ARAB LEAGUE FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET TO DISCUSS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 CAIRO 005240

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/21/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV MEPN KPAL UNSC ARABL MOPS EG LE SY
IS, SU
SUBJECT: ARAB LEAGUE FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET TO DISCUSS
LEBANON, ARAB-ISRAELI PEACE, AND DARFUR

REF: A. CAIRO 5207


B. STATE 136507

C. CAIRO 5077

Classified by Minister-Counselor for Economic and Political
Affairs William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

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Summary
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1. (C) In an effort to be seen as "doing something," Arab
League foreign ministers met in Cairo August 20 to address
assistance for the reconstruction of Lebanon, to discuss
reviving the Arab-Israeli peace process, to debate the
utility of an Arab Summit, and to offer political support to
Sudan. Local contacts described the meeting as short on
substance, with ministers voicing support for Lebanon and
Sudan, promising to "study" an Egyptian plan to coordinate
Arab aid to Lebanon, and avoiding detailed discussion of a
League proposal to revive Arab-Israeli peace talks under UN
Security Council auspices. No financial pledges were
announced for Lebanon, nor were other pressing regional
issues (Iran, Iraq, or Somalia) formally discussed. In three
separate resolutions (texts below),ministers pledged support
for the Government of Lebanon as they lashed out at Israel,
took unhelpful positions on Darfur, and agreed to go ahead
with plans to bring the Arab-Israeli peace file to the UN
Security Council. End summary.

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Arab Foreign Ministers Address Lebanon, Darfur
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2. (C) Following an August 20 extraordinary session of
foreign ministers at the Arab League's Cairo headquarters,
Nazih El Negeiry of the Egyptian foreign minister's personal
staff told poloff that the ministers agreed to three
resolutions (below) dealing with Lebanon, Darfur, and
Arab-Israeli peace talks. Describing the Lebanon resolution,
Negeiry said the text presented by Lebanese Foreign Minister
Salouk was amended multiple times following interventions by
the Syrian AL Permrep (Syrian FM Muallem did not attend the
meeting). In particular, delegates argued whether the
resolution should specifically acknowledge Hizbollah's role
in resisting Israel's military campaign (as Syria wanted),he
said. After much argument, compromise language was adopted
that did not mention the group, but rather commends the
"steadfastness" and "valiant resistance" of Lebanon against
the "brutal Israeli aggression." Negeiry suggested that the
Lebanese minister had been expected to side more closely with
Hizbollah during this meeting, given his close association
with the organization. Arab League Secretariat staffer Talal
Elamine commented to poloff that the Lebanese minister had
committed to PM Seniora's original draft text that addresses
Lebanon's (vice Hizbollah's) resistance toward Israel.


3. (C) Asked about an Arab position on Hizbollah
disarmament, Negeiry said agreement on any such text would
have been "impossible" under present circumstances,
"especially with Syria in attendance" at the meeting. This
issue, of course, is at the heart of current events and will
have to be worked out by the Lebanese themselves in their
national dialogue. Negeiry indicated interest in
Washington's position on Hizbollah disarmament, suggesting
his personal view that the USG was sending "mixed signals" on
the issue.

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An Egyptian Aid Coordination Plan?
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4. (C) Negeiry and Elamine confirmed media reports that
Egypt had presented a plan to address coordination of
financial and other reconstruction assistance for Lebanon.
The 3-page paper, they said, had been shared days earlier
with the Government of Lebanon, but no action was taken on
the subject by the AL foreign ministers. The Lebanese
delegation reportedly pledged to "study the proposal" and
follow up with the Egyptians and other League states. As for
Arab contributions to Lebanese reconstruction efforts,
Elamine stated that Arab governments were already doing what
they felt they needed to do for Lebanon on a bilateral basis.
There was little support, he believed, for an Arab-specific
mechanism to distribute such assistance. Arab states would
be much more likely, he speculated, to contribute to
international financial mechanisms managed by the World Bank
or other credible multilateral bodies.


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Re-Launching the Arab-Israeli Peace Track
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5. (C) Arab ministers also agreed during the meeting to a
resolution confirming the League's intention to press for a
resumption of peace talks between Israel and its Arab
neighbors under the auspices of the UNSC. The resolution
repeats the League's determination to prompt a ministerial
meeting in September 2006 on the margins of the UN General
Assembly meetings in New York that would approve "effective
and specific defined mechanisms for quick resumption of
direct negotiations among concerned parties." Nevertheless,
Elamine reported, a small group of ministers would meet again
in the coming weeks to explore the specific modalities,
goals, and priorities for such a meeting. Elamine said their
aim was to prompt a ministerial meeting in New York during
the second half of September at the Security Council.
According to Negeiry, the main states pushing this initiative
-- "including Egypt" -- first needed to work out the specific
terms of reference and other key details (ref B).

