JORDAN: SCENESETTER FOR SE MITCHELL'S JUNE 11 VISIT

S E C R E T AMMAN 001278 SIPDIS NEA/FO, NEA/IPA AND FOR SENATOR MITCHELL E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/02/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAL IS JO SUBJECT: JORDAN: SCENESETTER FOR SE MITCHELL'S JUNE 11 VISIT Classified By: Ambassador R. Stephen Beecroft for reasons 1.4 (b) and ( d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (S) Your visit to the region will be viewed by Jordanians as the first follow-up to the President's speech in Cairo. Despite widespread admiration and praise for the speech, Jordanians at all levels of society believe concrete actions must follow in the next few months before optimism about the prospects for peace turns to disappointment and cynicism. Many are asking what steps the U.S. will take to encourage meaningful participation by a seemingly recalcitrant Israeli government. ¶2. (S) Since returning from Washington in April, the King has actively reached out to partners in the region to generate support and momentum for President Obama. The King and other Jordanian contacts, however, say that the King must be supported quickly by concrete actions which demonstrate progress if he is to maintain his forward-leaning positions. Domestically, the King remains a popular figure, and June 9 has been declared a national holiday to celebrate the tenth anniversary of his ascension to the throne. End Summary. King's Regional Tour -------------- ¶3. (S) Most recently, the King has visited Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. In Jordan, he has hosted Syrian FM Mu'allim, PA President Abbas, Egyptian FM Gheit, and the Emir of Qatar. Chief of the Royal Court Nasser Lozi was dispatched to Beirut for consultations with Lebanese President Sleiman. Additionally, Jordan has reached out to North African states to include them in the regional discussions. Prince Ali, the King's half brother, had positive discussions with President Bouteflika in Algieria on May 18 and delivered a personal message from His Majesty. Foreign Minister Judeh traveled to Morocco on June 4. The King tells us that he and his regional partners are actively discussing a list of deliverables to assist the U.S. efforts and to encourage Israeli participation in the negotiations. However, talks appear more general than specific to date. Bilateral Relations With Israel -------------- ¶4. (S) The King hosted Israeli PM Netanyahu in May, prior to Netanyahu's visit to Washington. As the King told a recent CODEL, Netanyahu frankly stated that he needed more time to consolidate his own domestic political position before he could push for difficult discussions with the Palestinians. The King is greatly concerned about delays, saying that Arab public opinion could turn in June or July. The King believes delays will also hurt his own personal position in the region, leaving him unable to play a pro-active role. ¶5. (C) A recent Knesset bill proposing that Jordan be declared a Palestinian state has struck a nerve. Media and analysts tout this as a sign of bad faith, attributing the statements of one Knesset member to the Israeli government as a whole. The Foreign Minister convoked the Israeli Ambassador and the Jordanian parliament issued a formal protest, as well. Your private assurance that the U.S. remains committed to a two state solution will be heartening, in combination with the President's recent public remarks. Looking Forward -------------- ¶6. (S) Jordanians view Israel as unwilling to negotiate on difficult issues and the call for "concrete actions" is a reflection of this pessimism. They believe that the current deadlock can only be broken by decisive action from the U.S. ¶7. (C) During your meeting, the King will be particularly interested in Israeli Defense Minister Barak's visit to Washington, as well as your recent conversations in Israel. He also closely follows USG developing relations with Syria and will likely ask for a brief on that issue. Beecroft