LEBANON: NEW INTERIOR MINISTER WILL FOCUS ON BOTH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIRUT 001085

SIPDIS

NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/YERGER/GAVITO
DRL FOR KRAMER/BARGHOUT
INL FOR JOHNSON/BLOOMQUIST

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/24/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL KDEM PINS LE
SUBJECT: LEBANON: NEW INTERIOR MINISTER WILL FOCUS ON BOTH
ELECTIONS AND SECURITY

REF: A. BEIRUT 001024

B. BEIRUT 001076

C. BEIRUT 001075

Classified By: CDA William Grant for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

Summary
--------------


1. (C) During an introductory call with the Charge Grant on
July 23, newly appointed Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud said
that he has a comprehensive vision for the Ministry portfolio
and stressed that he will focus both on electoral and
security issues. He said that the Ministry itself, rather
than the UN or another body, would take charge of donor
coordination activities related to election reform. In terms
of security, Baroud had been briefed on the USG's extensive
cooperative program with the Internal Security Forces and
said that he would welcome future discussions on additional
programs. Turning to politics, he told us that the
Ministerial Declaration would be difficult to negotiate and
may require intervention from President Sleiman at some
point, but he does not believe that the Hizballah arms issue
will "derail the whole process." He fears that delays in the
drafting will increase tension and security threats
throughout the country. Finally, he acknowledged that the
reception of Samir Kuntar had shocked many of Lebanon's
allies. "The President weighed the decision carefully and
his actions reflect a desire for consensus and unity in the
country." End Summary

Moving Up to Minister
--------------


2. (C) Baroud, a long-time Embassy contact for civil society
initiatives and one of the Lebanese civil society
representatives at the 2007 French-sponsored political
dialogue in St. Cloud, acknowledged that his move to the
Ministry had surprised a number of observers. "I am an
independent," Baroud told us. "I was chosen by the President
and my appointment should tell you a lot about President
Sleiman's desire to depoliticize some key ministries." When
asked if he would "represent" President Sleiman in cabinet
meetings, Baroud said that, while he had no intention of
abandoning his core "civil society beliefs," he agreed with
the majority of President Sleiman's principles and vision for
the country. "We must move forward with a consensus.
Lebanon is not a country that can ever be peacefully ruled by
a controlling or ruling majority."


3. (C) Baroud told us that the Ministry was in the midst of a
major reorganization effort. "But I am not firing competent
people. The nephew of the former minister is a hard-working
and intelligent employee. Many were surprised to learn that
he would keep his job, but I want competent people working
for me." He said he personally asked for the transfer of
Colonel Eli Baradi, formally a strategic communications
specialist at the ISF. Baroud said the I|-gf&9Qs twelve directorates, Baroud
said that would require agreement by the Council of
Ministers. "As it should. No one person should have that
much power," said Baroud. "Additionally, any changes to the
overall security structure in Lebanon should not happen
abruptly. Real change will be more effective is done
smoothly over a long period of time."

"The Ministry Will Lead Electoral Coordination with
International Donors"
--------------


5. (C) Special Assistant raised the issue of donor
coordination for electoral reform, since many international
donors are involved. The local UNDP office has been angling
to be the coordinator, but we have heard negative reviews of
their past performance, leading us to suggest the Ministry
take the lead, she said. Barould said that is his intention.
"It is time for the Ministry to demonstrate leadership and
we are preparing a formal 'Master Plan' and calendar which
will be ready shortly for all donors. We must, at all costs,
avoid wasteful and duplicative efforts." Baroud also said he

BEIRUT 00001085 002 OF 003


wanted the Ministry's electoral preparations to be completely
transparent. "If I make a targeted request for assistance
from one country or another, this will be processed openly
and formally through the Council of Ministers."


6. (C) Baroud also expressed concern about the relatively
short preparatory period before the spring 2009 parliamentary
elections. "We are already late." The Charge noted that the
Mission had identified USD 3.2 million in AID funds which
could be rapidly dispersed for technical assistance programs,
with the possibility of additional funds, as well. Baroud
was grateful and said there was a lot of work to be done in a
short period of time. "Coordinated and rapid donor support
will be critical to our efforts."


7. (C) The Charge also raised the issue of security
preparations for the election, as Baroud has commented in the
media that this will be one of his top priorities. The
Charge offered to work with DOD colleagues to develop a table
top training exercise with USG military experts who have
worked on other regional elections. Baroud was intrigued by
the offer, but asked for the time to consider it carefully.
"There will be sensitivities and I think it will be best to
wait until after the ministerial statement has come out to
explore this proposal in greater detail."

