Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ROME912
2007-05-02 14:33:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Rome
Cable title:
LEBANON: ITALY OPEN-MINDED ON SPECIAL TRIBUNAL
VZCZCXRO4108 OO RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHKW RUEHLA RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHRO #0912/01 1221433 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 021433Z MAY 07 FM AMEMBASSY ROME TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7891 INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHROV/AMEMBASSY VATICAN PRIORITY 0636 RUEHFL/AMCONSUL FLORENCE PRIORITY 2351 RUEHMIL/AMCONSUL MILAN PRIORITY 8604 RUEHNP/AMCONSUL NAPLES PRIORITY 2509
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 000912
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/26/2017
TAGS: PGOV XF LE IT
SUBJECT: LEBANON: ITALY OPEN-MINDED ON SPECIAL TRIBUNAL
CHAPTER VII UNSCR
ROME 00000912 001.4 OF 004
Classified By: A/POL M/C Jonathan R. Cohen for reasons 1.4 b and d.
Summary:
-------
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 000912
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/26/2017
TAGS: PGOV XF LE IT
SUBJECT: LEBANON: ITALY OPEN-MINDED ON SPECIAL TRIBUNAL
CHAPTER VII UNSCR
ROME 00000912 001.4 OF 004
Classified By: A/POL M/C Jonathan R. Cohen for reasons 1.4 b and d.
Summary:
--------------
1. (C) A/S Welch urged his GOI interlocutors to support
establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon under UNSC
chapter VII authority, asked for Italian engagement in
pushing Maronite Leader Sfeir (who was scheduled to visit
Rome at end of April) to unite Christians in Lebanon, and
stressed U.S. appreciation for Italy's important role in
Lebanon and UNIFIL, during meetings in Rome April 23-24.
While GOI interlocutors were supportive of the need to push
for a Tribunal and agreed with Welch that the GOL is at an
impasse, they raised reservations, including the safety of
their troops in UNIFIL, indicating that while they remain
open-minded Italy does not want to rush a UNSCR authorizing
the Tribunal. Middle East Director Ragaglini agreed on the
need to strengthen the arms embargo under UNSCR 1701 and said
Italy could host the next meeting of the Lebanese Contact
Group, but suggested waiting until after the French
elections. Welch stressed the importance of maintaining the
Quartet principles and discussed developments in the Middle
East Peace Process (MEPP). End Summary.
2. (SBU) NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch met with MFA
Director General for Mediterranean and Middle East Affairs,
Cesare Ragaglini, (accompanied by COS Carlo Formosa and Near
East Office Director Luciano Pezzotti); MFA DG for Political
and Multilateral Affairs Guilio Terzi (accompanied by
incoming DCM to Italian Embassy in Washington Sebastiano
Cardi and UN Coordinator De Vito); and PM's Middle East
Advisor Marco Carnelos during an April 23-24 visit to Rome.
A/S Welch also met with senior editors and briefed them, on
background, on developments in the region during a luncheon
hosted by the Ambassador on April 23. On April 24 A/S Welch
gave a recorded interview, emphasizing the situation in
Lebanon and Italy's leading role, to Italy's premier TV news
show, RAI TG 1 TV news, which was aired three times to an
audience of over 14 million. A/S Welch was accompanied by
Deputy Legal Advisor Jonathan Schwartz, NEA SA Amy Tachco and
poloff.
The Case for the Special Tribunal under Chapter VII
-------------- --------------
3. (C) Welch laid out the case for establishing the special
tribunal for Lebanon under chapter VII should UN Legal
Counsel Michel's report to the UNSC indicate what the GOL has
already asserted, that the establishment of the Tribunal is
not possible through Lebanon's constitutional process. Welch
noted that a chapter VII UNSCR would not change the
essentially Lebanese elements of the Tribunal. It would still
apply Lebanese law and utilize Lebanese judges. The actual
establishment of the Tribunal would take up to a year giving
the Lebanese time to settle the current political stalemate
before the Tribunal was to begin. Welch added that UNIIIC
Commissioner Brammertz has indicated the Tribunal's
establishment would help him conclude his investigation by
affording his witnesses a sense of protection.
