US embassy cable - 04MADRID2872

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 002872 
 
SIPDIS 
 
THE HAGUE FOR CWC DEL 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/27/2014 
TAGS: PARM, MARR, KTIA, SP, CWC, Non-Proliferation Issues 
SUBJECT: SPAIN: RESPONSE TO CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION 
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING 
 
REF: STATE 122347 
 
Classified By: Kathleen M. Fitzpatrick, Political Counselor 
REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (D) 
 
1. (C)  We reviewed the revisions to the Chemical Weapons 
Convention (CWC) Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 
newly-designated Deputy Director General of International 
Armament Affairs Marcos Rodriguez July 8 at the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs.  Rodriguez told us that officials at Spain's 
National Authority for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons 
(ANPAQ, an agency under the Ministry of Science and 
Technology) discussed the status of the revised MOU at a July 
8 meeting.  He explained that Spain supports challenge 
inspections as a non-proliferation tool under the 
Organization of Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and 
the issue remains important. 
 
2. (C)  Rodriguez proposed an informal follow-up meeting with 
Poloff and the program director of ANPAQ, Fernando Herencia, 
to discuss the MOU in more detail.  In response to reftel 
suggestion, Rodriguez noted that the MFA and ANPAQ would be 
in a position to discuss the MOU and resolve remaining issues 
with a team from Washington as early as mid-August. 
 
3. (C)  Comment:  The traditional Spanish summer holiday may 
make late September a more realistic time frame for a visit 
from Washington.  Poloff will follow up with Rodriguez and 
Herencia to discuss Spanish concerns with the MOU and will 
report them to the Department well in advance of any 
scheduled consultations.  End Comment. 
MANZANARES