LEBANON: DISCUSSIONS WITH PM SINIORA, LF LEADER

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIRUT 000640

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR NEA/FO, NEA/ELA
ALSO FOR A/S SILVERBERG AND PDAS WARLICK
USUN FOR KHALILZAD/WOLFF/KUMAR/PHEE
NSC FOR ABRAMS/SINGH/YERGER/GAVITO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/08/2018
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR SA IR UNSC LE
SUBJECT: LEBANON: DISCUSSIONS WITH PM SINIORA, LF LEADER
GEAGEA, MARCH 14 SYG

REF: A. BEIRUT 635

B. BEIRUT 636

C. BEIRUT 637

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

SUMMARY
--------------


1. (C) Prime Minister Fouad Siniora told the Charge at 1440
on May 9 that Beirut is undergoing a "coup d'etat" by
Hizballah and would welcome a strong condemnation from the
U.S. on Iran, Syria, and Hizballah. He expressed his
appreciation for USG and Arab League foreign ministers'
support. He assured us of his resolve. Lebanese Forces
leader Samir Geagea reported that 50 members from March 14
have gathered at his residence in Maarab and plan to make a
March 14 declaration in response to Hizballah's positional
takeovers throughout Beirut. From the meeting in Maarab,
March 14 Secretary General Fares Suaid suggested to the
Charge that the U.S. send a strong message to Lebanese Armed
Forces Commander Michel Sleiman that the army must ensure the
security of the March 14 leaders. Suaid said he believed
Hizballah is pressuring PM Fouad Siniora to resign. End
summary.

SINIORA: "COUP D'ETAT"
BY HIZBALLAH
--------------


2. (C) The Charge spoke with Prime Minister Fouad Siniora at
1440 on May 9. The Charge assured Siniora of full USG
support for him, his government, and institutions of the
state. She expressed concern about Hizballah's escalation of
violence in the streets (Refs A, B, C). Siniora responded
that he was both safe and strong, adding, "I am still strong
in my mind. I have resolve. What has happened is a coup
d'etat. Beirut is being raped. I repeat, raped, and please
use this word when communicating with Washington. I am
ashamed to say Hizballah is behaving more poorly than the
Israelis. What it is doing is unacceptable." The Charge
replied to the PM that she was glad to hear of his resolve,
given the rumors that he might resign. "No, I am here," he
said, and continued, "What Hizballah is doing is too much.
They've bitten off more than they can chew."


3. (C) The Charge asked what the USG could do to support PM
Siniora and his government. He said that he would welcome a
strong condemnation of Iran, Syria, and Hizballah. The
Charge said that a statement from the US and its friends was
already being discussed. Siniora expressed his appreciation
for US support and referred to Arab League FMs' support.
When the Charge asked about short-term versus long-term
requests, Siniora said, "Well," he paused, "I'm not really
asking for anything physical. I mean I am not really asking
for a show of military force on the ground." Siniora and the
Charge promised to stay in touch.

GEAGEA HOSTING MARCH 14 MEETING
--------------


4. (C) At 1340, the Charge spoke to Lebanese Forces leader
Samir Geagea. Geagea reported that he was safe and sound at
his northern residence in the mountains in Maarab. He said
that he is about to commence a meeting with 50 of Lebanese
Forces, Future Movement and other March 14 supporters, those
who were able to safely travel to Maarab, to discuss how to
respond to Hizballah's attacks. (Note: No one from Walid
Jumblatt's Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) was able to
join. End note.) Geagea conveyed March 14's determination
to stand firm, saying that they will issue a declaration at
the conclusion of their meeting.


5. (C) The Charge underscored the U.S.'s unwavering support
for Lebanon's democracy, legitimate government, and state
institutions to Geagea.

MARCH 14 SYG ASKS USG
TO BE FIRM WITH SLEIMAN
--------------

BEIRUT 00000640 002 OF 002




6. (C) March 14 SYG Fares Suaid told the Charge at 1320 that
March 14 is hoping for "full and sustained support" by the
international community for the Siniora government. The
Charge assured Suaid that March 14 has the U.S.'s support.
Suaid said that the situation in Lebanon resembles Gaza,
explaining that Beirut is under full control of Iran and
Hizballah following a military-like takeover.


7. (C) Suaid suggested the U.S. send a strong message
(stressing that it be made after March 14 issues its
declaration) to Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Michel
Sleiman that he must ensure the security of March 14 leaders
and personalities. Suaid continued, "Sleiman needs to take
full responsibility as the head of the LAF to stand up for
his country and not to succumb to Hizballah pressure."

SISON