QUARTET ENVOYS MEETING: SUPPORT FOR ANNAPOLIS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 JERUSALEM 002342

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE. NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/WATERS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/09/2017
TAGS: KWBG PGOV PREL PTER PHUM KPAL IS
SUBJECT: QUARTET ENVOYS MEETING: SUPPORT FOR ANNAPOLIS


Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles for Reasons 1.4, b and d.


1. (C) Summary. Quartet envoys expressed support November 1
for the Annapolis meeting and agreed to meet before it takes
place. Envoys discussed rallying Arab support for the
meeting. A/S Welch stressed that that meeting will not be an
"end in itself," but rather a catalyst for negotiations.
Envoys discussed the need to improve the situation on the
ground, citing the deployment of NSF troops to Nablus, as
well as the importance of public diplomacy efforts after
Annapolis to demonstrate its achievements. End Summary.


2. (C) Participants:

U.S.: NEA A/S David Welch, Consul General Jake Walles,
Ambassador Richard Jones, and USSC LTG Keith Dayton

EU: Ambassador Marc Otte, Advisor Rosemary Davis, and Advisor
Maja Sverdrup

UN: Undersecretary General for Political Affairs B. Lynn
Pascoe, Desk Officer for Political Affairs Lee O'Brien, UNSCO
Head of Regional Affairs Robert Dann

Russian Federation: Ambassador Sergey Yakovlev and Embassy
Political Counselor Alexey Skosyrev

From Now to Annapolis
--------------


3. (C) In a November 1 Jerusalem meeting, Quartet envoys
expressed support for the Annapolis meeting and agreed to
meet again to discuss its agenda. Welch stressed that the
meeting is a top USG priority. Otte said he will generate
support at the November 19 EU FM's meeting and Arab League
support is also key. He suggested discussing a list of
"issues within core issues" before the envoys meet. Asked
how the EU can support USG efforts, Welch welcomed EU and UN
efforts with the Egyptians and Gulf Arabs. Welch said the
meeting will be at the Annapolis Naval Academy o/a November
26-28, but formal announcement of the dates and invitations
will not be for some weeks. Otte said that the USG "must be
sure to invite all who need to be there and not leave anyone
behind."

Annapolis Meeting
--------------


4. (C) Welch emphasized that Annapolis will not be an "end
in itself," but rather a continuation of efforts to resolve
the conflict, and noted that the subsequent negotiations will
be the first in many years. Otte praised Secretary Rice for
defining a resolution to the conflict as in "America's
interest" and called for the EU to do the same.


5. (C) Welch said obligations of the parties under Phase 1
of the Road Map will be the working agenda ahead of the
Annapolis meeting. Welch said the USG has not sketched out a
timetable for negotiations. Otte said the conference should
legitimize the bilateral track, address a comprehensive
approach that includes the international community, and start
permanent status negotiations.

Results on the Ground:
Nablus, Gaza
--------------


6. (C) Welch said Annapolis should be linked to confidence
building measures and improvements on the ground. He said
the combination of a joint document, steps on the ground, and
the start of permanent status negotiations will move the
political process. Specifically, Welch addressed the
importance of developing strong PA governance and
institutions, including PASF operations in Nablus. LTG
Dayton added that an NSF battalion would deploy to Nablus to
begin a major security operation. After the deployment is
underway, the Consul General said the USG will inaugurate
economic assistance projects in Nablus. Otte said the EU
plans to rebuild West Bank police stations and can explore
rapid assistance for Nablus as well.


7. (C) Welch said the USG has agreed to the World Bank
request for help with the Beit Lahiya sewage project in Gaza.
UN U/SYG Pascoe said a GOI-PA agreement to open the Gaza
crossings is needed. Otte said the Quartet should discourage
GoI operations in Gaza.

After Annapolis
--------------


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8. (C) Welch said many challenges lie ahead, including the
rejectionists' efforts, high popular expectations, and the
upcoming Lebanese elections. Otte urged public diplomacy
after the meeting to demonstrate to Israelis, Palestinians,
and the international community that "yes, this is worth the
effort and money" and to articulate the process' direction.


9. (U) A/S Welch cleared on this cable.
WALLES