Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08MOSCOW1861
2008-07-01 10:50:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Moscow
Cable title:
MFA SAYS RUSSIA HOPES TO CONVENE, BUT WILL NOT
how-toVZCZCXRO7153 PP RUEHROV DE RUEHMO #1861 1831050 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 011050Z JUL 08 FM AMEMBASSY MOSCOW TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8816 INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE RUEHXD/MOSCOW POLITICAL COLLECTIVE
C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 001861
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL IS RS
SUBJECT: MFA SAYS RUSSIA HOPES TO CONVENE, BUT WILL NOT
INSIST, ON A MOSCOW MIDDLE EAST CONFERENCE
REF: A. MOSCOW 1515
B. MOSCOW 1375
Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Robert Patterson for reasons
1.4 (b/d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L MOSCOW 001861
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL IS RS
SUBJECT: MFA SAYS RUSSIA HOPES TO CONVENE, BUT WILL NOT
INSIST, ON A MOSCOW MIDDLE EAST CONFERENCE
REF: A. MOSCOW 1515
B. MOSCOW 1375
Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Robert Patterson for reasons
1.4 (b/d).
1. (C) MFA Counselor for Israel and Palestine Viktor Simakov
told us on June 30 that Russia was satisfied with the June 24
meeting of the Quartet, which agreed that its September
session would include discussion of the timing and agenda of
the GOR's proposed Moscow Middle East conference. Simakov
said that Russia thought conditions were right to hold the
conference in July or August, but had bowed to Israel's
repeated requests to delay in order to allow more time for
progress in its negotiations with the Palestinians (refs).
The GOR considered the Israel-Palestine track the priority
for the conference and would consider leaving other issues
off the agenda, including the Israel-Syria track, if
necessary.
2. (C) Simakov explained that Russia did not believe the
Moscow conference was a "necessity," and would not insist
that it take place, but felt that the event could provide a
"new impulse" to the process begun by the U.S. at Annapolis.
The European and Arab countries were on board for the
meeting, and PA President Abbas had overcome his previously
equivocal attitude to back the conference wholeheartedly.
Moscow was somewhat disappointed in the response from U.S.
officials who did not oppose Moscow's proposal, but also did
not demonstrate much enthusiasm.
3. (C) Palestinian DCM Faed Mustafa told us on June 27 that
he believed Russia would continue pressing for a Moscow
conference even though it knew that the event might not
advance the MEPP. The GOR had been talking about a
conference for so long that it would be necessary to hold one
in order to "save face." Mustafa understood that the GOR was
frustrated by public comments made by Israeli diplomats that
suggested Tel Aviv did not believe a Moscow conference
necessary (ref B).
RUSSELL
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/01/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL IS RS
SUBJECT: MFA SAYS RUSSIA HOPES TO CONVENE, BUT WILL NOT
INSIST, ON A MOSCOW MIDDLE EAST CONFERENCE
REF: A. MOSCOW 1515
B. MOSCOW 1375
Classified By: Acting Political Counselor Robert Patterson for reasons
1.4 (b/d).
1. (C) MFA Counselor for Israel and Palestine Viktor Simakov
told us on June 30 that Russia was satisfied with the June 24
meeting of the Quartet, which agreed that its September
session would include discussion of the timing and agenda of
the GOR's proposed Moscow Middle East conference. Simakov
said that Russia thought conditions were right to hold the
conference in July or August, but had bowed to Israel's
repeated requests to delay in order to allow more time for
progress in its negotiations with the Palestinians (refs).
The GOR considered the Israel-Palestine track the priority
for the conference and would consider leaving other issues
off the agenda, including the Israel-Syria track, if
necessary.
2. (C) Simakov explained that Russia did not believe the
Moscow conference was a "necessity," and would not insist
that it take place, but felt that the event could provide a
"new impulse" to the process begun by the U.S. at Annapolis.
The European and Arab countries were on board for the
meeting, and PA President Abbas had overcome his previously
equivocal attitude to back the conference wholeheartedly.
Moscow was somewhat disappointed in the response from U.S.
officials who did not oppose Moscow's proposal, but also did
not demonstrate much enthusiasm.
3. (C) Palestinian DCM Faed Mustafa told us on June 27 that
he believed Russia would continue pressing for a Moscow
conference even though it knew that the event might not
advance the MEPP. The GOR had been talking about a
conference for so long that it would be necessary to hold one
in order to "save face." Mustafa understood that the GOR was
frustrated by public comments made by Israeli diplomats that
suggested Tel Aviv did not believe a Moscow conference
necessary (ref B).
RUSSELL