DEPUTY SECRETARY NEGROPONTE'S MEETING WITH QATARI

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 DOHA 000897 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/12/2017 TAGS: IAEA IR IS IZ KWBG PREL QA SUBJECT: DEPUTY SECRETARY NEGROPONTE'S MEETING WITH QATARI MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS AL-MAHMOUD REF: DOHA 893 Classified By: CDA Michael A. Ratney, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (SBU) Deputy Secretary John Negroponte met the evening of September 9 at the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Al-Mahmoud, the number two official in the Qatari MFA. Joining Al-Mahmoud were Assistant Minister Mohamad Al-Rumaihi, Director of European and North American Affairs Ali al-Hajri, and Qatar's UN Permrep (and incoming ambassador to the U.S.) Nasser al-Nasser. The Deputy Secretary was joined by Charge, D Special Assistant Wittenstein, and Econoff. ¶2. (C) The Deputy Secretary began by noting how much the U.S. values its relations with Qatar and the importance the U.S. attaches to our access to Al-Udeid Air Base. The two then discussed Iran, Iraq, and efforts to achieve Israeli-Palestinian peace. Separately, the two discussed Qatar's imposition of restrictions on diplomatic pouches (covered in reftel). -------------- IRAN -------------- ¶3. (C) The Deputy Secretary told Al-Mahmoud that we recognize that the Qataris live very close to Iran and they must manage that relationship with care. But the U.S. is concerned, particularly about Iran's insistence on continuing its nuclear enrichment program despite the UN Security Council resolutions. The IAEA is currently examining the issue further and missions in New York are looking actively at the possibility of another sanctions resolution. ¶4. (C) Al-Mahmoud cautioned that Qatar has to be careful in its relations with Iran. He said he had just returned from a meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement in Iran and came away with the impression that Iran is exaggerating its claims about operational centrifuges. It's not clear why they are doing this, he added. ¶5. (C) Al-Mahmoud said that as a UN Security Council member, Qatar has a big burden on its shoulders, but shares lots of interests with the U.S. and, as a member of the Council, "we must do our duty." Al-Mahmoud recalled that in Sharm el-Sheikh, Secretary Rice said that she is thinking of additional financial sanctions. Al-Mahmoud said he urged her to consult closely with Qatar "so we can tell you how far we can do this." Some Gulf states such as the UAE, he said, have extensive financial relations with Iran, though this is less so with Qatar. Financial sanctions will have a serious effect in the region, and so Qatar hopes the issue can be resolved without resorting to sanctions. Still, Al-Mahmoud believes that financial sanctions "will hurt Iran a lot," especially as the Iranian people are now feeling "desperate" because of the economic situation. Al-Mahmoud also noted that Hashemi Rafsanjani's election as Chairman of the Assembly of Experts might change the dynamic in Iran as he is more "careful" than President Ahmadinejad. ¶6. (C) The Deputy Secretary said Iran's nuclear developments may not lead to a conflict immediately, but we must consider the effect it could have on others in the region, particularly Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. In addition, he reminded Al-Mahmoud, everywhere you look Iran is providing assistance to extremist elements, Hamas, Hezbollah, violent groups in Iraq, and, oddly, even the Taliban. Iran is also the greatest opponent of Arab-Israeli peace. Al-Mahmoud agreed, commenting that this is why bringing about Israeli-Palestinian peace will make such a big difference in the region. -------------- ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUES -------------- ¶7. (C) On Israeli-Palestinian issues, Al-Mahmoud raised the U.S. proposal for an international conference in November, commenting that they do not yet know the details such as who will be invited. The Deputy Secretary explained that those issues had yet to be sorted out, but made clear that the focus will be squarely on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. ¶8. (C) Al-Mahmoud said that from the beginning of the peace process Qatar has recognized Mahmoud Abbas as the Palestinian president, has been trying to help him, and sent considerable financial assistance through the Arab League. But "our friends," including the U.S., complained. Al-Mahmoud said the Arab states and Iran are competing for influence in the Palestinian territories and while "Qatar can do a better job than Iran," restrictions on Arab involvement (with Hamas) will only help Iran. We cannot boycott the salaries of working people, he said. Al-Mahmoud said that Qatar did not agree with some of Abbas' decisions, and the "Palestinian people will be difficult to control without hope." Returning to the proposed conference in November, Al-Mahmoud said it would not be wise to ignore Syria and Lebanon, as a comprehensive peace is required. Qatar agrees with the Arab League position that the conference should include all parties to the Arab-Israeli conflict. ¶9. (C) The Deputy Secretary said that the U.S. is very supportive of Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad, and we frankly see Hamas as less interested in a peaceful resolution. He added that, for now, the USG is concentrating on building momentum on the West Bank. The Deputy Secretary reiterated that the President is very committed to a two-state solution and Secretary Rice will spare no effort in pursuit of this. Al-Mahmoud concluded by noting that even now there is an opportunity for Arab-Israeli reconciliation but the lesson from Yasser Arafat is that you cannot give something without getting something in return. -------------- IRAQ ¶10. (C) Turning to Iraq, the Deputy Secretary said that the U.S. remains committed to providing security and supporting the Iraqis' political and economic processes. This is difficult, he added, but don't expect any sudden decisions on our posture in Iraq. He said that anything we can do in the economic sphere, such as debt relief or looking for economic opportunities there, would be welcome. The Deputy Secretary noted that the Army is being rebuilt, and security in Anbar is improving. He emphasized the importance of building effective - and national - security institutions. He said these efforts are difficult; the Sunnis were once strong, but the Shia' are in the majority and we must find a balance. He said Al-Maliki is not an extreme figure (along the lines of Moqtada al-Sadr) and the U.S. wants to support his government. Meanwhile, the U.S. has talked to Saudi Arabia about establishing a diplomatic presence in Iraq. More diplomatic contact, including from countries in the Gulf, would make the Al-Maliki government feel less isolated. ¶11. (C) Al-Mahmoud responded that all sects must be part of the process. The Iranians, however, believe that Al-Maliki is the solution to all of Iraq's problems. Al-Mahmoud said he understands that the Iranians are insisting that Al-Maliki remain the prime minister. Qatar, however, believes that there should be no sectarianism and the government should be for all Iraqis. Al-Mahmoud concluded by saying that "your success in Iraq is our success." ¶12. (U) D staff cleared this message. RATNEY