US embassy cable - 05MADRID1688

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 001688 
 
SIPDIS 
 
PASS LABOR DEPARTMENT 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/27/2015 
TAGS: AMGT, EFIN, ECON, ETRD, RS, SP, OECD, NATO 
SUBJECT: SPAIN SUPPORTS EVENTUAL RUSSIAN OECD MEMBERSHIP 
 
REF: STATE 66309 
 
Classified By: Economic Counselor Whitney Baird for reasons 1.4 (b) and 
 (d) 
 
 1. (C) Econoff discussed reftel points with Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs Subdirector General for Multilateral Economic 
Relations Pablo Montesino-Espartero on April 27.  SubDG 
Montesino discussed Spain's position with Spanish Ambassador 
to the OECD Fernando Ballestero Diaz prior to the discussion 
with Econoff.  Spain supports eventual Russian membership in 
the OECD, however, the government feels that at this time 
Russia should only be "in the pipeline." Spain believes a 
decision on formal accession should not be taken at this 
time, and that the progress of Russia's internal reforms 
should be monitored.  However, Montesino stressed the 
importance of the Differentiated Engagement Strategy (DES) 
and the importance of engaging Russia within that framework. 
According to Montesino, Russia must be part of the 
enlargement strategy, and thus Spain also supports Russia's 
continued participation in certain OECD working groups. 
 
2. (C) Comment: When questioned whether Spain had already 
engaged Russia on an informal basis, Montesino only replied 
after a long period of hesitation.  Montesino again repeated 
that Russia should be considered for OECD membership "in the 
future." End Comment. 
MANZANARES