LIBYAN DRAFT UNSCR ON ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS:

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 PARIS 001318

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/10/2013
TAGS: PREL PTER KPAL KWBG UNSC FR IS LY
SUBJECT: LIBYAN DRAFT UNSCR ON ISRAELI SETTLEMENTS:
FURTHER THOUGHTS FROM THE FRENCH MFA

REF: A. USUN 614

B. STATE 73171

C. PARIS 1292

D. PARIS 1284 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Kathleen Allegrone for reas
ons 1.4. (b),(d).


1. (C) Unaware of fast-moving events in New York (per ref
A),we met late July 9 with French MFA NEA A/S-equivalent
Patrice Paoli to discuss the Libyan draft UNSCR and other
topics (reported separately). Paoli noted his earlier
conversation the same day with NEA A/S Welch. We presented
Paoli the points in ref b for use in all UNSC capitals.
Paoli's response was predictable and consistent with what
French MFA DAS-equivalent Ludovic Pouille had previously
expressed (ref D):

--France agrees with the substance of our concerns and will
work to amend the Libyan draft, but will not present an
alternative for reasons of timing, i.e., the July 13 Union
for Mediterranean Summit and the need to avoid giving Arab
participants a pretext to boycott.

--France would prefer that we seek the insertion of the
elements we want included by working on the basis of the
Libyan draft. France and a significant number of UNSC
members would likely support us.

--The Arabs are frustrated with the situation (i.e.,
continued delays and continued Israeli defiance vis--vis
settlements) and would immediately put in blue their
resolution if presented with an alternative draft as we
propose.

--The ideal remains to play for time, but the French do not
see how doing so will prevent the Arabs from insisting on
bringing their resolution to a vote at some point in the
process.

--France has reached out to "like-minded" Arab states, but
they have either been "reticent" (most notably Egypt) or
hostile (most notably Saudi Arabia, which presented what
Paoli claimed to have been the first written demarche from
them he had seen in years).

--Within the EU, there is impatience and frustration with
Israel's policies. Paoli noted that President Sarkozy's
tough words in front of the Knesset during his recent visit,
have made it harder for France to ignore the situation.
Paoli and DAS-equivalent for the Levant Ludovic Pouille
referred to Quartet Envoy Tony Blair's disquiet over Israeli
actions along with that of EU external affairs commissioner
Ferrero-Waldner and French FM Kouchner when the three had
dinner July 7 (ref C).

--France considers that the current situation underscores the
philosophical dilemma that, because of the constant
disagreements that generally result in an impasse, the UNSC
is unable to say anything about one of the world's major
problems.

--The latest impasse at the UNSC also underlines the
challenge we face in the short and immediate term to achieve
the goal we share, and which is achievable, for the long term.


2. (C) In summing up, Paoli stated the French bottom line:

--France can agree to support discussion of our proposed
elements but only on the basis of modifying the Arab draft
the UNSC is considering;

--France, the U.S., and other supporters of the Annapolis
process have to limit the damaging impression that the
Israelis continue to defy the international community over
settlements without any negative repercussions; and

-- France, the U.S., and other supporters of the Annapolis
process must recognize the intense anger and frustration of
the Arabs who have no desire to continue negotiations on a
text with no clear end in sight.


3. (U) Late note: The French MFA deputy press spokesperson
released the following statement on Israeli settlements at
the July 10 daily press briefing (informal Embassy
translation):

Begin text:

France condemns the Israeli decision to request tenders for

PARIS 00001318 002 OF 002


the construction of 920 dwellings in the settlement of Har
Homa, south of Jerusalem.

This decision contributes to the weakening of the credibility
of the diplomatic process in progress.

France considers the pursuit of the settlements an obstacle
to peace. France recalls the requirement, written in the
Roadmap that the parties committed to respect during the
Annapolis conference, for a complete freeze of settlement
activities, including those linked to "natural growth" in all
of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

France invites the Israeli authorities to review this
decision and to refrain from any unilateral action that could
prejudge the final status of the Palestinian territories,
notably Jerusalem.

End text


4. (C) Comment: President Sarkozy has expended so much
political capital and personal prestige in seeking high-level
Arab participation in the July 13 Union for the Mediterranean
that we judge extremely firm French position not to take any
actions that would give the Arabs a reason to boycott the
Summit. Underscoring particularly sensitivity regarding
Libya, Paoli emphasized that Libya is the only country under
the rubric of Union for the Mediterranean that is not sending
any representative to the Summit, much less a head of state.


Please visit Paris' Classified Website at:
http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Fran ce

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