FM Open-Minded on Ch. VII UNSCR; Michel Report Critical
-------------- --------------
4. (C) Ragaglini agreed the UNSC must move toward
establishing the Tribunal through chapter VII but added that
doing so must improve the situation on the ground, not
deteriorate it. He expressed concern over the consequences
of taking the Tribunal decision out of Lebanese hands.
Ragaglini wondered whether doing so would cause the remaining
problems, including the political stalemate and the upcoming
Presidential elections, to spin out of control and give the
Lebanese population the misguided expectation that the
international community will step in, yet again, to fix
Lebanon's problems. Welch argued that establishment of the
Tribunal would actually help move the political stalemate
forward by taking the Tribunal off the bargaining table and
preventing the anti-Tribunal forces (i.e. Syria) from gaining
a victory. Welch suggested that if Syria were wise, it would
let negotiations on the Tribunal continue. Once discussions
moved to the UNSC the Tribunal would be established with less
Syrian input, and would probably be less friendly to Syria.
5. (C) Terzi also expressed concerns that the consequences
or risks of a chapter VII resolution might outweigh the
benefits. In particular Terzi noted this would be the first
ROME 00000912 002.4 OF 004
time a UNSC chapter VII resolution would establish a tribunal
without the consent of all the concerned parties. However,
he added that FM D'Alema had told visiting UNSYG Ban April 23
that he remained open-minded on the issue. Terzi said FM
D'Alema would consider UN Legal Counsel Michel's upcoming
report on the situation in making his decision. Both Terzi
and Ragaglini mentioned Siniora had sent a letter to Prodi
the week of April 16 indirectly asking for Italy's help in
establishing the Tribunal through the UNSC, and that the
letter had influenced FM D'Alema.
On Timing, Italy flexible but advocates one last push
-------------- --------------
6. (C) Ragaglini said Italy would wait to hear Michel's
report before making any decisions. If the report indicates
a chapter VII resolution is necessary, Ragaglini suggested
delivering one final strong message to the Lebanese
opposition and Syria before going to the UNSC. Ragaglini
emphasized that the resolution should not come as a surprise
to any of the parties and that all involved, including Syria,
should be given a chance to express their reservations. He
added that FM D'Alema could deliver such a message, which
should be done privately, to his Syrian counterpart on the
margins of the May 4 Iraq Neighbors Plus conference. Welch
agreed but insisted we should activate our final push
immediately after the Michel report. It will be a defeat for
Siniora if the UNSC does not act swiftly, he warned.
UNIFIL: Italy agrees on need to strengthen Arms Embargo
-------------- --------------
7. (C) Welch conveyed to MFA Political Director Terzi the
Secretary's personal respects to FM D'Alema and stressed US
SIPDIS
appreciation for Italy's important role in Lebanon and
UNIFIL. Welch noted that the US views UNIFIL as a success
due largely to Italy's leadership. Welch said he expected a
smooth roll-over of UNIFIL's mandate in August, but suggested
we think of ways to strengthen the arms embargo and
implementation of UNSCR 1701.
8. (C) Terzi and Ragaglini agreed on the need to explore
ways to strengthen the arms embargo. Ragaglini suggested
using the contact group to examine ways to support the
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) through projects such as the
German border initiative. Welch agreed and said the
President had requested USD 770 million from Congress to
support relief and reconstruction in Lebanon, over 200
million of which would go to support security assistance.
Suggest Lebanon Contact Group Meet After French Elections
-------------- --------------
9. (C) Welch thanked Ragaglini for his help in creating the
informal contact group on Lebanon, which met recently in
London, and agreed on the need to continue to use the format
to conduct proper and regular consultations between the
serious UNIFIL contributors and the US and UK. Welch said he
looked forward to a follow-up meeting and appreciated Italy's
willingness to host. Ragaglini said Italy could look into
hosting the next round of discussions. He suggested waiting
until after the French elections and agreed that it was more
useful to have discussions in capitals vice New York.
