Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BEIRUT1734
2006-06-01 14:51:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beirut
Cable title:  

MGLE01: DEMARCHE DELIVERED REGARDING U.S.

Tags:  KDEM LE PFLP PGOV PTER 
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DE RUEHLB #1734 1521451
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 011451Z JUN 06 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY BEIRUT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 3787
INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE
RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIRUT 001734 

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NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/WERNER/SINGH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2016
TAGS: KDEM LE PFLP PGOV PTER
SUBJECT: MGLE01: DEMARCHE DELIVERED REGARDING U.S.
STATEMENT ON IRAN

REF: SECSTATE 87682

Classified By: Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman. Reason: Sections 1.4 (b
) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIRUT 001734

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NSC FOR ABRAMS/DORAN/WERNER/SINGH

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2016
TAGS: KDEM LE PFLP PGOV PTER
SUBJECT: MGLE01: DEMARCHE DELIVERED REGARDING U.S.
STATEMENT ON IRAN

REF: SECSTATE 87682

Classified By: Ambassador Jeffrey D. Feltman. Reason: Sections 1.4 (b
) and (d).


1. (C) Ambassador conveyed reftel talking points to Lebanese
Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Siniora applauded the
Secretary's statement and said it was an important step for

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the United States and Iran to work diplomatically in solving
regional security issues. Siniora also agreed that the onus
of responsibility is now on Iran to suspend its enrichment
activities and join a dialogue. Despite his praise for the
statement, however, the Prime Minister stopped short of
committing his government to a public statement regarding the
Secretary's remarks and Iran's responsibility. The

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Ambassador reiterated the importance of public support for
this initiative.


2. (C) The Prime Minister did mention that he had just met
Iran's new ambassador to Lebanon earlier in the morning. He
said that the new ambassador seems to be much more pragmatic
and flexible than his predecessor, and that he hoped that
Tehran would share these values when it comes to Lebanon and
regional security issues.


3. (C) The Prime Minister's senior advisor, Dr. Mohammad
Chatah, noted that the Secretary's announcement opened the
door for discussion on other issues as well, and asked if the
United States hoped to use this opportunity to engage Iran on
other issues of regional importance. The Ambassador replied
that Iran's enrichment activities remain of primary concern
for the United States and would be the primary focus for now,
to the best of his understanding.


4. (C) After seeing the PM, the Ambassador also briefed
Deputy Prime Minister Elias Murr on the U.S. approach toward
Iran and asked Murr for help in getting the GOL to produce a
supportive public statement. Murr agreed to help.
FELTMAN