STOERE/ABBAS STOCKHOLM MEETING SUMMARY

C O N F I D E N T I A L OSLO 000425 SIPDIS SIPDIS EUR/NB (RDALLAND) E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/23/2017 TAGS: EFIN IS KPAL PINS PREL ISPA NO SUBJECT: STOERE/ABBAS STOCKHOLM MEETING SUMMARY REF: 4/23/07 CONFIDENTIAL EMAIL FROM RDALLAND TO ECANUEL Classified By: DCM Kevin M. Johnson, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) On April 23 we met with Norwegian MFA Middle East Section Head Joern Gjelstad concerning the recent confidential Stockholm meeting between Palestinian President SIPDIS Mahmoud Abbas and Norwegian Foreign Minister Stoere. The meeting was split into two sessions. During the first session, which included the principals' advisers, Abbas initially brought up U.S. bank restrictions, which he believes impede the Palestinian Unity Government's ability to receive international funds transfers. Abbas also referenced Finance Minister Fayyad's recent discussions with U.S. authorities on this matter during Fayyad's recent Washington visit. Additionally, both parties discussed the status of abducted Israeli Corporal Shalit. Abbas, pledging that he would mobilize all his resources to address this issue, was optimistic that Shalit would soon be released. Finally, FM Stoere noted to Abbas that security challenges must be addressed by the Unity Government, and stated that rocket attacks on Israeli territory must end. Abbas replied that other groups outside the Unity Government were responsible for the attacks, but promised to deal with the matter. He also pointed out to Stoere that the volume of rocket attacks has severely declined. ¶2. (C) The second confidential session was held directly between Stoere and Abbas, and excluded their advisers. The Norwegian FM has not briefed Gjelstad as to what transpired during this private meeting. WHITNEY