PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON SINIORA, AL SHARA'A, ARAB

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 001911 SIPDIS ROME FOR MFO (LAROCCO) E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/27/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV IS LE EG SY KPAL SUBJECT: PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON SINIORA, AL SHARA'A, ARAB LEAGUE SUMMIT Classified by DCM Stuart Jones for reasons 1.4(b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Mubarak with Lebanese PM: Presidential Advisor Soliman Awad told DCM on March 28 that during a March 23 meeting with President Mubarak, Lebanese PM Siniora complained about the lack of progress with Syria on the supply of weapons to Palestinians in Lebanon, on the establishment of diplomatic relations, and on Shabaa Farms discussions. Awad said Siniora also asked for help with Syria with removing Lahoud. ¶2. (C) Mubarak with Syrian Vice President: Awad said that in a meeting on March 23, Mubarak warned Syrian Vice President Al Shara'a against Syria strengthening relations with Iran. Mubarak said that Iran will not be able to solve Syria's problems in the region or with the U.S. and "they will not be there for you." On Lahoud, Mubarak told Al Shara'a that he would not meddle in internal Lebanese politics, but urged the Syrians to help the Lebanese solve the problem because Damascus was responsible for changing the law that extended Lahoud. Awad said that Al Shara'a was deceitful on issues like Shabaa Farms, and Mubarak called him on it. On the UN investigation, Awad said Mubarak warned that although UN investigator Brammertz is not as tough as Mehlis, Syria would eventually have to answer to the UN. ¶3. (C) Awad on Arab League Summit: Awad said Mubarak will not go to the Arab League Summit because "they are not serious" and because of Turabi's remarks on Al Arabiya regarding the attempt on Mubarak's life in Addis in 1995. When DCM asked if Mubarak was concerned for his security, Awad said that he is because of Turabi's statements. Awad said that Mubarak's pending trilateral meeting with Libyan leader Qadhafi and Sudanese President Bashir will depend on the outcome of the summit. RICCIARDONE