Civil Society to Get Its Own Office at the Ministry
--------------


8. (C) Rounding out his discussion of electoral issues,
Baroud told us that he views Lebanese civil society as his
"partner" for the electoral preparations. A long-time member
of a number of civil society organizations credited with
keeping this issue alive, Baroud has decided to open the
GOL's doors formally to these groups to encourage a close
working relationship and appropriate access. Baroud is even
giving an office inside the Ministry's building to the Civil
Campaign for Electoral Reform (CCER). (Note: MEPI funds have
supported the activities of CCER, a consortium of 65 local
NGOs working on electoral reform. A recent MEPI grant funded
CCER's "Executive Secretariat", which provides
professional-level lobbying and strategic communications
resources to the members. End Note.) (Ref A)

Appreciation for USG Cooperation with the ISF
--------------


9. (C) Baroud had been briefed on the extent of the INL
cooperative program with the ISF. He said that General Rifi,
in particular, was very pleased with the program. Baroud is
interested in exploring additional cooperative efforts with
the USG. His most immediate task is to identify resources to
address Beirut's growing traffic problems. "This would be a
visible program for the citizens, whose quality of life is
impacted by the traffic jams every day. The Ministry must
show tangible results on this issue."


10. (C) Baroud also assured the Charge that the ISF and
General Security would continue to support the Embassy's
security needs. Finally, he thanked the USG for its most
recent contribution of USD 6 million to support community
policing initiatives for the ISF in Lebanon's Palestinian
refugee camps.

"Political Climate is Better After Doha, But Still Not Stable"
--------------


11. (C) When asked for his thoughts on politics, Baroud said
that it was a bit early to make a judgment on the cabinet,
which has only come together once for a ceremonial session.
"Doha made a difference, but we have a long way to go before
we can assure the people that there will be long-term
stability in Lebanon."


12. (C) Baroud believes that negotiations on the ministerial
statement will not be easy. In fact, he said it is likely
that President Sleiman will have to intervene at some point
to break a deadlock on one issue or another. When asked if
the issue in question would be Hizballah arms, Baroud said
that he did not think it would prove to be the ultimate
stumbling block. "There is always the option to turn that
over to the National Dialogue."


13. (C) However, Baroud remains concerned about Lebanon's

BEIRUT 00001085 003 OF 003


security situation if the statement is delayed. He believes
that recent violent clashes in both the north of Lebanon and
the Ain-el-Hiweh refugee camp reflect larger political
tensions, both domestic and regional. "We need to get this
statement behind us if we want to stem politically-motivated
violence."


14. (C) Finally, the Charge conveyed the USG's concerns about
the GOL's warm welcome during Samir Kuntar's return from
Israel on July 16. Baroud acknowledged that the sight of the
President, Prime Minister and other government officials at
the airport welcome ceremony had shocked many. However, he
said that President Sleiman had weighed the options and felt
that it was important to show national unity on this event,
which was being celebrated by so many Lebanese citizens. "It
was his decision and people must respect that," said Baroud.

Comment
--------------


15. (C) Baroud seems to be adopting the more formal tone of
his office, perhaps in response to some who said he lacked
enough "gravitas" for the position. However, he still seems
to be a controversial and uncomfortable choice for some of
the more established political figures in the country.
Defense Minister Murr said he was a "weak person who would
try to please everyone" (Ref B). Walid Jumblatt also told us
that he believes Baroud is a good person, but doubts he has
the strength to fight corruption in the ministry (Ref C).
March 14 Secretary General Fares Souaid, however, said Baroud
is considered a good choice for March 14, though he will
likely focus on technical issues and try to avoid getting
bogged down in political gamesmanship.


16. (C) Baroud also seems to be working hard to dispel the
image that he will only focus on electoral issues. Two of
his closest contacts, Khalil Gebara of the Lebanese
Transparency Association and Osama Safa of the Lebanese
Center for Policy Studies, told us last week that Baroud had
closer ties to the Lebanese security agencies than many knew.
He was deeply involved in prison reform efforts a few years
ago and seems to have developed a close relationship to a
number of key ISF officers. Also, he quietly served as a
legal advisor to then LAF Commander Sleiman on the
constitutional implications of his presidential candidacy.
We have also heard from a number of sources that Baroud is
close to the Patriarch and well-connected to a number of key
Christian families in the Metn area. End Comment.
GRANT