VZCZCXRO9892
PP RUEHDF RUEHLZ
DE RUEHMD #4250 3531355
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 191355Z DEC 05
FM AMEMBASSY MADRID
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8408
INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0055
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS MADRID 004250
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL SP
SUBJECT: SPAIN/IRAQ: MFA STATEMENT ON ELECTIONS
REF: STATE 225860
Embassy shared reftel points with MFA Subdirector General for
Middle East Affairs Alberto Moreno on December 13. Moreno
expressed appreciation for the points, but was non-committal
as to whether Spain would issue a statement on the Iraq
elections. The MFA did move forward, releasing a December 16
press communique congratulating the Iraqi people on the
elections and reconfirming Spain's commitment to assist in
the reconstruction of Iraq. An informal translation of the
MFA statement follows:
Begin Text:
The Spanish government expresses its satisfaction regarding
the celebration of general elections in Iraq, and
congratulates the Iraqi people for the high participation in
an election that has taken place in a relatively calm
climate. The Spanish Government also trusts that (the
elections) will redound in the form of greater legitimacy and
representation on the part of the Assembly and Government
that will result from the electoral process.
The Spanish government hopes that this election, a key
element of the Iraqi political transition laid out in UNSC
Resolution 1546, consolidates the base of a sovereign, safe,
united, prosperous, and democratic Iraq, at peace with its
neighbors.
These elections constitute an important step in the Iraqi's
progressive assumption of all elements of national
sovereignty, including the maintenance of security and public
order in the country.
The Spanish Government reiterates its commitment to Iraq's
democratization, reconstruction, stability and territorial
integrity.
End Text.
AGUIRRE