EREKAT TO CODELS: PA SEEKING A NATIONAL UNITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 000339 SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND NEA/IPA, NSC FOR SHAPIRO/PASCUAL E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/24/2014 TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON KWBG OREP IS QA KDEM SUBJECT: EREKAT TO CODELS: PA SEEKING A NATIONAL UNITY GOVERNMENT THAT RESPECTS PLO AGREEMENTS Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: PLO Chief Negotiator Sa'eb Erekat told CODELs Lieberman, Cardin, and Baird that the conflict in Gaza deepened the divisions between the West Bank and Gaza. Erekat said that Fatah and Hamas need to overcome their differences and forge a national unity government that respects prior PLO agreements (i.e. those with Israel). As part of that process, he said that Fatah needs a new, younger leadership to compete with Hamas. Erekat said that IDF incursions in Area A in the West Bank undermine efforts to strengthen the legitimacy of PA security forces (PASF). He noted that the Gaza conflict had also increased regional tensions, and complained that Qatar is actively supporting Hamas. End summary. Palestinian divisions and reconciliation -------------- ¶2. (C) During the period February 15-19, PLO Chief Negotiator Sa'eb Erekat met separately with CODELs Lieberman, Cardin, and Baird. Erekat said the conflict in Gaza did not stem "the tide of Hamas," arguing that Israel had intentionally deepened the division between the West Bank and Gaza in order to claim there is no viable negotiating partner on the Palestinian side. Erekat expressed hope that Fatah and Hamas would overcome their differences and forge a national unity government, but added any government must respect prior PLO commitments, including its agreements with Israel. He said that Fatah will reconcile with Hamas if the latter accepts a two-state solution, acknowledges previous PLO agreements, and agrees to fair and transparent elections. The PA, he said, needs to represent all Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza in order to promote a viable negotiated outcome. He claimed that Palestinians want a true democracy, and that "Hamas has failed the Palestinians." ¶3. (C) Erekat said he wants Fatah to hold its sixth party Congress as soon as possible, underscoring that "Fatah needs an overhaul." Erekat noted that Fatah reform is crucial to the future of a Palestinian state, saying that Fatah and the PLC need a new, younger leadership. Erekat (who was born in 1955) noted to members of Codel Cardin that he is the youngest member of Fath's leadership. This is "shameful," he said. Security services -------------- ¶4. (C) Erekat told the CODELs that Israeli actions in the West Bank continue to undermine PA President Abbas and PM Fayyad, despite the successes of the PASF. He noted that IDF incursions in the West Bank undermine PA efforts to establish its authority. Erekat said that senior Israeli defense officials privately praised PASF performance during the IDF military operations in Gaza, but that the GOI does not translate that praise into actions that can be felt by Palestinians. As a result, the PA appears to be acting solely on behalf of the GOI. Erekat repeated that the PA is open to a third-party security presence in the West Bank/Gaza as a part of a permanent status agreement. Qatar -------------- ¶6. (C) Erekat noted that the conflict in Gaza had also deepened divisions within the Arab world, at the expense of the PA and Arab moderates. He expressed anger particularly toward Qatar for its recent political and financial support for Hamas. Referring to reports of "people meeting in Doha" to plan a "new PLO," Erekat asked members of Codel Cardin, "What is Qatar doing?" Erekat expressed incredulity at Qatar's dual role as a base for "Centcom" as well as for "the politburo of the Muslim Brotherhood." ¶7. (U) Codels Lieberman, Cardin, and Baird did not have the opportunity to clear this message. WALLES