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