HAMAS AND FATAH AGREE IN PRINCIPLE TO NATIONAL UNITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 000228

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/11/2017
TAGS: KISL KPAL PREL IS AE
SUBJECT: HAMAS AND FATAH AGREE IN PRINCIPLE TO NATIONAL UNITY
GOVERNMENT

REF: STATE 16868

Classified By: Ambassador Michele J. Sison, reasons 1.4 (b and d)


1. (C) Ambassador spoke to Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
(AbZ) on February 11 to relay reftel themes on the Hamas-Fatah
agreement in principle for a National Unity Govenrment (NUG). The
UAEG has issued two press releases regarding the Hamas-Fatah
Agreement, and Abu Mazen has spoken to UAE President Khalifa bin
Zayed and others with the UAEG leadership over the past few days
(paras 3-4).


2. (C) Although cautious, AbZ pointed to several positive results
from the Mecca meeting. "Let's compare where we were to where are
today," he pointed out. The goal was to put an end to the violence
and factional infighting. AbZ added that although Hamas will still
have the majority with nine ministerial slots, there would be six
ministers from Fatah, including Salam Fayyad (whom AbZ and the UAE
leadership hold in high esteem) plus four independents in the new
government. The UAEG had passed a message to the Palestinians that
the make-up of the new Government should not be announced before a
Trilateral or follow-on Quartet meetings had occurred. The UAE, like
others, would take a "wait and see" attitude as to the programs of
the NUG. AbZ agreed that more details on the NUG plan and make-up
were needed. And, of course, Hamas would need to abide by the
agreement. AbZ underscored his belief that the new set-up showed
that Abu Mazen had explored all available options. If, down the
road, Abu Mazen found it necessary to dissolve the government and
call new elections, no one would be able to fault his commitment at
Mecca to a peaceful solution and efforts on behalf of the Palestinian
people.


3. (U) February 9 WAM statement titled "The UAE Has Welcomed the
Reconciliation Accord Reached by Palestinian Factions, Fatah and
Hamas in the Holy City of Mecca"

Begin Text:

In a statement to WAM, UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed
Al Nahyan said: "We have been following the Mecca talks between Fatah
and Hamas with great interest." Sheikh Abdullah added: "This
agreement which was brokered under the auspices of the Custodian of
the Two Holy Mosques, King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz, sets the stage
for cementing Palestinian unity. It also offers an opportunity to
launch an active Palestinian, Arab and international campaign to end
the embargo -- and with it -- the unwarranted suffering of the
Palestinian people. This active campaign should ultimately lead to
revival of the peace process."

Sheikh Abdullah further voiced the UAE's commendation of the role
played by King Abdullah to reach the agreement, adding that such a
historic agreement would undoubtedly be protected by the Palestinian
people. "We will see substantial results on the ground within the
coming few days," he said.

Sheikh Abdullah went on to say: "Along with other sisterly Arab
countries, the UAE will stand by the Palestinian people under the
leadership of President Mahmuod Abbas.

This unqualified support would continue until our Palestinian
brethren attain their own state with Jerusalem as its capital." End
Text.


4. (U) February 10 WAM statement titled "Khalifa Telephoned by
Palestinian, Senegalese Leaders"

Begin Text:

President H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Saturday
received a telephone call from the President of the Palestinian
National Authority Mahmoud Abbas.

Sheikh Khalifa was briefed on the Makkah accord between both Fatah
and Hamas under the auspices of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques
King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud.

Sheikh Khalifa welcomed the accord, which would form a starting point
for consolidating and boosting Palestinian national unity and would
be the beginning of an earnest Arab and international move to end the
suffering of the Palestinian people and the embargo imposed on them.

Abbas thanked Sheikh Khalifa for his continuous support of the
Palestinian people and for his efforts in enhancing stability and
peace, and for pushing the peace process and national unity among
Palestinians in a way that will boost efforts establishing an
independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. End
Text.

SISON