LEBANON: ADDITIONAL NON-MILITARY SUPPORT TO

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 000435

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT PASS TO EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE
NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/GAVITO/

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/28/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL UNSC PTER SY IS LE
SUBJECT: LEBANON: ADDITIONAL NON-MILITARY SUPPORT TO
STRENGTHEN GOL INSTITUTIONS

REF: NEA/ELA-EMBASSY BEIRUT 03/25/08 E-MAIL

Classified By: CDA Michele J. Sison for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

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


1. (C) In response to Department's request for Embassy
Beirut's suggestions on how USG can enhance its support for
the GOL (ref),we have compiled the following list of
additional programs which could be funded to strengthen GOL
national institutions. SEPTELS will cover our suggestions
for support of military institutions and ESF conditionality
considerations. As a result of the current political
impasse, the GOL needs additional donor support in order to
improve delivery of government services, reinforce the
legitimacy of the current government and maintain national
stability. End Summary.

New Proposals for USG Assistance Programs
--------------


2. (C) Embassy Beirut country team has developed the
following recommendations for additional non-military
assistance programs:

-- USD 2 million for the Trade Development Authority: These
funds would be used to expand on previous TDA feasibility
studies and work to provide technical assistance to both the
government and private sector for new investment policies or
business expansion.

-- USD 5 million for the Food and Drug Administration to fund
a technical laboratory to improve and maintain the quality
standards for niche Lebanese agricultural products which
could then be admitted as export products into the U.S. and
other international markets. This program would be modeled
on similar efforts in Egypt, which increased the
profitability of the local agricultural sector.

-- USD 9 million for Aviation:

- Ask the Federal Aviation Administration to conduct a
technical review of the Beirut International Airport. FAA
certification is needed for the return of U.S. carrier
services. The cost for the technical review would be
minimal, as regional FAA officials based in the UAE could
travel inexpensively to Lebanon.

- USD 5 million to update the NORTEL communications
network at the Beirut International Airport. At the current
time, there is no unified communication network at the
airport to deal with safety or security emergencies.

- USD 4 million to fund the purchase of three OSHKOSH
fire trucks to replace aged and damaged emergency response
equipment at the airport.

-- USD 5 million for USAID to rehabilitate additional public
schools. Currently, USAID is rehabilitating 300 Lebanese
schools. Additional funds would expand that effort which
reaches into many local communities and improve delivery of
critical educational programs.

-- USD 10 million for PL-480 shipment of wheat: Given the
shortage of wheat and the rising price of bread in Lebanon, a
one-time shipment of 50,000 metric tons of wheat will help to
relieve pressure on consumers and demonstrate the GOL's
ability to assist citizens during economic downturns.

-- USD 5 million for USAID "Cash for Work" program: USAID
implemented similar programs in FY06 and FY07. Additional
funds would be used to provide employment opportunities for
Lebanese youth when school lets out in May-June.

-- USD 20 million for road repairs: Poor infrastructure
remains a top concern for Lebanese citizens. Major city
roads and intercity highways are in desperate need of repair.
This would be a visible program which would allow the GOL to
demonstrate its ability to address critical national needs.

-- USD 20 million for university campuses in the south:
These funds would be used as an initial investment to

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encourage the several USG-supported universities in Lebanon
(American University of Beirut, Lebanese American University,
and Hagazian University) to open satellite branches in south
Lebanon. (Note: Long-term sustainability will likely require
financial subsidies beyond the initial USD 20 million
investment.)

-- USD 10 million to fund standardized electoral practices:
The Ministry of Interior is charged with conducting both the
2009 parliamentary elections and the 2010 municipal
elections. DRL and other donors have funds in place to
provide training and technical advice to the Ministry of
Interior, but the Ministry is woefully under-equipped to
implement these elections in an internationally accepted way.
While various aspects of electoral reform are still being
decided politically, the Ministry will need financial support
for basic measures, such as improving access to polling
stations for physically challenged persons, funding an
independent electoral commission, and preparing a standard
national ballot. Assuring professional performance by the
Ministry of Interior will help to undermine claims of fraud.

-- USD 20 million for future border security initiatives: The
GOL and international donors are still formulating plans for
the way forward on implementation of UNSC 1701, but recent UN
reports confirm that security assistance along the borders
should be supplemented with socio-economic measures to help
local citizens replace income lost from smuggling activities.
Civil-military cooperation units with the ability to fund
local programs may be the way forward. Successful control
over Lebanon's borders will help to strengthen not only
Lebanese security forces, but also the governmen.

SISON