LATEST ROUND OF FATAH-HAMAS RECONCILIATION TALKS

C O N F I D E N T I A L JERUSALEM 000817 SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE AND IPA; NSC FOR SHAPIRO/KUMAR E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/19/2019 TAGS: PGOV PTER KWBG KPAL KDEM IS GS SUBJECT: LATEST ROUND OF FATAH-HAMAS RECONCILIATION TALKS ENDS WITHOUT PROGRESS Classified By: Consul General Jake Walles for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary. A fifth round of reconciliation talks in Cairo between Fatah and Hamas concluded on May 18 without significant progress, according to Fatah negotiator Azzam al-Ahmad. The parties failed to reach agreement in any of the substantive areas discussed, including formation of a factional committee, "reform" of the security sector, and changes to the electoral law. Egyptian officials have announced a sixth and "final" round of dialogue will begin on July 1, including plans for a "signing ceremony" to be held on July 7. End summary. Dialogue Produces No Breakthroughs -------------- ¶2. (C) The fifth round of reconciliation talks between Fatah and Hamas ended without significant progress on May 18 in Cairo after three days of Egyptian-moderated negotiations. In press statements, both sides sought to portray the other as intransigent, while leaving the door open for a resolution in a "final" round of talks, now scheduled for July 1. Privately, Fatah negotiator al-Ahmad told PolSpec on May 18 that this round produced no major breakthroughs. Agreements in Principle Only -------------- ¶3. (C) Al-Ahmad said Fatah and Hamas agreed "in principle" to an Egyptian proposal to form a 16-member committee, including Fatah, Hamas, and other factions, to act as a "communications channel" between Ramallah and Gaza. However, no agreement was reached on the committee's mandate nor on the role that would remain for Hamas' "government" in Gaza, according to al-Ahmad. Press reports indicate that the gap between the parties' positions remains significant. ¶4. (C) Fatah and Hamas also failed to agree on the composition, scope, and authorities of a joint security force for Gaza. Al-Ahmad said Fatah demanded the force comprise 10,000 personnel, split evenly between Fatah and Hamas, while Hamas proposed a much smaller force, of 300 personnel, focused on border crossings only. Hamas also continues to insist on having a role in the West Bank security services as part of any deal to modify Gaza's security forces. ¶5. (C) Al-Ahmad also noted that the two parties failed to reach agreement on procedures for future legislative elections (now nominally scheduled for January 2010). Fatah insists on giving greater weight to candidates on national lists as part of a proportional representation system, while Hamas wants a larger share of the PLC reserved for individuals elected in specific consituencies. Pessimism (and Confusion) Ahead of July 1 -------------- ¶6. (C) Fatah Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member Mohammed Dahlan told the Consul General on May 19 in Ramallah that "there is nothing to the dialogue talks" and no prospect that Hamas will reconcile with Fatah and PA President Abbas (Abu Mazen). Dahlan said that Hamas' external patrons, Iran and Syria, will prevent it, as will Hamas' own self interest now that the group has become "a gang of thieves and criminals getting rich off Gazan businesses and the tunnels." Dahlan said he was surprised by Egypt's call for a "final" round of talks and a "signing ceremony" on July 7. He suggested that the Egyptians need to present the appearance of success, despite the reality to the contrary. Fatah negotiator al-Ahmad said he expects the Egyptians to produce a new set of bridging proposals for the next round. He said it is not clear what, if anything, the parties will have to sign on July 7. ¶7. (C) Jenin-area Fatah grassroots leader and PLC member Shami al-Shami told Poloffs on May 18 that no reconciliation is at hand, and Fatah should focus itself on internal reform efforts, including the much-delayed Sixth Party Congress (now also scheduled to take place in July). Independent civil society figure Mahdi Abdelhadi, who participated in the dialogue's security forces subcommittee in previous rounds, told Poloffs on May 13 that Hamas delegates were much better prepared than Fatah, but neither faction sent representatives empowered to make decisions or negotiate in good faith. WALLES