US embassy cable - 04MADRID2529

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 002529 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR EUR/WE 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2014 
TAGS: PREL, PGOV, MOPS, PTER, SP 
SUBJECT: SPAIN: ZAPATERO GOVERNMENT AUTHORIZES AFGHANISTAN 
CONTRIBUTION; PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL LIKELY 
 
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission J. Robert Manzanares, 
reasons 1.4(b) and (d). 
 
1.  (C) Summary:  The Zapatero government's Council of 
Ministers approved July 2 a substantial increase in Spain's 
presence in Afghanistan.  Zapatero will put the contribution 
to a parliamentary vote Tuesday, July 6.  We expect 
parliament to approve the contribution.  The GOS has proposed 
to increase its Afghanistan presence to a total of between 
940 and 1,040 troops.  In addition, according to the GOS 
plan, Spain would contribute 4 helicopters, 2 C-130s and a 
field hospital.  Included in the 940-1,040 figure would be a 
battalion of 400-500 troops to provide security for 
elections.  This is welcome news from the Zapatero government 
and the first sign it wishes to stay engaged in fighting 
international terror since Zapatero pulled Spain's troops 
from Iraq.  End summary. 
 
2.  (U) Zapatero's Council of Ministers formally approved the 
Afghanistan contribution that Foreign Minister Moratinos and 
Defense Minister had briefed to the Congress's foreign 
affairs and defense committees July 1.  Of the total of 
940-1,040 troops, 540 troops would be distributed among 
Spain's 115-troop contribution to Eurocorps, a field 
hospital, support for 4 helicopters and 2 C-130s and other 
support and protection elements.  In addition, the GOS has 
proposed to send a battalion of 400-500 troops for a total of 
90 days to provide security for Afghan elections currently 
expected to be held in September. 
 
3.  (U) The Zapatero government also announced it plans to 
withdraw its frigate currently supporting Operation Enduring 
Freedom in the Indian Ocean (with its 217 sailors), and 
approximately 130 additional troops currently stationed in 
Afghanistan. 
 
4.  (C) Comment:  This long awaited announcement from the 
Zapatero government is welcome news and represents the first 
significant sign the GOS wishes to stay engaged in the fight 
against international terror since it withdrew Spain's troops 
from Iraq in May.  Zapatero has said he will seek a vote in 
parliament to support the Afghanistan deployment, and all 
indications are the legislature will handily approve the 
move.  The vote will likely happen Tuesday, July 6. 
 
ARGYROS