INSTRUCTIONS ON HAMAS MEETINGS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 000386

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA/IPA AND NEA/ARPI

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/15/2016
TAGS: PREL KPAL MU
SUBJECT: INSTRUCTIONS ON HAMAS MEETINGS

REF: A. SECSTATE 37552

B. MUSCAT 162

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission William R. Stewart.
Reason: 1.4 (b, d).


1. (C) Ref A points were previously reviewed with MFA Arab
Affairs Department Chief Ambassador Ahmed al-Harthi (ref B).
Follow-up conversations with MFA officials and the
overwhelming tenor of local media editorials have reconfirmed
the Omani government's position that Hamas is the elected
Palestinian government and, as such, Oman would receive any
delegation that might wish to pay a visit. The Deputy Chief
of the MFA Undersecretary's office confirmed on March 15,
however, that no Hamas visits were on the horizon. He
underscored, however, that Oman would send a clear signal to
any Hamas representatives that they must adhere to
pre-existing obligations and international agreements and a
peaceful dialogue with Israel.


2. (C) Comment: MFA interlocutors privately note that Oman
has never had a warm relationship with Hamas. Moreover, Oman
is not a major financial donor to the Palestinian Authority,
making it likely Hamas will at least initially focus its PR
efforts elsewhere.
BALTIMORE