DEMARCHE ON ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL DELIVERED

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIRUT 002701 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR NEA/RA E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2026 TAGS: PREL PGOV LE IS SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL DELIVERED REF: STATE 136507 Classified By: Jeffrey Feltman, Ambassador, per 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On August 19, the Ambassador reviewed reftel demarche with Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora. Going over the points, the Ambassador urged Siniora to have the Lebanese delegation to the Arab League Ministerial (which he said would be headed by Foreign Minister Salloukh) highlight UNSCR 1701 as a positive accomplishmment for Lebanon's stability and security. The Lebanese proclivity to speak of UNSCR 1701 begrudingly, the Ambassador noted, makes people question the Lebanese commitment to implementation. Lebanon needs to show seriousness in living up to its obligations under UNSCR 1701. ¶2. (C) Siniora responded that "it is not Lebanon that is violating UNSCR 1701 -- it's Israel." Siniora complained that the Israeli raid in the northern Biqaa Valley early that morning was a clear violation of the first paragraph of UNSCR 1701, calling for an immediate cessation of all Israeli offensive military operations. Siniora said that the mood in the Arab League will reflect what's happening on the ground, which is that Israel has violated the agreement. If the UNSC would issue a statement criticizing Israel, that will help produce the Arab League outcome the U.S. seeks. The Ambassador emphasized to Siniora the need to present UNSCR 1701 as in Lebanon's best interest, which is in fact the case. FELTMAN