Italy Pushes for Movement on Sheba'a farms
--------------
10. (C) Both Terzi and Ragaglini pressed Welch on Sheba'a
Farms, suggesting Israel be pressured to turn over control to
the UN in an effort to show support for Siniora. Welch
doubted the Israelis would agree to do so. PM Olmert
wouldn't want to be seen as giving Hizballah a victory
without getting something significant in return. Welch
suggested the UNSYG be encouraged to continue exploring
options for Sheba'a.
Italians Concerned about Lebanese Presidential Elections
-------------- --------------
11. (C) Ragaglini expressed concern that Lebanese President
Lahoud would create problems in the fall, effectively
blocking a democratic transfer of power by refusing to
delegate his power to the government before he leaves. Welch
stressed the need for Lahoud to be replaced and agreed he
didn't see a strong candidate emerging. Welch said he hoped
the Vatican could play a constructive role in uniting the
ROME 00000912 003.4 OF 004
Lebanese Christians and helping a pro-Lebanon candidate
emerge. He said it would be a mistake for the West to be
seen as choosing a candidate.
Italy Agrees to Push Sfeir to Unite Christians
-------------- -
12. (C) Welch urged his interlocutors to send a strong
private message to Maronite Patriarch Sfeir to assume a
higher profile in bringing peace and stability to Lebanon
during his upcoming visit to Rome. He said he had sent the
same message to the Vatican earlier in the day and had asked
PA President Abbas to do so as well. Ragaglini agreed to do
so and noted that Sfeir too is saddened by the divisions
within the Christian population, but added the one positive
outcome from the current division is that the two Christian
factions are unlikely to fight each other, so the crisis
remains political rather than ethnic. Note. According to PM
Advisor Carnelos Palestinian President Abbas, who was
visiting Rome and had met with Welch on April 23, had asked
PM Prodi to tell A/S Welch that he, too, had sent a message
to the Pope advocating a stronger role in Lebanon. End Note.
Saudi King Upset with US and Concerned over Lebanon
-------------- --------------
13. (C) Carnelos told Welch that during the course of
Italian PM Prodi's April 21 meeting in Riyadh with the King,
the King had repeatedly said that he was upset with
developments in Darfur and in particular with the recent
American actions on the issue. Carnelos said the King didn't
elaborate but was specifically upset with the U.S. and made a
big deal of his view that everything had been going well
until the recent actions. Carnelos stressed that the King
had not asked Prodi to pass it to us, but Carnelos thought he
should share since the King had been so emphatic and direct.
The King also expressed concern over the situation in
Lebanon, calling the upcoming Presidential election a
"ticking bomb".
Welch Argues Importance of Maintaining Quartet Principles
-------------- --------------
14. (C) Welch told the Italians the U.S. was pursuing a
three pronged approach to the Middle East Peace Process
(MEPP) and that he saw some signs of progress. On the
bilateral track, he said the atmosphere between Olmert and
Abbas had improved, as the decision to hold their next
meeting in Jericho demonstrated. On the regional track,
Welch said the U.S. is encouraging the moderate Arab states
to show some creativity and Israel to take a careful look at
their proposals. Finally, on the international track, Welch
said it was important to keep the Quartet discussions going
and said he was traveling to Berlin April 25 to discuss
holding a Quartet meeting in the region. Ragaglini suggested
the Quartet meet the Arab Quartet. Welch agreed such a
meeting could be useful but said the Arab states are not yet
ready were such a meeting to include Israel and the
Palestinians. Ragaglini suggested the Saudi's could be used
to sway the group if Israel showed more interest in the
"Saudi" Arab initiative.
15. (C) Welch said Abbas will need to understand at some
point that he has to solve the problem of cohabitation with a
group that does not accept his policy, does not recognize
Israel, hasn't signed the Arab League Initiative and hasn't
disavowed violence. This is where the international
community can play a fundamental role in sticking to the
Quartet principles. Abbas has to reform his party, improve
the security situation with the help of the international
community, and get Israel to put something on the table so he
can show the Palestinians that he can deliver. Then he
should take the question back to the Palestinian people for
another vote and hopefully they will see in him a responsible
leader who can deliver to them what Hamas cannot.
