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).

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IRAN
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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.

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ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN ISSUES
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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.

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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