Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DOHA237
2006-02-15 12:35:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Doha
Cable title:
BRIEF READOUT ON AMIR'S MEETING WITH HAMAS LEADERS
how-toO 151235Z FEB 06 FM AMEMBASSY DOHA TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4298 INFO ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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).
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
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