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Unhelpful Positions on Darfur
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6. (C) At the behest of Sudan, the AL foreign ministers also
agreed to an unhelpful resolution that largely supports GOS
positions vis-a-vis the situation in Darfur (text below).
The ministers repeated their earlier commitment to providing
funding for the African Union's Darfur mission following the
expiry of the AU's current mandate September 30, 2006.
Likewise, the resolution calls for allowing the GOS more time
to ensure security in Darfur, and calls for a postponement of
a scheduled Security Council meeting to address a draft
Darfur resolution. Nowhere does the text address a possible
transition of the AU's mission to the United Nations.

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Text of Resolutions
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7. (U) Lebanon Resolution

Begin unofficial Embassy translation of text:

Situation in Lebanon

At the ministerial level, the Arab League Council met in
extraordinary session August 20, and after reviewing the AL
Secretariat memorandum and a report by the AL ministerial

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delegation sent to the United Nations to discuss Israel's
aggression toward Lebanon:

And, after restating support for previous AL Resolutions 6657
(July 15, 2006),6660 (August 7, 2006),and its statement of
August 2, 2006:

And, after reviewing the statement offered by the head of the
Lebanese delegation, and in light of earlier interventions by
ministers and representatives of the Secretary General,
ministers:

-- Praised the steadfastness of Lebanon and its valiant
resistance in facing the Israeli offensive (pray for God's
mercy on the souls of Lebanon's martyrs) and considered the
unity of the Lebanese people in the face of the aggression
and their support for their government and state in various
fields as a guarantee for Lebanon's future, security, and
stability.

-- Emphasized complete Arab solidarity with Lebanon and
provided political support to the Lebanese Government to
ensure Lebanese national unity, security, stability, and
sovereignty over all its territories.

-- Praised the role of the AL ministerial delegation through
its contacts and negotiations with the Security Council and
UN Secretary General, in collaboration with the Lebanese
government, and for its ability to introduce amendments and
additions to UNSCR 1701, and thanked the Government of Qatar
for its significant role as the Arab Member on the Security
Council.

-- Welcomed the Lebanese government's decision to send the
Lebanese army to the south and support its mission, as
decreed by the Lebanese Cabinet, so that only legitimacy
would prevail in that region. Called upon friendly countries
to contribute quickly to enhance UNIFIL troops, as stipulated

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by UNSCR 1701.

-- Called upon the Security Council to pressure Israel to
immediately lift its air, land, and naval blockades on
Lebanon, considering these blockades as violations of UNSCR

1701.

-- Emphasized the importance of implementing a sustainable
and permanent cease-fire, condemned the Israeli breaches and
violations of UNSCR 1701, held Israel responsible for those
violations, called upon the Security Council to press Israel
to honor a total cease-fire and withdraw its troops from
Lebanon beyond the Blue Line, in addition to halting Israeli
violations to Lebanese sovereignty (land, navy, or air).

-- Emphasized the importance of adopting the seven-point plan
proposed by the Government of Lebanon and called upon the UN
Secretary General and the Security Council to consider the

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Lebanese Government's proposal on Shebaa Farms, in accordance
with UNSCR 1701, and called upon all concerned parties to
cooperate with the UN to reach solutions that would guarantee
Lebanese rights.

-- Held Israel completely responsible for the aggression and
its results, and the deliberate destruction of Lebanon's
infrastructure and the killing of civilians, considered as
flagrant violations of international law, particularly
international human rights law and the 1949 Geneva
Conventions. Called for Israel to compensate the Government
of Lebanon and its people for the human losses, the material
damages, and the grave losses incurred by the Lebanese
economy as a result of Israel's aggression.

-- Welcomed the UN Human Rights Council resolution pertaining
to Israeli violations of human rights during its aggression
on Lebanon. Called upon the investigation committee formed
by the UNHRC to review immediately those violations and take
necessary actions. Considered Israeli actions in Lebanon as
war crimes that require bringing its perpetrators to justice
before the specialized international forums.

-- Thanked countries that provided immediate support and
expressed appreciation for continuing efforts to assist with
the reconstruction of Lebanon and the rescue of war victims.

-- Expressed a willingness to continue Arab efforts toward
the reconstruction of Lebanon and efforts to develop its
economy, in coordination with the Government of Lebanon.
Called upon the UN's Economic and Social Council to establish
a mechanism for such support and to hold an emergency session
in Beirut for that purpose as soon as possible.

-- Requested the Secretary General to conduct necessary
contacts and consultations to implement this resolution.

End text of Lebanon resolution.


8. (U) Darfur resolution:

Begin unofficial Embassy translation of text:

Developments of the Situation in Darfur.

