Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07RIYADH1529
2007-07-18 13:38:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Riyadh
Cable title:  

SAUDI ARABIA SUPPORTS PRESIDENT BUSH'S INITIATIVE, CALLING

Tags:  PGOV PREL PINR SA 
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PP RUEHROV
DE RUEHRH #1529 1991338
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 181338Z JUL 07 ZDS
FM AMEMBASSY RIYADH
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 6050
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH PRIORITY 8885
C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 001529 

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C O R R E C T E D COPY ///ADDING TITLE TO SUBJECT LINE///

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI ARABIA SUPPORTS PRESIDENT BUSH'S INITIATIVE, CALLING
FOR THE US TO BE FAIR AND JUST

REF: RIYADH 1454

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Michael Gfoeller
for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 001529

SIPDIS

C O R R E C T E D COPY ///ADDING TITLE TO SUBJECT LINE///

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/18/2017
TAGS: PGOV PREL PINR SA
SUBJECT: SAUDI ARABIA SUPPORTS PRESIDENT BUSH'S INITIATIVE, CALLING
FOR THE US TO BE FAIR AND JUST

REF: RIYADH 1454

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Michael Gfoeller
for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).


1. (U) The Saudi Press Agency (SPA) issued an official
statement on July 17 welcoming President Bush's initiative,
announced on July 16, to resolve the Israeli/Palestinian
crisis. The statement specifically supported the President's
call to "end occupation, establish an independent and
contiguous viable Palestinian state, and the need for peace"
to include agreement on the status of Jerusalem and on the
right of refugees to return. The statement recognized that
the President's initiative was in line with the Arab Peace
Initiative, which was unanimously supported by the Arab
League states during their March 2007 summit in Riyadh.


2. (U) In press statements, SAG officials also expressed
hope that the proposed international peace conference would
"address the core issues of the struggle, guarantee a fair
balance of commitments and responsibilities, and achieve the
dismantlement of settlements, not just an end to future
settlement activities." The SPA statement further expressed
concern that past efforts have failed essentially because
they have not kept these three principles in mind, stating
that a partial solution would be made at the expense of a
final solution. The statement also urged Palestinians to
unify and abide by the joint Arab approach, supporting recent
Arab League and Gulf Security Council (GCC) summit
resolutions.


3. (C) Assistant Minister of Interior Prince Muhammad bin
Nayif expressed concern about the "fairness" of the future
peace conference during a July 17 meeting with EconCouns.
Prince Muhammad bin Nayif stated that "People want America to
be fair, just. That's all." His statement clearly reflected
the hope that the USG would consider the Arab perspective,
not just the Israeli view, as is often perceived by the
Saudis.


4. (C) Arabic-language media stressed that solving the
Palestinian issue is the key to solving the problems of the
Middle East. However, most newspapers, online sources, and
Saudi interlocutors expressed doubt about the ability of the
USG to address successfully the key issues of Jerusalem and
refugees. Many commented that the USG will be unable or
unwilling to pressure Israel to compromise on these critical
areas. Additionally, several individuals pondered the
reasons behind the President's announcement, which ranged
from anticipated fallout from the possible pullout of U.S.
troops from Iraq to support for pro-American Arab leaders,
such as Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah.


5. (C) COMMENT: SAG support for the President's initiative
demonstrates once again the Saudis' preference for utilizing
a multi-lateral approach to resolve regional crises (reftel).
Although there is some chattering amongst the population
regarding the USG's motives, SAG itself clearly supports the
President's initiative. END COMMENT.
GFOELLER