FM DE GUCHT IN THE MIDDLE EAST

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SUBJECT: FM DE GUCHT IN THE MIDDLE EAST



1. (SBU) Belgian FM De Gucht's trip through the Middle East
took him to Lebanon and Israel. In Lebanon March 21, he met
with Nabih Berri, President of the Lebanese Parliament. De
Gucht reportedly was critical in his meeting with Berri,
stressing the need for the Lebanese Parliament to come
together quickly to form a government of national unity. He
also criticized Syria's "refusal to be part of a solution" by
refusing to assist in the investigation of the murder of
former Prime Minister Hariri. De Gucht also visited Belgian
troops in Tibnin, who are removing cluster bombs.


2. (SBU) In Israel, De Gucht spoke with Prime Minister
Olmert, who reportedly said offering to have contact with
non-Hamas ministers was an &error8 that would embolden
Hamas. De Gucht said the new government still needs to prove
itself, and that it will be judged by its actions, which are
&worth more than declarations of its program, which each
party can interpret based on what they want to hear.8
Actions that would indicate progress include freeing the
Israeli soldier being held hostage in Gaza, stopping the
firing of rockets into Israel, and working to eliminate
terrorist groups in Palestine. Belgium has resolved not to
have contact with elected Hamas officials, and has expressed
reluctance to provide direct aid to the new Palestinian
administration, saying the conditions for such aid are not
yet met.


3. (U) De Gucht plans to finish his trip by meeting with his
Israeli counterpart, then traveling to Ramallah on Friday to
meet with Mahmoud Abbas and Zyad Abu Amr.

IMBRIE