FAYYAD SEEKS AN "IMPRESSIVE" AID PACKAGE FROM

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 001653 SIPDIS SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, NSC FOR ABRAMS/WATERS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/09/2017 TAGS: IS KPAL KWBG PGOV PREL EAID SUBJECT: FAYYAD SEEKS AN "IMPRESSIVE" AID PACKAGE FROM CODEL LANTOS Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary. Palestinian PM Salam Fayyad told CODEL Lantos August 7 that an immediate and "impressive" aid package for the PA will send an important message of political support and focus the attention of Palestinians and people throughout the region. He called the present PA government the "last chance" to stand up to Iran, Syria and Hizballah and to challenge their regional ambitions. Fayyad discussed the challenges to security reform and the need to increase Israeli trust, and change the culture of the PA security forces (PASF). Fayyad said PASF reform will take time, but expressed optimism that it is possible. Congressman Lantos invited PM Fayyad to address the HCFA in September after he attends the opening of the UN General Assembly. End Summary. "Impressive" Aid Package Needed -------------- ¶2. (C) Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Salam Fayyad told CODEL Lantos and the Consul General August 7 that if the USG gives the PA a "truly impressive" aid package now, it will send a powerful message of support for the government and the prospect of Israeli-Palestinian Peace. Fayyad said Palestinians and people throughout the region will take note of such a gesture, and it could rally support for moderate Palestinian and regional elements. Fayyad said "this is our last chance" to stand up to Iran, Syria and Hizballah. A large U.S. aid package will send a message of hope and opportunity that will benefit the PA politically as well as financially, according to Fayyad. He noted that the PA is drafting a development plan to improve people's quality of life quickly and allow the PA to be seen "doing" things to improve people's lives, rather than "talking." Security Reform -------------- ¶3. (C) Fayyad said it will take time to change the PA security forces' (PASF) "culture,". However, he also noted that there are already improvements in the PASF as a result of reform efforts. He said he wants to change the PASF from a "welfare agency" with inflated payrolls into an effective security force. Fayyad said he wants to see steady progress on reform, rather than too much too soon. He stressed the need to cooperate with the GoI on security and said a collaborative relationship is slowly developing. He said he understands that the IDF will not leave the West Bank anytime soon, and it is vital to avoid confrontations between Israeli and Palestinian security forces through regular and intense consultation. ¶4. (C) Asked by Rep. Lantos about a potential role for Jordanian or Egyptian forces for PASF reform in the West Bank, PM Fayyad said a few hundred Jordanian and Egyptian advisors could be useful. However, he rejected large scale deployment of foreign forces to the West Bank. Mr. Fayyad comes to Washington? -------------- ¶5. (C) Rep. Lantos praised Fayyad repeatedly as honest, competent and courageous and invited him to address the full House Committee on Foreign Affairs in a televised session, which he said could generate popular American support for Fayyad's efforts. Fayyad said he plans to go to the U.S. for the opening of the UN General Assembly in September and would be happy to appear before the Committee. ¶6. CODEL Lantos did not have the opportunity to clear this cable. WALLES