MALDIVIAN FOREIGN MINISTER AGREES TO QUIET

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 000124 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/INS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/21/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV MV SUBJECT: MALDIVIAN FOREIGN MINISTER AGREES TO QUIET DIPLOMATIC CONTACTS WITH ISRAEL BUT RULES OUT ANY CURRENT INITIATIVE DUE TO POLITICAL DIVISIONS IN MALE Classified By: Ambassador Robert O. Blake, Jr. for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) During a January 16 trip to Male', Ambassador encouraged Foreign Minister Ahmed Shaheed to consider establishing LOW-KEY diplomatic contacts with Israeli officials with a view to establishing full diplomatic relations at a future date. (Note: The Ambassador had earlier discussed this idea with Israeli Ambassador David Danieli who resides in Delhi but follows Maldivian affairs.) The Ambassador noted that one hallmark of leading and moderate Islamic nations is whether they have diplomatic relations with Israel, citing the positive examples of Egypt and Turkey. A Maldivian decision to establish relations with Israel would help cement Maldives' reputation as a moderate Islamic nation and could also pay dividends to Maldives in the form of Israeli expertise and assistance with many of the kinds of issues that both Israel and Maldives face such as extremist Islam. ¶2. (C) Shaheed responded that his government was amenable in principle to the idea, noting that President Gayoom said he "did not want to be left behind" when Pakistan initiated contacts with Israel. However, Shaheed added, it would be a sensitive issue for the public, and now was not the right time to initiate such contacts. Given the heavy pressure he is facing from hardline Ministers and others in the Maldives who oppose the efforts he and the Attorney General are pursuing to encourage greater pluralism in the Maldives, Shaheed expressed concern that news of any initiative by him with Israel would be used by his opponents to attack him. Likewise, he said some members of the opposition had friendship or commercial ties to Israeli officials, and they too might leak news of such contacts. The Ambassador expressed understanding for Shaheed's delicate position, but noted that Israeli Ambassador David Danieli who resides in Delhi would be pleased to meet discreetly in Delhi or a third country of Shaheed's choice. Shaheed warmed to the idea and said he planned to be in Delhi in February and might seek to contact Danieli then. Ambassador provided Ambassador Danieli's contact informationto Shaheed. ¶3. (C) Ambassador briefed Danielion this conversation on January 22. Danieli thaned the Ambassador for his initiative and confirmd he would be prepared to meet Shaheed at a dateand place of Shaheed's choosing. ¶4. (C) Commen: Given the current political ferment in Maldivs, it is unlikely the Government there will agree to any formal initiatives at this time. But the mderate and progressive Shaheed understands the bnefits that could accrue to Maldives from such amove and enjoys the backing of President Gayoom o at least begin quiet contacts. BLAKE