Italy Urges Un-Freezing of Palestinian Funds
-------------- ---
16. (C) Terzi said Italy welcomed U.S. re-engagement on a
practical level on the Arab/Israeli issue. He said efforts
continue within the EU and that a decision by the EU to
extend the TIM by three months should be matched by a
positive decision on the Israeli side to restore funds.
17. (C) Welch said the U.S. will continue to operate as we
ROME 00000912 004.4 OF 004
have been. There will be no change in U.S. law. It will
remain possible to give funds to President Abbas through
independent institutions and the PLO accounts but not to the
national unity government directly.
18. (U) A/S Welch cleared this cable.
Spogli
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/26/2017
TAGS: PGOV XF LE IT
SUBJECT: LEBANON: ITALY OPEN-MINDED ON SPECIAL TRIBUNAL
CHAPTER VII UNSCR
ROME 00000912 001.4 OF 004
Classified By: A/POL M/C Jonathan R. Cohen for reasons 1.4 b and d.
Summary:
--------------
1. (C) A/S Welch urged his GOI interlocutors to support
establishment of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon under UNSC
chapter VII authority, asked for Italian engagement in
pushing Maronite Leader Sfeir (who was scheduled to visit
Rome at end of April) to unite Christians in Lebanon, and
stressed U.S. appreciation for Italy's important role in
Lebanon and UNIFIL, during meetings in Rome April 23-24.
While GOI interlocutors were supportive of the need to push
for a Tribunal and agreed with Welch that the GOL is at an
impasse, they raised reservations, including the safety of
their troops in UNIFIL, indicating that while they remain
open-minded Italy does not want to rush a UNSCR authorizing
the Tribunal. Middle East Director Ragaglini agreed on the
need to strengthen the arms embargo under UNSCR 1701 and said
Italy could host the next meeting of the Lebanese Contact
Group, but suggested waiting until after the French
elections. Welch stressed the importance of maintaining the
Quartet principles and discussed developments in the Middle
East Peace Process (MEPP). End Summary.
2. (SBU) NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch met with MFA
Director General for Mediterranean and Middle East Affairs,
Cesare Ragaglini, (accompanied by COS Carlo Formosa and Near
East Office Director Luciano Pezzotti); MFA DG for Political
and Multilateral Affairs Guilio Terzi (accompanied by
incoming DCM to Italian Embassy in Washington Sebastiano
Cardi and UN Coordinator De Vito); and PM's Middle East
Advisor Marco Carnelos during an April 23-24 visit to Rome.
A/S Welch also met with senior editors and briefed them, on
background, on developments in the region during a luncheon
hosted by the Ambassador on April 23. On April 24 A/S Welch
gave a recorded interview, emphasizing the situation in
Lebanon and Italy's leading role, to Italy's premier TV news
show, RAI TG 1 TV news, which was aired three times to an
audience of over 14 million. A/S Welch was accompanied by
Deputy Legal Advisor Jonathan Schwartz, NEA SA Amy Tachco and
poloff.
The Case for the Special Tribunal under Chapter VII
-------------- --------------
3. (C) Welch laid out the case for establishing the special
tribunal for Lebanon under chapter VII should UN Legal
Counsel Michel's report to the UNSC indicate what the GOL has
already asserted, that the establishment of the Tribunal is
not possible through Lebanon's constitutional process. Welch
noted that a chapter VII UNSCR would not change the
essentially Lebanese elements of the Tribunal. It would still
apply Lebanese law and utilize Lebanese judges. The actual
establishment of the Tribunal would take up to a year giving
the Lebanese time to settle the current political stalemate
before the Tribunal was to begin. Welch added that UNIIIC
Commissioner Brammertz has indicated the Tribunal's
establishment would help him conclude his investigation by
affording his witnesses a sense of protection.
FM Open-Minded on Ch. VII UNSCR; Michel Report Critical
-------------- --------------
4. (C) Ragaglini agreed the UNSC must move toward
establishing the Tribunal through chapter VII but added that
doing so must improve the situation on the ground, not
deteriorate it. He expressed concern over the consequences
of taking the Tribunal decision out of Lebanese hands.
