DEMARCHE: DISCUSS HARIRI TRIBUNAL CONSULTATIONS

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 057533 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/26/2017 TAGS: LE UNSC PREL PTER SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: DISCUSS HARIRI TRIBUNAL CONSULTATIONS WITH UN OLA'S MICHEL Classified By: Assistant Secretary Kristen Silverberg, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Department requests USUN urge UN OLA's Nicolas Michel to deliver a strong statement in support of Council action to establish the Hariri Tribunal to the UN Security Council during consultations on Lebanon, currently scheduled for May 2, 2007. End Summary. ¶2. (C) OBJECTIVES: Department instructs USUN to pursue the following objectives: -- Solicit any further information about Michel's views on the establishment of the Tribunal. -- Urge Michel to express concern that Speaker Berri has not allowed the Lebanese Parliament to meet and that the Lebanese process is at an impasse. This frustrates the will of the Lebanese people who have spoken for immediate establishment of the Tribunal. Note letters sent to the UNSYG by Prime Minister Siniora and petitions sent by from the majority of Parliamentarians. -- Encourage Michel to make a strong statement supporting Council action to establish the Tribunal. ¶3. REPORTING DEADLINE: USUN should report results of efforts to IO/UNP Anneliese Reinemeyer before May 2. ¶4. POINT OF CONTACT: IO/UNP - Anneliese Reinemeyer at (202) 647-0046 or via e-mail. RICE