JERICHO PRISON CRISIS PROMPTS CANCELLATION OF

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 001636 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/15/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER ASEC KPAL EG IS SUBJECT: JERICHO PRISON CRISIS PROMPTS CANCELLATION OF SENIOR-LEVEL VISITS AND ACCUSATIONS OF US/UK COMPLICITY OVER TIMING OF PRISON GUARDS' DEPARTURE Classified by DCM Stuart Jones for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary. Local sources confirm that the Jericho prison crisis in the West Bank has prompted the postponement of an expected visit to Israel by Egyptian Intelligence Minister Omar Soliman scheduled to begin March 15, as well as the postponement of travel to Egypt by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, scheduled to take place March 18. The Ambassador spoke with senior Egyptian sources March 14 to exchange views and press for GOE efforts to contain reactions to the incident. The Egyptians are communicating at senior levels directly with Israeli and Palestinian counterparts, urging restraint, while blaming the U.S. and the UK for precipitating the crisis. The Ambassador also spoke with Arab League Secretary General Moussa, cautioning him to avoid public statements that might escalate tensions over the issue. End summary. ¶2. (C) Via contacts with Egyptian Intelligence officials, post learned that Omar Soliman postponed an expected March 15 trip to Israel. Likewise, we understand Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will also delay a planned visit to Egypt that was to have taken place on or around March 18. Both officials are working to avoid further escalation of violence and reduce the political fallout as a result of the March 14 withdrawal of U.S. and UK personnel from the Jericho prison. We understand that Soliman has been in direct contact with Israeli Defense Minister Mofaz, as well as with Palestinian Authority officials. ¶3. (C) The Ambassador also spoke March 14 with Egyptian FM Aboul Gheit to gauge GOE views on the issue, and to counsel restraint in official Egyptian pronouncements. Aboul Gheit said that he had spoken with Israeli FM Livni to pass an oral message from President Mubarak urging the GOI to resolve the situation peacefully. Aboul Gheit conveyed that Mubarak was pleased to know that the Secretary was also in touch with FM Livni, PM Olmert, and Abu Mazen counseling a similar message. Aboul Gheit also shared that Egypt was working with both the PA and Hamas regarding reaction to the Jericho crisis, but did not offer details on the Hamas contacts or message. ¶4. (C) In a separate March 14 conversation, Presidential Senior Advisor and Spokesman Soliman Awad told the Ambassador that Egypt ("and everyone in the region") sees that the USG and UK sparked this crisis. While the GOE faulted the US and UK for allowing the Israelis to move in, Egypt was also upset by Hamas leader Haniya's public statements calling upon the PA to release the prisoners. The Hamas position was directed at scoring points vis-a-vis the PA. Regardless, he added, whatever the Israelis do now with respect to the Jericho prisoners, they "should not help Hamas at the PA's expense." ¶5. (C) The Ambassador also spoke with Amre Moussa March 14, following press reports that the Arab League SYG had publicly accused the US and UK of colluding with Israel to create the crisis. Moussa shared that he had answered a question from a CNN reporter "being careful not to name the US or UK," to the effect that "this event raises the question of timing and coordination with the Israelis." The Ambassador cautioned Moussa regarding public remarks on this score, and urged him to use any influence he might have with the Palestinians to counsel restraint. Moussa denied that his remarks had increased tensions. RICCIARDONE