PALESTINIANS SEEK SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION ON A

C O N F I D E N T I A L USUN NEW YORK 000412

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/23/2017
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC
SUBJECT: PALESTINIANS SEEK SECURITY COUNCIL ACTION ON A
CEASE-FIRE FOR GAZA AND WEST BANK CEASE-FIRE MONITORED BY
INTERNATIONAL OBSERVERS

Classified By: Amb. Zalmay Khalilzad. E.O 12958. Reasons 1.4 (B&D).


1. (C) In a May 23 meeting he requested on an urgent basis,
Palestinian Permanent Observer Riyad Mansour said that a
delegation representing the Arab League, the Organization of
the Islamic Conference (OIC),and the Non-Aligned Movement
(NAM) would shortly request a meeting with Ambassador
Khalilzad to recommend that the Security Council call for a
cease-fire in Gaza and the West Bank and establish a
mechanism with international observers to monitor
implementation of the cease-fire. Mansour explained that the
organizations are seeking a meeting with Ambassador Khalilzad
because the United States hold the Presidency of the Security
Council for the month of May.


2. (C) Mansour said that Arab League, OIC and NAM delegations
had recently met to discuss the situation in Gaza and had
concluded that the violence in Gaza must come to an immediate
end. But these groups argued that the violence in Gaza and
the West Bank is interconnected and that no cease-fire in
Gaza could last unless one was also put in place in the West
Bank. Mansour argued that achieving a comprehensive
cease-fire would strengthen the hand of President Abbas, who
could demand that all Palestinian factions cease violent
activities when the threat of Israeli attacks on Jenin and
Nablus is lifted.


3. (C) Mansour said he understood that that such a cease-fire
would require political will and the readiness of the
Security Council to act. He argued that Security Council
action would defuse the situation and contribute to the
restoration of peace and stability. Mansour said that the
Europeans support the idea and that the Egyptians, in their
Arab League capacity, will arrange the meeting with the
Security Council Presidency. Ambassador Khalilzad told
Mansour he would welcome a meeting. Once he receives a
proposal, he will consult with Washington and other Security
Council capitals. During the Security Council's monthly
meeting on Middle East matters May 24, a majority of
delegations expressed a desire for some action by the
Security Council in response to the current situation in Gaza
(septel).
KHALILZAD