UAE: DEMARCHE TO ARAB LEAGUE AND UNSC ON MIDDLE

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 002885 SIPDIS SIPDIS JERUSALEM FOR A/S WELCH AND DAPNSA ABRAMS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/13/2016 TAGS: KPAL KWBG PREL SUBJECT: UAE: DEMARCHE TO ARAB LEAGUE AND UNSC ON MIDDLE EAST RESOLUTION REF: SECSTATE 114594 Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). (C) Ambassador spoke with Tariq al Haidan, Acting U/S Foreign Affairs, on July 13 morning to request that the UAE press Qatar to delay seeking a vote on the UNSC resolution condemning Israeli military operations in Gaza (reftel). She noted that A/S Welch and DAPSNA Abrams had traveled to Jerusalem and that they, as well as the Secretary, were actively engaged in efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis. Al Haidan, seized with the news of the Israeli strikes on Beirut,s airport after the Hizbollah capture of Israel's two soldiers, expressed appreciation for the USG,s active engagement. He expressed grave concern at the escalation of tensions. Al Haidan noted that the Qatari text, submitted last week, would need to be redrafted given the events of the past twenty four hours. He promised to convey USG concerns regarding the need for balanced language at the UNSC to FM Sheikh Abdullah and the UAE,s Ambassador in Cairo (the latter will attend today,s Arab League,s meeting, al Haidan reported). SISON