LIBYA: EGYPT HELPING HEAL RIFT BETWEEN SAUDIS AND

S E C R E T CAIRO 006271

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/15/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER EG SA LY PINR
SUBJECT: LIBYA: EGYPT HELPING HEAL RIFT BETWEEN SAUDIS AND
LIBYANS

REF: A. RIYADH 5509 (NOTAL)


B. BUTLER-HEGADORN E-MAIL OF 8/10

Classified by Charge Stuart Jones for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (S) During an August 14 conversation on Gaza
disengagement, Presidential Spokesman Soliman Awad
volunteered to the Charge that Libyan leader Qadhafi had
"rescinded his support" for hostile elements in the Saudi
Kingdom, and that the Saudis had forgiven Qadhafi for the
assassination attempt on Crown Prince Abdullah. After
telling the Charge that the Saudis had released the prisoners
implicated in the assassination attempt, Awad encouraged the
USG to remove Libya from its list of state sponsors of
terror. Qadhafi, he argued, needed to see positive results
for the various steps he has taken in recent years.


2. (C) Comment. During this conversation, Awad mentioned
nothing of the surprise August 15 Mubarak visit to Libya.
Nevertheless, Post believes that Libya-Saudi relations will
feature prominently on the agenda. We are seeking a readout
of the visit. End comment.


3. (U) USLO Tripoli minimize considered.


Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo

You can also access this site through the
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website.

JONES