LEBANON: BRIEFING PM AND DEFMIN ON USG BILATERAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 001220

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/GAVITO/HARDING

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL MASS MCAP SY IS LE
SUBJECT: LEBANON: BRIEFING PM AND DEFMIN ON USG BILATERAL
MILITARY ASSISTANCE

Classified By: DCM William Grant for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

SUMMARY
--------------

1. (C) Ambassador and EmbOffs gave a comprehensive briefing
of USG bilateral military assistance for Lebanon to PM
Siniora and DPM and Defense Minister Murr. This briefing
highlighted the dramatic growth of grant assistance from FY
05 to FY 07 in response to Lebanon's recent emergency
requests. The Defense Minister was delighted with the
briefing, asked for copies to distribute with the Cabinet and
briefed the media at the conclusion of the meeting. PM
Siniora received the presentation in a more reserved manner
but stressed the importance of well-trained and well-equipped
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to ensure sovereignty, security
and stability. End Summary.

Defense Minister - Delighted with the Data
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2. (C) The Ambassador, accompanied by ODC Chief and Special
Assistant, met with Defense Minister Elias Murr at his home
on August 8. The ODC Chief outlined the levels of bilateral
military grant assistance for FY 05, FY 06 and FY 07. Murr
was delighted with the graphics which showed a jump from USD
51 million in FY 06 to a total of USD 271 million in FY 07.
He made suggestions for finishing touches and nuances that
would appeal to the Prime Minister's sensibilities for a
later briefing. Murr further asked for hard copies of
portions of the brief to distribute to fellow cabinet
ministers, knowing full well that these pages, especially the
graphics, will be leaked to the press. After the one hour
meeting, Minister Murr then briefed the media and the story
was picked up in the morning papers.

Prime Minister - Considers the Big Picture
--------------


3. (C) On August 9, Ambassador, ODC Chief and Special
Assistant presented the same overview to the Prime Minister,
Senior Advisor Mohammad Chatah and Advisor Roula Noureddine.
The Prime Minister was more reserved in his reactions to the
brief, but did express particular appreciation for sniper
rifles. "They (Fatah al Islam) have Russian sniper rifles
and they are experts shooters. This has caused the most
casualties for our troops. The new rifles (for the LAF) even
things out." A former Finance Minister, he also spent some
time looking through the detailed spreadsheets included as
annexes.


4. (C) The Ambassador noted that the unprecedented increase
in grant funds and speed of delivery demonstrate the USG's
commitment to Lebanon and faith in PM Siniora's leadership -
somthing both countries should take pride in. The PM
responded thoughtfully. He called the current conflict in
Nahr al-Barid "the first war we have truly fought since
1948." According to the PM, there are clearly negative
consequences of this battle, including loss of life within
the LAF, the destruction of the camp's living quarters, the
impact on neighboring areas and the economic costs. The PM
noted the positive side of the battle, calling this a "major
formative experience" for the LAF. For the first time since
1967, the government will be able to exert sovereign control
over a Palestinian refugee camp within its territory. The
fight has proven the LAF's ability play an active and
unifying role in the country and the fight has given the
soldiers important practical experience and training.


5. (C) Prime Minister Siniora also outlined his future goals
for the LAF. During 32 years without an effective and
functioning state, the LAF had disintegrated while the
militias came to power. In PM Siniora's opinion, what
Lebanon needs now is a well-trained and well-equipped
military which will serve the people and uphold the laws of
the country. The LAF should focus on eliminating militias,
preserving the political structure of the country and
preventing small groups (i.e. Hizballah) from dividing the
state. He said that the LAF will need continued support to
progress and reach these important goals.


6. (C) Comment: Defense Minister Murr was enthusiastic
about this presentation and was certain that it would be
useful in reaffirming the positive role of USG support for
the LAF. Prime Minister Siniora's reaction was polite, but
less effusive. He preferred to examine past, present and
future policy implications of our bilateral assistance,

BEIRUT 00001220 002 OF 002


placing it into a larger strategic concept for Lebanon. End
Comment.
FELTMAN