Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BEIRUT2701
2006-08-19 14:40:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beirut
Cable title:
DEMARCHE ON ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL DELIVERED
how-toVZCZCXRO5117 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK DE RUEHLB #2701 2311440 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 191440Z AUG 06 FM AMEMBASSY BEIRUT TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5148 INFO RUEHEE/ARAB LEAGUE COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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).
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
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