PRESSING RUSSIANS ON HAMAS VISIT

C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 002020

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/28/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV RS
SUBJECT: PRESSING RUSSIANS ON HAMAS VISIT

REF: A. WELCH/BURNS TELCON 3/1/06


B. MOSCOW 1840

Classified By: Ambassador William J. Burns, Reasons 1.4 (b/d)


1. (C) Ambassador spoke separately to Russian Deputy
Foreign Minister Saltanov and Middle East Envoy Kalugin the
evening of February 28, and again on March 1, to stress the
importance of sticking firmly to Quartet principles during
the Hamas visit to Moscow March 3. Ambassador made clear
that any watering down or softening of agreed Quartet
conditions would have a very negative effect on the current
situation, calling into question Quartet unity, undermining
Abu Mazen, and alienating the Israelis during critical
pre-election period.


2. (C) Both Saltanov and Kalugin insisted that Russia would
deliver a clear, direct message to the Hamas delegation,
fully consistent with Quartet understandings. Neither
expects any breakthroughs. They hope at a minimum to impress
upon Hamas the crucial significance of upholding the
ceasefire, refraining from violence and terrorism, and
showing that they can play a responsible role. The Russians
claimed they will underscore that a Hamas-led government must
come to grips with the need to recognize Israel, renounce
violence, and accept previous agreements.


3. (C) Saltanov expects to be the main Russian interlocutor
during the discussions with Hamas, although he confirmed that
Foreign Minister Lavrov will also meet with them. There will
be no meeting with Putin or Kremlin officials. Ambassador
stressed the importance of care in crafting any public
statements during or after the visit, so that the Quartet
principles came across in clear and unadulterated form.
Saltanov said he understood.


4. (C) Saltanov and Kalugin added that Lavrov hoped to join
in a Quartet Principals conference call on March 2, although
logistical problems remain given his travels in Hungary and
the Czech Republic with Putin, and the Secretary's travels
with the President in South Asia. The Kremlin also hopes to
hear soon from us on a time for a Putin call to the President
on March 4.


5. (C) Ambassador also spoke with his Israeli counterpart,
who will again convey Israeli concerns to Russians prior to
the Hamas visit. The Russians are also attempting to arrange
a Putin-Olmert call after the Hamas talks.


6. (C) Finally, Ambassador met February 28 with Federation
Council International Affairs Committee Chairman Margelov,
who said he plans to meet the Hamas delegation during their
visit. He insisted that his message would echo the firm line
outlined by the Russian MFA.


7. (C) COMMENT: The Russians have no doubt about our
concerns. We'll see whether they follow through. Continued
expressions of concern from Abu Mazen, the Israelis, and
other Quartet partners will also be important.
BURNS