Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07VATICAN170
2007-11-21 09:40:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Vatican
Cable title:  

HOLY SEE: PDAS SATTERFIELD'S MEETING WITH FM MAMBERTI ON

Tags:  PREL XF VT 
pdf how-to read a cable
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O 210940Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY VATICAN
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0842
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE
RUEHZL/EUROPEAN POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
RUEHROV/AMEMBASSY VATICAN 0876
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 VATICAN 000170 

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2017
TAGS: PREL XF VT
SUBJECT: HOLY SEE: PDAS SATTERFIELD'S MEETING WITH FM MAMBERTI ON
LEBANON AND MIDDLE EAST ISSUES

REF: VATICAN 0151

VATICAN 00000170 001.2 OF 003


CLASSIFIED BY: Christopher Sandrolini, DCM, EXEC, State.
REASON: 1.4 (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 VATICAN 000170

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/21/2017
TAGS: PREL XF VT
SUBJECT: HOLY SEE: PDAS SATTERFIELD'S MEETING WITH FM MAMBERTI ON
LEBANON AND MIDDLE EAST ISSUES

REF: VATICAN 0151

VATICAN 00000170 001.2 OF 003


CLASSIFIED BY: Christopher Sandrolini, DCM, EXEC, State.
REASON: 1.4 (d)

1. (C) Summary. During a November 15 meeting in Rome, NEA
PDAS/Iraq Coordinator Satterfield and Holy See foreign minister
Mamberti discussed Lebanon and other Middle Eastern issues.
Satterfield and Mamberti agreed on the priority of supporting
the democratic process in Lebanon to ensure the election of a
representative and independent candidate as president, and also
agreed on the undesirability of a "half plus one" approach.
Mamberti confirmed that Patriarch Sfeir would not be coming to
Rome for the November 24 consistory. On Iraq, Satterfield
assured Mamberti of the USG's understanding of the difficulties
faced by Christians and other minorities there, and our efforts
to help them. Satterfield described plans for the Annapolis
peace conference, including the possibility of Syrian
participation. Mamberti complained about the Holy See's
difficulties in dealing with Israel, whether regarding the
bilateral Fundamental Agreement or (more recently) problems
faced by Arab religious in obtaining or renewing Israeli visas.
Satterfield promised USG attention to this. The two also
discussed interreligious dialogue, including the recent letter
sent to Christian leaders by 138 Muslim scholars and the visit
of Saudi King Abdullah to Pope Benedict XVI. End summary.




2. (C) Ambassador David Satterfield, Iraq Coordinator and
Principal Deputy Assistant for Near Eastern Affairs, met
November 15 with Archbishop Dominique Mamberti, the Holy See's
Secretary for Relations with States (i.e. foreign minister) to

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discuss Lebanon and other Middle East matters. Also present
were Charge d'affaires and Monsignor Franco Coppola.



Lebanon

--------------




3. (C) Satterfield told Mamberti the US is focused intensely on
the current situation in Lebanon, which is at a crossroads. The
role of Patriarch Sfeir is critical; the US and the Holy See
share interests in this essential matter. We recall how painful
the events of 1988 and 1989 were for the Patriarch but must
focus on the present. Mamberti replied that the Holy See is

following events in Lebanon every day. The Holy See fully
supports the constitution and the electoral process, and greatly
hopes for a consensus solution. Mamberti noted the public
support for Cardinal Sfeir, and for Lebanon, reiterated by Pope
Benedict XVI on November 11. Satterfield expressed great
respect for the role of the Holy See and of the Pope.




4. (C) Satterfield noted USG concerns for the well-being of all
Lebanese, and particularly for the Christian community, if the
next president is not a credible and authentic leader "for all
Lebanese". He said that we support a president who defends an
independent Lebanon, but one who is the product of consensus.
Satterfield asked about the Patriarch's list of candidates,
noting that some of the best candidates would probably, and
unfortunately, be vetoed by Nabih Berri, (and those he
represents),but he emphasized that it is essential that other
good candidates would remain. He emphasized the need for
Lebanese candidates, who would not be subject to improper
influences or pressures from Syria or Hezbollah. The choice of
president should be not be determined solely by Muslim leaders
(reflecting a Sunni/Shia deal) but should instead be that of the
entire Parliament. If there is no agreement by Hariri and
Berri, said Satterfield, we hope that Parliament can express its
views and that the Holy See and the Patriarch would support that.




5. (C) In response to Mamberti's question, Satterfield clarified
that the USG favors instead an outcome reflecting a national
consensus, but not at the price of Lebanon's sovereignty. We
are concerned about an outcome that would produce "consensus" on
a "least common denominator" candidate. The names on the
Patriarch's list are therefore of great importance. On a simple
(half plus one) majority election, Satterfield said that such an
outcome entails risks and was perhaps unachievable by March 14,
given difficulties holding all its members together.




