HAMAS FIGURES VISIT CAIRO FOR TALKS ON NATIONAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 007001 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/28/2016 TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR MEPN PTER KPAL EG IS SUBJECT: HAMAS FIGURES VISIT CAIRO FOR TALKS ON NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT Classified by Minister-Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs William Stewart for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Amidst a flurry of regional diplomatic activity, senior Hamas political leaders Khaled Misha'al and Prime Minister Haniyeh have been visiting Cairo for talks with Egyptian leaders on the formation of a National Unity Government and related issues. Misha'al, who visited Egypt from November 23-26, discussed next steps on the peace process with Egyptian Intelligence Chief Omar Soliman. Haniyeh, who arrives in Cairo on November 28, is expected to meet senior Egyptian leaders and Arab League Secretary General Amre Moussa before departing. Egyptian Information Minister El-Fekki told the Ambassador on November 28 that Egypt watched Misha'al closely during his stay in Cairo, and severely limited his access to media. While there had been no major political breakthrough achieved during Misha'al's visit, El-Fekki stated that Egypt had gone to lengths to ensure no backward movement. Additional diplomacy is expected when Omar Soliman visits Israel on December 29 for talks with Israeli Prime Minister Olmert. End summary. -------------- Khaled Misha'al Visits Cairo -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Syrian-based Hamas militant leader Khaled Misha'al visited Egypt for four days, from November 23-26, meeting with Egypt's Intelligence Chief Omar Soliman for talks on formation of a Palestinian National Unity Government (NUG). During his stay in Egypt, Misha'al met with members of the Muslim-Brotherhood dominated Press Syndicate, where he told reporters that a "third intifada" against Israel would erupt if progress toward a Palestinian state based on 1967 borders was not achieved. Western powers, he asserted, had "six months" to seize on the "historic chance" to resolve the Arab-Israeli dispute following formation of a NUG. ¶3. (C) During their November 28 meeting, Egyptian Information Minister Anis El-Fikky told the Ambassador that the GOE had closely watched Misha'al during his visit to ensure he stayed in line. Fekki said that Misha'al wanted to be interviewed on the Orbit satellite television channel and other independent TV networks, but the GOE refused his request. Instead, they forced him to submit to a taped interview with reporter Abdel Latif el-Minawi, host of Channel One's "Point of View" and known for his tough questioning style. The taped interview, Fekki said, was pre-screened and vetted by EGIS Chief Soliman, who approved its broadcast on local TV. According to Fekki, Misha'al said "nothing new." The GOE, he added, felt Misha'al had delivered no breakthrough, or even an advance, while in Cairo. Instead, Fekki stressed, the GOE went to great lengths to make sure Misha'al did nothing to "move things backwards." -------------- Hamas Prime Minister Haniyeh to Cairo -------------- ¶4. (C) Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh also was due in Cairo on November 28, for additional negotiations and meetings with EGIS Chief Soliman and others. Arab League contacts confirmed that Amre Moussa would meet Haniyeh on November 29. According to local media, Haniyeh will depart Egypt for several other Arab states to brief regional leaders on the state of play in Palestine. His discussions with Soliman will likely occur late on the 28th, as the Egyptian Intelligence Chief is expected to visit Israel on November 29 to update Prime Minister Olmert on the Cairo talks, and the situation among the Palestinian factions. The status of talks on a NUG formation, a ceasefire, and efforts to obtain the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and imprisoned Palestinians are expected to top the agenda of those talks. RICCIARDONE