MGLE01: A/S HILLEN MEETS WITH PM SINIORA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 001424

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/WERNER/SINGH
PARIS FOR ZEYA
LONDON FOR TSOU

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/04/2016
TAGS: PREL CASC MASS KDEM LE IS SY
SUBJECT: MGLE01: A/S HILLEN MEETS WITH PM SINIORA

BEIRUT 00001424 001.2 OF 002


SUMMARY
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1. (C) Pol-Mil A/S Hillen informed Lebanon's PM Siniora
that the final approvals were in the works for what we hope
will be USD 10 million grant (Section 1206) for immediate
equipment and training needs of the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Expressing deep appreciation to the President and Secretary,
PM Siniora said he hopes U.S.-Lebanese cooperation will
enhance the country's security and help address the shared
problem of terrorism. He emphasized the need for training,
especially in developing a sense of teamwork. Siniora also
noted the importance of the FBI/INL training to stand up two
rapid-response teams. While A/S Hillen pressed Siniora on
security reform and the need to have an empowered security
coordinator in the PM's office, Siniora did not offer
specific commitments. While downplaying the problem in hopes
of finding a "local solution," PM Siniora said the GOL was
still collecting information regarding the reported
establishment of Syrian border positions inside Lebanese
territory along the country's northeast border. Finally, the
Prime Minister said he is continuing to push hard for the
expeditious return of USCIT minor Kelsey Klotz. End summary.


2. (U) Assistant Secretary for Political-Military Affairs
John Hillen met with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora at the
Grand Serail Palace in downtown Beirut on May 3. The Prime
Minister's senior advisor, Mohammad Chattah, as well the
Ambassador, poloff, A/S Hillen's Special Assistant Matthew
Lehrfeld and military aide Major Reginald Robinson, also
attended the meeting.


3. (C) Noting that he was pleased to follow up the
Secretary's visit to Beirut and the President's meeting and

SIPDIS
lunch with Siniora in Washington, A/S Hillen informed the PM
that the State and Defense Departments had jointly approved
the quick transfer of nearly USD $10 million in Section 1206
funds, pending final approval by the President and
Congressional notification. These funds would cover
equipment (principally spare parts) and training for the LAF
to upgrade its capability to defend Lebanon. Assuming
approval, this assistance, which must be obligated before
October 1, could be followed by additional security support
in future fiscal years. A/S Hillen explained that a normally
lengthy U.S. process was expedited in response to the
President's commitment to help provide Lebanon needed
security support.

"WE WANT TO BE INVOLVED"
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4. (C) PM Siniora expressed deep appreciation to A/S Hillen
for the news, saying that he was grateful to the President
and Secretary for responding to Lebanon's needs. The PM
noted that he understood the need to keep the information
private until the President gave the final approval. The PM
explained that his government wanted to be involved in the
fight against terrorism and was looking forward to increased
cooperation with United States in this endeavor. Emphasizing
the need for teamwork, he expressed particular eagerness to
enhance the security environment of Lebanon through
improvements in systems and training. Stating that
underlying causes of terrorism also had to be addressed,
Siniora was looking forward to "joining forces" with the U.S.
to obtain necessary equipment and training. Siniora also
indicated that the two countries could have better "exchanges
of knowledge" regarding terrorist activities. As a result of
his talks in Washington, he is very satisfied with the
direction and content of the envisioned cooperation.


5. (C) Switching topics, Siniora noted that he also
appreciated the assistance being provided by the FBI and INL
to the ISF. He welcomed the fact that the FBI/INL assistance
will include training on how to properly handle crime scenes.
He commented that when he visited the sites of past
terrorist activities, he was surprised by the unorganized
approach taken by Lebanese investigators. He said that he
supported the plans to train at least two rapid-response
teams in the near term. Those teams, he noted, should be
able, as needed, to "work in tandem" with U.S. investigators.


MULTI-LATERAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE
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BEIRUT 00001424 002.2 OF 002



6. (C) A/S Hillen spoke of the desirability for GOL to work
in a multilateral context with regard to future security
assistance. PM Siniora acknowledged that the British
government, as part of a multi-step security reform seminar,
would deliver a "needs assessment" later this week, to be
used in conjunction with CENTCOM's November-December 2005
equipment assessments. A/S Hillen made a strong pitch to the
PM for security sector reform, noting our hope that the GOL
would work with the British to reduce replication and develop
sensible strategic thinking.


7. (C) When asked if his office would consider establishing
a security assistance coordinator to facilitate cooperation
in his office, PM Siniora admitted that much of the expertise
in this area had left the government and perhaps it was time
to re-establish this capability. Although Siniora did not
immediately commit to the coordinator position, he did
emphasize that Lebanon's security services were seriously
deficient in inter-agency teamwork and this required
attention.


8. (C) In closing the discussion on security assistance and
reform, PM Siniora said that at the outset, it was important
to concentrate on training and emphasize upgrading systems as
more resources became available. He made a pitch again for
concentrating on teamwork. A/S Hillen assured the Prime
Minister that the Secretary is leaning forward on security
assistance, and her continued support can be relied upon. PM
Siniora once again extended his thanks to the Secretary for
her "sincere commitment" to Lebanon's security.

SYRIAN PRESENCE ON DISPUTED TERRITORY
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9. (C) When asked about recent activity by Syrian border
guards on Lebanese territory near the villages of Ras Baalbek
and Arsal in the northeast part of the country, PM Siniora
confirmed there has been questionable activity in both areas
since late March, particularly near the village of Arsal.
Siniora said the area, approximately 15 square kilometers in
size, has long been in dispute, but usually over the question
of land ownership as opposed to sovereignty. Siniora stated
that all relevant maps clearly indicate the area in question
belongs to Lebanon and, therefore, the Syrian positions were
intrusive and unjustified.


10. (C) But the Prime Minister also tried to downplay the
issue. He indicated he was attempting to resolve the matter
with low-profile discussions, rather than diplomatic
confrontation. Siniora said he had instructed his governor
in the Biqa' region, Antoine Suleiman, to meet with his
Syrian counterpart and find a mutually-acceptable solution.
He acknowledged that Lebanon's border with Syria has long
been ambiguous in many sections and formal demarcation was
required. Although he wished to keep the matter at the local
level, Siniora expressed hope that Syria's ill-considered
actions may benefit Lebanon's position in UN Security Council
discussions on a new resolution pertaining to 1559 issues.

AMCIT KELSEY KLOTZ
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11. (SBU) The Ambassador raised the issue of USCIT minor
Kelsey Klotz, who continues to be held illegally in
Hizballah-controlled territory in the Biqa' Valley. PM
Siniora said he understood the importance of returning the
American child to U.S. custody as soon as possible and had
instructed his Minister of Justice and Minister of the
Interior to keep pressing the issue. Siniora also confirmed
that parliamentary leader Saad Hariri was using his influence
with Hizballah to expeditiously facilitate the return of the
child. Siniora stated the matter was very important and he
was keeping it at the forefront of his objectives.


12. (U) This cable has been cleared by A/S Hillen.
FELTMAN