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