Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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08BEIRUT175 | 2008-02-06 19:41:00 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Beirut |
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 000175 |
1. (C) During Ambassador Sison's introductory call on February 6, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora urged the USG to issue a "clear position of support" for the Arab League Initiative (ALI), which he described as "the only game in town right now" to resolve Lebanon's political crisis. He said USG silence on this issue will be used as an excuse should the ALI fail. He commended USG efforts to raise funds for the Special Tribunal and promised to follow up personally with the KSA. In addition, Siniora stressed the importance of continued long-term USG political, economic and military support for Lebanon. Finally, he urged Ambassador Sison to emphasize the bipartisan nature of the USG's commitment to Lebanon. "It will defeat those who wait the vacuum to continue through the U.S. presidential elections." End Summary. "Welcome to the Land of Organized Chaos" -------------------------- 2. (C) During their first meeting, Prime Minister Siniora provided Ambassador Sison with a short historic overview of Lebanese politics and cited numerous examples of foreign nations that had been "drawn into the quicksand of this country." Turning to the present day, he said that it is important to remember Lebanon in a regional context. Siniora said that the Arab-Israeli conflict continues to have an enormous impact on Lebanon. As he often does with first time visitors, he raised the issue of Sheba'a Farms. He lamented the fact that Lebanon had become a battlefield in the struggle for power among regional actors. GOL Continues Under Siege -------------------------- 3. (C) The Prime Minister assured the Ambassador that the government he heads continues to function, although it has faced more challenges than any other in Lebanon's history. "We won't surrender. We believe in what we are doing." Since 2004, Lebanon has endured political assassinations, the 2006 conflict with Israel, the resignation of key cabinet members, a parliament that has been inactive for over 16 months, assassinations directed against both the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces, and a presidential vacuum. Even with these stresses and provocations, Siniora said that the Lebanese do want to eventually have good relations with their Syrian neighbors to ensure long-term peace and stability. Opposition Will Not Support the Arab League Initiative -------------------------- 4. (C) Turning to Arab League SYG Amr Moussa's proposed visit to Beirut on February 7, Siniora wondered what impact it would have. He said that Moussa was coming to "market" the ALI. When asked by the Ambassador for his interpretation of the ALI, Siniora said it is a call for the immediate election for a president and then the formation of a cabinet in which the majority cannot impose its will and the minority cannot block government initiatives. 5. (C) However, according to Siniora, the opposition lost interest in LAF Commander General Michel Sleiman when he became the March 14th consensus candidate. March 14th took an internal decision to compromise and agree on Sleiman's candidacy and now it is obvious that the opposition is "trying to make him nervous so he will make concessions in advance of the elections." Siniora has advised Sleiman to sit back, relax and continue to act like the military and national hero that he is. 6. (C) Looking forward, Siniora feels there is no sense of urgency from the opposition to resolve the current political crisis. He said that the Syrians excel in "brinksmanship" and he recalled former PM Rafik Hariri relaying that the Syrians had promised to "break Lebanon over his head" when their influential role in Lebanese politics was challenged. Siniora said that Aoun will continue to act as a shield for BEIRUT 00000175 002 OF 002 Syria and Hizballah and that the strength of the opposition's media machine is difficult to counter. Specific Requests for USG Support -------------------------- 7. (C) When asked by the Ambassador for his thoughts on desired specific USG actions to signal support, Siniora first asked for a clear statement of support for the ALI. "Your silence will be used as an excuse for the failure of this initiative. By supporting it publicly, you will avoid taking the blame." 8. (C) The Prime Minister and his senior advisor, Mohamed Chatah, both asked the Ambassador to stress the bipartisan nature of the USG's support for Lebanon. In their opinion, there are those who want to "wait out" Lebanon's current political crisis in the hope of a change in USG policy under a new administration. Public statements of bipartisan support will defeat this rationale and delaying tactic. 9. (C) The Prime Minister welcomed USG efforts to raise additional funding for the Special Tribunal in advance of the third anniversary on February 14th of Rafik Hariri's assassination. Siniora added, "Leave the Saudis to me." He did ask for USG assistance to speed up the actual transfer of cash from Kuwait and the UAE, however. 10. (C) The Prime Minister finished his list by reiterating the need for continued long-term political, economic and military support for Lebanon. "It will be a lot cheaper for you to help us now rather than later," he said. Comment -------------------------- 11. (C) Siniora was relaxed and conversational during this first meeting with Ambassador. In light of his request, post recommends that when she sees Amr Moussa in Beirut (meeting expected to be February 8), Ambassador make clear to Amr Moussa that the USG supports the Arab League initiative because it has as its goal bringing about unconditional presidential election in Lebanon. Similarly, we intend to respond to press inquiries about the ALI with the same language. End Comment. SISON |