ID

158916

Etiquetas

CJAN, PGOV, PHUM, PREL, SP, KOCI

Fecha

2008-06-19 16:42:00

RefID

08MADRID682

Origen

Embassy Madrid

Clasificación

CONFIDENTIAL

Destino

08MADRID640

Encabezado

VZCZCXRO3453

PP RUEHLA

DE RUEHMD #0682 1711642

ZNY CCCCC ZZH

P 191642Z JUN 08

FM AMEMBASSY MADRID

TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4957

INFO RUEHLA/AMCONSUL BARCELONA PRIORITY 3470

RUEHBS/DEA BRUSSELS BE PRIORITY

RUEHNA/DEA HQS WASHDC PRIORITY

RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY

RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC PRIORITY

Contenido

C O N F I D E N T I A L MADRID 000682

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR CA/OCS/CI AND EUR/WE

@ELIMINADO@

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/18/2018

TAGS: CJAN, PGOV, PHUM, PREL, SP, KOCI

SUBJECT: DEPUTY CHIEF OF MISSION'S JUNE 18 MEETING WITH

SPANISH SECRETARY OF STATE FOR JUSTICE:AL-KASSAR

EXTRADITION, CARRASCOSA CASE AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

REF: A. MADRID 640

B. MADRID 137

C. 2006 MADRID 2241

D. 2007 MADRID 2093

Classified By: DCM Hugo Llorens for reasons 1.4(b) and (d)

1. (C) Summary: In a June 18 meeting with the Spanish

Secretary of State for Justice Julio Perez-Hernandez (Deputy

Justice Minister equivalent), the DCM thanked the GOS for

their cooperation in the extradition of the Syrian arms

dealer and alleged terrorist Monzer Al-Kassar. The DCM also

addressed the ongoing Carrascosa child abduction case and the

USG's continued interest in religious freedom issues. End

Summary.

//Al-Kassar Extradition//

2. (C) The DCM met with Spanish Secretary of State for

Justice Julio Perez-Hernandez on June 18 to thank him for

Spanish government cooperation in the June 13 extradition to

the U.S. (ref A) of arms dealer Monzer Al-Kassar. The DCM

noted that the extradition was an example of exemplary

judicial coordination. Perez-Hernandez explained that due to

the political sensitivities, the Al-Kassar case was handled

carefully, with extreme attention given to ensure all Spanish

due-process procedures and appeals were provided. The DCM

responded that the United States' case against Al-Kassar was

strong and assured Perez-Hernandez that Al-Kassar would have

a fair trial in the United States and enjoy the same

due-process assurances Spain provided.

//Carrascosa Case//

3. (C) The DCM and Perez-Hernandez also discussed the

on-going case of Maria Jose Carrascosa, a Spanish citizen

from Valencia held in a New Jersey prison since November 2006

for contempt of court in connection with a child custody case

(refs B, C and D). The case has received extensive negative

attention, with the Spanish press often airing a photo of the

"mother in chains." The DCM briefed Perez-Hernandez that the

U.S. judges were poised to travel to the Hague to meet with

their Spanish counterparts (ref B). Perez-Hernandez noted

that the Spanish judges had requested official permission to

meet at the Hague, which had unfortunately delayed the

process. The DCM informed Perez-Hernandez that Carrascosa's

criminal trial for parental kidnapping would begin June 23

and that if convicted she faced a potentially stiff sentence.

//Religious Freedom//

4. (C) The DCM stressed the importance of religious freedom

to the USG and its citizens and urged the GOS to grant full

benefits and privileges to those religions (Mormons,

Jehovah's Witnesses, and Buddhists) recently granted "notorio

arraigo" status (in effect, recognition as a religion).

Perez-Hernandez suggested that the "legislative project"

discussed at the February meeting (ref B) had been completed,

but stated that interagency approval within the GOS would be

complicated. Perez-Hernandez explained that Spain's Ministry

of Economy's action was pivotal, specifically their analysis

as to the potential revenue loss associated with granting the

religious groups tax-exempt status. The DCM said that he

planned to meet with the Spanish Secretary of State for

Property and Budgets Carlos Ocana regarding the issue, and

Perez-Hernandez agreed that this USG push would be helpful.

AGUIRRE;"