After the substantial triumph at the polls of the PARTIDO SOCIALISTA OBRERO ESPANOL, which symbolized the consolidation of democracy and the passing of the test of peaceful transfer of power, the debate on the great options of Spanish foreign policy was opened, and the necessity of articulating a global position compatible with Spanish interests and capable of culminating in integration with Western Europe was put forth.

A number of questions that had been pending over time needed to be resolved, such as the neighbourly relations with France and Morocco incorporation into the western defense system, bilateral relations with the United States and accession to the European Community. On the other hando, the traditional realtions with Latin American and the Mediterranean world needed to be redefined and given new criteria that would correspond with the new democratic stage. In the same way, it was necessary to clarify Spain's position regarding major international issues and to reorganize the structures of the foreign service with the view to adapting it to the new national demands.

From 1982 to the present, the developments of foreign policy under the governments of Felipe Gonzalez was the responsibility of Fernando Moran, Francisco Fernandez Ordonez and Javier Solana. During this period, Spain's European orientation was affirmed, which put an end to the 150 years of isolation from the Old Continent with the signing of the treaty of accesion to the European Community and with the referendum on remaining within the Atlantic Alliance.

The Spanish Government looked upon the European project as a necessarily global perspective and process, involving political, economic, social and cultural aspects, as well as aspects regarding security and defence.

Other essential dimensions of Spanish foreign activity, the Latin American and the Mediterranean, were reinforced, without losing sight of the universal character of Spain's international relations.

The principles of Spanish foreign policy are:

1. the respect for international law.
2. the search for peace.
3. disarmament.
4. the move towards a new international order based on justice.
5. the defence of Human Roghts.
6. cooperation and international solidarity.

On the other hand, we have to mention Spain's constant and decided support of the U.N., in which it figures in ninth place as a net contributor to the organization's budget. This support was the principal message of the Prime Minister, Felipe Gonzalez, in his address to the XL General Assembly session in September 1985. It was reaffirmed by the King of Spain in his speech before the XLI General Assembly session in September 1986, and before the XLVI Plenary Session on 7 October 1991.

This support took the shape of Spain's active participation in the U.N. Forces stationed in high risk areas, for example, former Yugoslavia, Angola, Namibia and Central America (please, ask for topic number 9 of this Chapter number 7 for more details).

Spain's election as a non-permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, at a time when the role of this organization is being revitalized and possibly reformed, implies a recognition of the efforts made over the past few years in favour of peace and the international community, and it's evidence of the country's increasing international influence.