DEMONSTRATORS IN DUBAI VOICE SUPPORT FOR LEBANON

S E C R E T DUBAI 004511 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 7/18/2016 TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL SOCI AE LE SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATORS IN DUBAI VOICE SUPPORT FOR LEBANON REF: DUBAI 04510 CLASSIFIED BY: Jillian L. Burns, Acting Consul General, Dubai, UAE. REASON: 1.4 (b),(d) 1.(C) Summary: Dubai has seen two small, peaceful demonstrations in support of Lebanon in the past few days. Neither police, nor RSO, nor the Lebanese Consulate anticipate demonstrations turning violent. End summary 2.(U) A demonstration in support of Lebanon was held in Dubai Media City (DMC) July 17. Local English language newspapers reported that "hundreds of people" participated in the demonstration near the CNN and MBC buildings. Lebanese Muslims and Christians, along with non-Lebanese Arabs, demonstrated against Israeli military action. Many of the demonstrators were reported to have participated in a peaceful vigil held outside of the Lebanese Consulate on Saturday July 15. 3.(C) In contrast to press reporting, Major Abdullah Khalefah of the Dubai Police's Protection Security Department told RSO that only 20 - 30 people held an impromptu gathering in DMC July 17. Khalefah called it gathering, rather than a demonstration or a protest. Newspaper photographs showed a small group of people, consistent with the Dubai Police's estimate. Khalafah said that the police did not give permission for the assembly. He added that no group had submitted an application to hold a demonstration. 4.(S) RSO Dubai does not consider the threat potential of these two "gatherings" to be of concern nor a reason to escalate the increased security posture at Post. RSO Office inquired with Dubai Police this morning at 0800 local time after reading the front page of the above-mentioned article. RSO Office reiterated to police that those incidents deemed to be "gatherings" should also be reported to ConGen. Dubai Police responded very quickly to our request for information and are keen on perception management. 5.(S) USG-funded Radio Sawa resides in a low-profile building within Media City approximately one kilometer drive from the location of this incident. Radio Sawa did not report any problems with personnel being harassed or property damage regarding the July 17, 2006 "gathering ". The head of Radio Sawa stated that they did not even know the "gathering" occurred until reading today's paper. 6.(C) A/RSO will continue to monitor and make another request if an increase in patrols is not noted (reftel). A/RSO will also monitor any changes in the security environment and demonstrations within the Northern Emirates or Dubai. 7.(C) In a July 18 meeting, the Lebanese Consul General told Acting Consul General that she does not see the potential for violent, anti-American demonstrations in UAE over the Lebanon issue. The UAE government would not allow it, she said. Furthermore, it would not serve Lebanon's interest, as it views the US as a friend. BURNS