The AL Ministerial Council met on August 20 and after
reviewing the AL Secretariat memorandum, a memorandum
presented by the delegate of the Government of Sudan, and
recommendations from the AL's Ministerial Council on Sudan,
the ministers:

-- Emphasized the Arab League's Khartoum Summit Resolution
344 (dated March 29, 2006) pertaining to Darfur which
emphasized continuation of the African Union's efforts and
accomplishment of its mission to deal with the Darfur crisis,
especially with regards to political mediation and support
for monitoring the ceasefire agreement. Assured that
provision of additional troops to the region would require
the consent of the Government of Sudan. Called on Arab
countries to provide financial and material support to the
African Union mission, to enable it to pursue its mission.
Called upon African/Arab countries to enhance its
participation in the African Union mission with troops and
observers for Darfur.

-- Committed to bear the expenses of the African Union
mission in Darfur for six months as of October 1, 2006.

-- Praised the role of the African Union mission in Darfur in
maintaining security and stability and called for states to
provide necessary funding and support to pursue the AMIS

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mission.

-- Requested the Security Council to provide the Sudanese
Government with enough time to implement the UN plan
presented in August 2, 2006, to improve the situation and
maintain security in Darfur, as agreed between the President
of Sudan and the UN Secretary General.

-- Called for the postponement of a Security Council meeting
scheduled for next week in New York - in collaboration with
the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of
Islamic Conferences - to give a chance for consultations and
coordination with regional organizations concerned with the
situation in Darfur and for the African Union Troops there.

-- Assigned the Council Presidency, the Arab representative
on the Security Council, and the AL Secretary General, to
closely monitor talks at the Security Council on Darfur and
to work on reaching an acceptable resolution there, similar
to the Arab League resolution on Darfur.

-- Called upon Arab states to fulfill their commitments based
on the March 2006 Arab League Summit in Khartoum in regards
to paying the costs of the African Union mission in Darfur,
and activating political and diplomatic contacts with all
parties related to Darfur, to prioritize a peaceful solution.

-- Referred to the Secretary General,s commitment mentioned
in the African Summit in Banjul, Gambia calling for the
extension of the African Union's Darfur mission mandate
through December 31, 2006 in addition to providing needed
financial credits for the African Union mission until January

2007.

-- Welcomed the Abuja peace agreement on Darfur signed May 5,
2006 under the leadership of the African Union. Expressed
appreciation for the Arab League's role in collaboration with
the UN and the international partners to reach that agreement.

-- Called upon the Sudanese armed troops that did not sign
the peace agreement in Darfur to sign and calling the
international community to exert effort to have those groups
participate

-- Called upon the international community to immediately
fulfill its obligations to support the African Union to
enable it to effectively implement peace in Darfur, maintain
security and stability in the region, and enhance security
and stability in Sudan and the entire area.

-- Encouraged member states to provide financial and
humanitarian support for Darfur. Called upon the
international community to provide support and necessary
funding to return refugees, to help with Darfur
reconstruction, and to help with development.

-- Expressed appreciation for the role played by the AL's
Secretary General, and requested that he continue his efforts

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with the Government, the Sudanese parties, and regional and
international agencies to enhance peace in Sudan. Likewise,
he was requested to present a report to the AL Ministerial
Council on Darfur.

End resolution text on Darfur.


9. (U) Resolution on Invigorating the Arab-Israeli Peace
Process.

Begin unofficial Embassy translation of text:

Calling on the UN Security Council to hold a ministerial
meeting to review the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict
on all tracks:

The AL Ministerial Council met on August 20 and after
reviewing the Secretariat,s Memorandum, AL resolutions 6658
(dated July 15, 2006) and 6661 (dated August 7, 2006) - in
which the Security Council is asked to review the
Arab-Israeli struggle in a radical and inclusive manner in
the light of the dangers posed to regional peace and security
due to continuation of that struggle - statements by
ministers and other delegation heads, and the Secretary
General, decided to:

-- Call upon the Security Council to hold a ministerial
meeting in September of 2006 to review the settlement of the
Arab-Israeli struggle in accordance with the principles of
peace, earlier UNSC resolutions - especially resolutions 242
(1967),338 (1973),1397 (2002),and 1515 (2003),as well as

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the principle of land for peace by approving effective and
specific defined mechanisms for quick resumption of direct
negotiations among the parties, with total Security Council
supervision of these negotiations, and setting a time-frame
to conclude the talks and agree on international guarantees
for implementation.

-- Assign the Arab Group in New York to present an official
request to hold the previously mentioned meeting of the
Security Council.

-- Assign the AL Council,s current Presidency (UAE),Qatar -
as current Arab Security Council member, the AL Secretary
General, and members of the Arab Peace Initiative Committee
to conduct necessary consultations immediately and follow up
on the implementation of this resolution.

End resolution text on the peace process.
RICCIARDONE