Ragaglini wondered whether doing so would cause the remaining
problems, including the political stalemate and the upcoming
Presidential elections, to spin out of control and give the
Lebanese population the misguided expectation that the
international community will step in, yet again, to fix
Lebanon's problems. Welch argued that establishment of the
Tribunal would actually help move the political stalemate
forward by taking the Tribunal off the bargaining table and
preventing the anti-Tribunal forces (i.e. Syria) from gaining
a victory. Welch suggested that if Syria were wise, it would
let negotiations on the Tribunal continue. Once discussions
moved to the UNSC the Tribunal would be established with less
Syrian input, and would probably be less friendly to Syria.
5. (C) Terzi also expressed concerns that the consequences
or risks of a chapter VII resolution might outweigh the
benefits. In particular Terzi noted this would be the first
ROME 00000912 002.4 OF 004
time a UNSC chapter VII resolution would establish a tribunal
without the consent of all the concerned parties. However,
he added that FM D'Alema had told visiting UNSYG Ban April 23
that he remained open-minded on the issue. Terzi said FM
D'Alema would consider UN Legal Counsel Michel's upcoming
report on the situation in making his decision. Both Terzi
and Ragaglini mentioned Siniora had sent a letter to Prodi
the week of April 16 indirectly asking for Italy's help in
establishing the Tribunal through the UNSC, and that the
letter had influenced FM D'Alema.
On Timing, Italy flexible but advocates one last push
-------------- --------------
6. (C) Ragaglini said Italy would wait to hear Michel's
report before making any decisions. If the report indicates
a chapter VII resolution is necessary, Ragaglini suggested
delivering one final strong message to the Lebanese
opposition and Syria before going to the UNSC. Ragaglini
emphasized that the resolution should not come as a surprise
to any of the parties and that all involved, including Syria,
should be given a chance to express their reservations. He
added that FM D'Alema could deliver such a message, which
should be done privately, to his Syrian counterpart on the
margins of the May 4 Iraq Neighbors Plus conference. Welch
agreed but insisted we should activate our final push
immediately after the Michel report. It will be a defeat for
Siniora if the UNSC does not act swiftly, he warned.
UNIFIL: Italy agrees on need to strengthen Arms Embargo
-------------- --------------
7. (C) Welch conveyed to MFA Political Director Terzi the
Secretary's personal respects to FM D'Alema and stressed US
SIPDIS
appreciation for Italy's important role in Lebanon and
UNIFIL. Welch noted that the US views UNIFIL as a success
due largely to Italy's leadership. Welch said he expected a
smooth roll-over of UNIFIL's mandate in August, but suggested
we think of ways to strengthen the arms embargo and
implementation of UNSCR 1701.
8. (C) Terzi and Ragaglini agreed on the need to explore
ways to strengthen the arms embargo. Ragaglini suggested
using the contact group to examine ways to support the
Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) through projects such as the
German border initiative. Welch agreed and said the
President had requested USD 770 million from Congress to
support relief and reconstruction in Lebanon, over 200
million of which would go to support security assistance.
Suggest Lebanon Contact Group Meet After French Elections
-------------- --------------
9. (C) Welch thanked Ragaglini for his help in creating the
informal contact group on Lebanon, which met recently in
London, and agreed on the need to continue to use the format
to conduct proper and regular consultations between the
serious UNIFIL contributors and the US and UK. Welch said he
looked forward to a follow-up meeting and appreciated Italy's
willingness to host. Ragaglini said Italy could look into
hosting the next round of discussions. He suggested waiting
until after the French elections and agreed that it was more
useful to have discussions in capitals vice New York.
Italy Pushes for Movement on Sheba'a farms
--------------
10. (C) Both Terzi and Ragaglini pressed Welch on Sheba'a
Farms, suggesting Israel be pressured to turn over control to
the UN in an effort to show support for Siniora. Welch
doubted the Israelis would agree to do so. PM Olmert
wouldn't want to be seen as giving Hizballah a victory
without getting something significant in return. Welch
suggested the UNSYG be encouraged to continue exploring
options for Sheba'a.
