THE MFA DISCUSSES LEBANON

C O N F I D E N T I A L RABAT 001470 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/01/2011 TAGS: MO PGOV PHUM SUBJECT: THE MFA DISCUSSES LEBANON REF: A. A) STATE 124950 ¶B. B) STATE 124956 ¶C. C) BEIRUT 2499 ¶D. D) RABAT 1450 Classified By: Ambassador Thomas T. Riley for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: On August 1, Taieb Fassi Fihri, Minister Delegate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), requested a meeting with the Ambassador. Ambassador and Fassi Fihri met for more than two hours and discussed the Western Sahara (septel) and recent events in Lebanon, particularly the impact the Israeli bombing of Qana is having on public opinion (reftels A, B, C). Fassi Fihri's perceptions are that the situation is changing rapidly; he expressed his serious concerns about the impact this event is having on the Middle East and the entire Arab world. End Summary. ¶2. (C) Fassi Fihri told the Ambassador about Morocco's long history of assisting with the problems in the Middle East and in Lebanon specifically. Fassi Fihri emphasized that the GOM has always helped and has had an interest in resolving problems. Once Israel left Lebanon, Fassi Fihri added, he thought resolution had been reached. Now, however, the bombing of Qana has changed the entire situation, according to Fassi Fihri. He said that "two days ago, a whole number of new terrorists were born." ¶3. (C) The GOM, according to Fassi Fihri, condemns Hizballah and knows it is being supported by Syria and Iran. No independent group should take over a sovereign nation, he said. Fassi Fihri noted that the King's speech (reftel D) singled out the bombing of civilians as not being acceptable. He emphasized that the King and the GOM desire balance between action and reaction. ¶4. (C) Fassi Fihri repeated the USG's three requirements: a ceasefire, a political agreement between Israel and Lebanon, and the authorization of an international peacekeeping force. Ambassador elaborated on these points by saying that agreement on political principles will lead to a long-term settlement. Fassi Fihri reiterated his grave concern that the situation might unravel. RILEY ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY