international community must stand together in bringing pressure to bear on Iran. Spain,s leadership in the EU is very important on these key foreign policy challenges.
Economy and Climate Change
--------------------------
¶6. (C) On the economic front, the Ambassador noted the great potential for investments in alternative energy, infrastructure, and banking both in the U.S. and Spain. Spanish companies had benefited from their investments in the United States, receiving significant USG support and tax credits. U.S. companies similarly wanted to compete on a
level playing field in Spain, with two companies in particular poised to make hundreds of millions of dollars in renewable energy investments in Spain. Ambassador noted his and Senator Menendez,s plans to reinvigorate the US-Spain Forum, which is an important vehicle for enhancing economic and investment opportunities. He also emphasized our desire to work closely with Spain on climate change, and noted his conversation with Teresa Ribera, Spain,s point person on
climate change, and her efforts to achieve Latin American support for a global comprehensive climate change agreement. Zapatero said he was pleased to learn of the Ambassador,s keen interest and direct involvement in promoting enhanced economic ties. He said we needed a model of cooperation to spur investment in both directions, and noted that he had proposed to the White House the establishment of a high level Forum for Trade and Investment to help U.S. and Spanish businesses. The Ambassador noted that there were already a number of vehicles for achieving progress on this front, including the US.-Spain Foundation chaired by Senator Bob Menendez.
U.S.-EU Summit
--------------
¶7. (C) Regarding Spain,s desire for a U.S-EU summit during its EU Presidency, the Ambassador said the matter was under consideration at the highest levels of the U.S. government, but that no commitment had been made. We are hoping for a specific response soon. While it is a White House call, what matters most is coming up with deliverables to ensure the meeting was substantive rather than symbolic. He noted that a prospective E.U.-U.S agreement on data protection and information-sharing would be of great interest to Washington. Zapatero reiterated on several occasions the importance of having a Summit in Madrid, noting that Spain and the U.S. have many common interests and that there are many ways Spain can exert its leadership and influence in the world. He mentioned Latin America, North Africa, and Turkey's accession to the EU as key areas of cooperation. He said he
appreciated the U.S. expectation for Summit deliverables, recalling that President Obama during one of their first encounters had observed the cumbersome process of the many U.S.-European organizational architectures. Zapatero agreed that while regular meetings among U.S. and European leaders were important, concrete results needed to emerge from such meetings. He added that NSA Leon was working closely with the NSC on a Summit menu we could find attractive.
¶8. (C) Zapatero said that he was pleased to finally have the Ambassador in Madrid and promised that the Spanish government
would ensure he had a successful tenure. "All doors are open to you. I have told my team that the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and personal representative of President Obama is not just another Ambassador but rather someone special," he said. "We want to reinforce our excellent relationship with the United States and for you to know that my government is one you can count on and trust."
¶9. (C) On the Middle East, Zapatero said Spain appreciated the imperative of bucking up the Palestinian Authority leadership and getting them back to the negotiating table, notwithstanding Israeli,s unhelpful actions on settlements. The Ambassador briefed on Special Envoy Mitchell,s diplomatic endeavors, in particular his efforts to get the
Palestinians to return to the bargaining table. Although critical of Israel's settlements policy, Zapatero noted that
MADRID 00000080 003 OF 003
if any Israeli leader could forge a peace agreement with the Palestinians, it was PM Netanyahu, who had little incentive for returning to power other than achieving a lasting, sustainable peace agreement.
¶10. (C) Zapatero said he was pleased the U.S., as the world,s leading power, wanted to nurture and strengthen its alliance with Europe. The West would do well to bear in mind our long term strategic mutual interests in dealing with emerging powers such as China and India. Zapatero expressed particular anxiety regarding China, underscoring that it was a huge player and the West should be watchful of its growing
influence on the world stage. He hoped the U.S. appreciated Europe's importance. The Ambassador reassured Zapatero the U.S. fully appreciated the importance of Europe as our partner.
¶11. (C) Zapatero praised President Obama,s leadership and influence throughout the world. The Ambassador agreed that President Obama had positively influenced America,s standing in the eyes of the world. He said the U.S. looks first to astrong, united Europe for assistance, and sees Spain as an essential partner. Europe is the most reliable partner for the United States, which cannot solve the world,s problems
alone. As President Obama said, now is the time for all of us
to take our share of responsibility for a global response to global challenges.
Afghanistan
-----------
¶12. (C) Zapatero reiterated that Spain would continue its responsibilities in Afghanistan. He lamented that it has not been easy convincing Spanish public opinion about the objectives in Afghanistan, and welcomed the Ambassador,s assistance.
Africom
-------
¶14. (C) In response to the Ambassador,s gratitude for use of
Spanish military bases, Zapatero acknowledged the strategic importance of the Rota Naval base, querying if the USG remained interested in basing Africom or one of its components there. Zapatero noted Spain,s continuing concerns about Al Qaeda in the Lands of the Maghreb (AQIM). Ambassador undertook to get a status report, underscoring the importance of the African continent. Zapatero thanked the USG for its intelligence support in Mauritania and Mali with a view to getting Spanish hostages released from AQIM.
G-20
----
¶15. (C) Zapatero emphasized Spain,s overriding goal to continue its participation in G-20 meetings. The Ambassador
relayed D/NSA Froman,s consideration in principle to accept Spain as the fifth European country if the EU reduces its institutional membership from two to one. He cautioned that this must be done in the context of what the EU is willing to accept and with the understanding that we do not want to open up G-20 membership. The Ambassador said that Froman believes that Spain understands that it cannot be a formal member of the G-20 but might be allowed to be a permanent participant, if the EU agrees. Froman also noted that it was important for Spain to have an effective G-20 Sherpa. Zapatero said he
appreciated Froman,s openness to Spain,s participation.
Domestic Politics
-----------------
¶16. (C) Discussion then turned to Spanish and American domestic politics. Zapatero spent considerable time querying the Ambassador on the U.S. political system, including the January 19 Massachusetts senatorial election outcome. The Ambassador described the body politic's mandate for change and the public's impatience. In the U.S. as everywhere the political imperative of addressing everyday struggles people have, with respect to jobs, was paramount. Zapatero agreed,
describing himself as a passionate, life-long student of politics who continued to be impressed and fascinated by the American political scene. SOLOMONT