6. (C) Satterfield asked if the Patriarch would remain in
Lebanon, or whether he was planning to visit Rome for the
November 24 consistory. He spoke strongly of the need for the
Patriarch to be in Lebanon at this crucial time, and urged

VATICAN 00000170 002.2 OF 003


Mamberti to convince him to do so if necessary. Mamberti,
surprised, said he could not imagine that the Patriarch would
leave Lebanon at this time and confirmed that to his knowledge
the Patriarch had no plans to visit Rome; Sfeir, he said, fell
into the category of those who are excused from attending this
consistory. (Note: Deputy FM Parolin, who spoke to Satterfield
after the meeting, also appeared surprised at the idea that
Sfeir might be planning to come to Rome. End note)



Iraq

--------------




7. (C) Noting that he had just visited Iraq, Satterfield said
the security situation there is significantly better, but the
USG understands clearly the difficulties faced by Iraqi
Christians as a defenseless minority. They are not being
persecuted per se, but are among the most vulnerable, and are
suffering greatly. The USG, with Congress, is examining ways to
protect Iraqi Christians. Ambassador Crocker is focused on
this. Satterfield offered congratulations to Iraqi Patriarch
Delly, who will be elevated to the rank of cardinal at the
upcoming consistory. Unfortunately at present the Iraqi
political leaders do not have a common vision for the future,
which they must develop. The USG does not want to dictate to
Iraq, which must shape its own destiny; but we must help to keep
it free of polarizing and radicalizing pressures from within and
without.




8. (C) Mamberti emphasized that the Church supports an effective
(not just nominal) presence of Christians in Iraq and other
Mideast countries. "So many have fled!" he lamented. He
expressed hope that refugees will return. Satterfield said the
USG shares this view and believes the flight is temporary;
refugees do want to return, but this will depend on regional
stabilization and improvement of Iraq's security and economic
situation.



Other issues -- Annapolis, Israel, Inter-religious Dialogue

-------------- --------------
--------------




9. (C) Mamberti asked about Annapolis. Satterfield said that
while no invitations have been issued, November 26-27 have been
set as the tentative dates. Broad participation is envisioned,
including at least the G-8, and Arab League Follow-Up Committee
members including Lebanon and Syria. The US had told Syrian FM
Mouallem ten days ago that "the world is watching you", warning
that Syria's behavior would be noted carefully, whether good or
bad. Satterfield clarified that the USG is committed to a
comprehensive Mideast peace, not just Israel-Palestine.



10. (C) Mamberti mentioned the Holy See's relations with Israel,
including problems with the bilateral Fundamental Agreement,
which has been moving very slowly for years. The next plenary
session is scheduled for December in Jerusalem. Typically, said
Mamberti, discussion stalls at the level of technical or
administrative issues, a sign that the Israelis lack political
will to pursue the entire agreement. He described it as a
practical problem even for the US church; Christian religious
communities have no resources to draw upon in Israel, and depend
upon donations from abroad. So Israeli taxes in effect are upon
the donations. Satterfield said he would look for ways to help.




11. (C) Mamberti continued by lamenting the difficulty
Christians have in entering (or re-entering) Israel, especially
as visas have become more problematic lately. Religious persons
can't get visas, especially those from Arab countries; This
means that some religious communities therefore can't send
anyone at all. Even individuals bearing Holy See passports can't
enter. Mamberti noted that the Holy See understands security
issues, but appeared to suggest that this has become a
convenient excuse for Israel. Satterfield promised to engage,
and asked for specific examples.




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12. (C) On interreligious dialogue, Mamberti said in general
there is growing awareness of the importance of dialogue to
avoid a "clash of civilizations". The recent letter from 138
Muslim leaders (see reftel for details) is an encouraging sign,
said Mamberti, as was the visit of Saudi King Abdullah; we have
hope. Unfortunately the West is too often seen in Muslim
countries as equivalent to "Christian", with unpleasant
associations of crusades, etc. Abdullah's visit was planned for
last year but postponed; both the Holy See and the King were
pleased at the visit. The King had a long meeting with the
Pope, followed by a meeting with Cardinal Bertone (the Secretary
of State, second to the Pope) and Mamberti himself.
Unfortunately the substance was only general - talk of dialogue,
cooperation, and peace. The Holy See pointed to the positive
role of Christians in Saudi Arabia, but didn't go into details.
There was no discussion of religious freedom.




13. (C) Satterfield noted that the USG is concerned about the
archaic perspective of many in the Sunni Arab world, notably but
not exclusively the Saudis, who tend to view Middle East issues
in manichean terms -- e.g., Sunni/Shia, Arab/Persian, and who
refer to Iraqi Shi'a as "Safavids" The US has urged the Saudis
to adopt a more modern and less polarizing perspective.




14. (U) Satterfield has cleared this message.
ROONEY