BRIEF READOUT ON AMIR'S MEETING WITH HAMAS LEADERS

C O N F I D E N T I A L DOHA 000237 E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2016 TAGS: PREL PTER XF QA SUBJECT: BRIEF READOUT ON AMIR'S MEETING WITH HAMAS LEADERS Classified By: Ambassador Chase Untermeyer for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) First Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani (HBJ) hosted the Ambassador and his family for an informal dinner February 9. HBJ talked about the 3-hour meeting he and the Amir had that day with Khalid Mishal and two others. HBJ implied that the Qataris lectured the visitors on statecraft and foreign affairs. He claimed also that Mishaal may become prime minister. Financial Assistance to the PA -------------- ¶2. (C) Qatar will continue its reluctance to provide cash assistance to the PA. This reluctance stemmed from Fatah's corruption. Qatar does not want to give cash assistance; instead, it will set up a $200 million micro-lending bank and build schools and a hospital. This, HBJ said, was why Qatar was reluctant to give cash to help the PA meet payroll recently; they've had too much experience with seeing their aid disappear into Fatah pockets. Nevertheless, a call to the Qatari finance minister by Jim Wolfensohn resulted in a $15 million transfer, HBJ said. (Note. The Ministry of Finance reported on February 12 that the tranfer had taken place. End note.) Hamas's Message -------------- ¶3. (C) HBJ said that Mishal made a point of saying, during the meeting with the Amir, "America is not our enemy." HBJ also reported that Hamas will work with Abu Mazen and Fatah to set up a government. The cabinet will include a woman and a Christian, and Hamas will keep itself separate from the government. Telephone Call from Israeli Foreign Minister -------------- ¶4. (C) HBJ said of Hamas, "They know they have to talk to Israel." And later that evening, he received a call from Israeli FM Tzipi Livni. They agreed to get together after the Israeli elections. Of the day's meeting with Meshal, HBJ told her, "They will recognize Israel, but they want you to recognize Hamas." UNTERMEYER