Italians Concerned about Lebanese Presidential Elections
-------------- --------------
11. (C) Ragaglini expressed concern that Lebanese President
Lahoud would create problems in the fall, effectively
blocking a democratic transfer of power by refusing to
delegate his power to the government before he leaves. Welch
stressed the need for Lahoud to be replaced and agreed he
didn't see a strong candidate emerging. Welch said he hoped
the Vatican could play a constructive role in uniting the
ROME 00000912 003.4 OF 004
Lebanese Christians and helping a pro-Lebanon candidate
emerge. He said it would be a mistake for the West to be
seen as choosing a candidate.
Italy Agrees to Push Sfeir to Unite Christians
-------------- -
12. (C) Welch urged his interlocutors to send a strong
private message to Maronite Patriarch Sfeir to assume a
higher profile in bringing peace and stability to Lebanon
during his upcoming visit to Rome. He said he had sent the
same message to the Vatican earlier in the day and had asked
PA President Abbas to do so as well. Ragaglini agreed to do
so and noted that Sfeir too is saddened by the divisions
within the Christian population, but added the one positive
outcome from the current division is that the two Christian
factions are unlikely to fight each other, so the crisis
remains political rather than ethnic. Note. According to PM
Advisor Carnelos Palestinian President Abbas, who was
visiting Rome and had met with Welch on April 23, had asked
PM Prodi to tell A/S Welch that he, too, had sent a message
to the Pope advocating a stronger role in Lebanon. End Note.
Saudi King Upset with US and Concerned over Lebanon
-------------- --------------
13. (C) Carnelos told Welch that during the course of
Italian PM Prodi's April 21 meeting in Riyadh with the King,
the King had repeatedly said that he was upset with
developments in Darfur and in particular with the recent
American actions on the issue. Carnelos said the King didn't
elaborate but was specifically upset with the U.S. and made a
big deal of his view that everything had been going well
until the recent actions. Carnelos stressed that the King
had not asked Prodi to pass it to us, but Carnelos thought he
should share since the King had been so emphatic and direct.
The King also expressed concern over the situation in
Lebanon, calling the upcoming Presidential election a
"ticking bomb".
Welch Argues Importance of Maintaining Quartet Principles
-------------- --------------
14. (C) Welch told the Italians the U.S. was pursuing a
three pronged approach to the Middle East Peace Process
(MEPP) and that he saw some signs of progress. On the
bilateral track, he said the atmosphere between Olmert and
Abbas had improved, as the decision to hold their next
meeting in Jericho demonstrated. On the regional track,
Welch said the U.S. is encouraging the moderate Arab states
to show some creativity and Israel to take a careful look at
their proposals. Finally, on the international track, Welch
said it was important to keep the Quartet discussions going
and said he was traveling to Berlin April 25 to discuss
holding a Quartet meeting in the region. Ragaglini suggested
the Quartet meet the Arab Quartet. Welch agreed such a
meeting could be useful but said the Arab states are not yet
ready were such a meeting to include Israel and the
Palestinians. Ragaglini suggested the Saudi's could be used
to sway the group if Israel showed more interest in the
"Saudi" Arab initiative.
15. (C) Welch said Abbas will need to understand at some
point that he has to solve the problem of cohabitation with a
group that does not accept his policy, does not recognize
Israel, hasn't signed the Arab League Initiative and hasn't
disavowed violence. This is where the international
community can play a fundamental role in sticking to the
Quartet principles. Abbas has to reform his party, improve
the security situation with the help of the international
community, and get Israel to put something on the table so he
can show the Palestinians that he can deliver. Then he
should take the question back to the Palestinian people for
another vote and hopefully they will see in him a responsible
leader who can deliver to them what Hamas cannot.
Italy Urges Un-Freezing of Palestinian Funds
-------------- ---
16. (C) Terzi said Italy welcomed U.S. re-engagement on a
practical level on the Arab/Israeli issue. He said efforts
continue within the EU and that a decision by the EU to
extend the TIM by three months should be matched by a
positive decision on the Israeli side to restore funds.
17. (C) Welch said the U.S. will continue to operate as we
ROME 00000912 004.4 OF 004
have been. There will be no change in U.S. law. It will
remain possible to give funds to President Abbas through
independent institutions and the PLO accounts but not to the
national unity government directly.
18. (U) A/S Welch cleared this cable.
Spogli