AMBASSADOR'S CALL ON ZAWAWI: IRAN, ISRAEL-PALESTINE, IRAQ

C O N F I D E N T I A L MUSCAT 001007 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019/11/08 TAGS: PREL MU KPAL IR IS PK SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S CALL ON ZAWAWI: IRAN, ISRAEL-PALESTINE, IRAQ AND SOUTH ASIA. REF: MUSCAT 995 CLASSIFIED BY: Richard J. Schmierer, AMB, STATE, EXEC; REASON: 1.4(B),(D) ¶1. (C) The Ambassador paid an introductory call on the Sultan's Foreign Affairs Adviser and Omani oligarch Dr. Omar Zawawi at his seaside compound November 3. The two discussed many regional issues but the main focus was Middle East Peace and Iran. Zawawi made clear that the Sultan was a strong supporter of President Obama's approach to the region. ¶2. (C) On Iran, the Ambassador expressed continuing U.S. interest in a diplomatic solution and appreciation for Omani efforts to secure Iranian cooperation with international efforts. Zawawi explained that the Sultan's priority was ensuring regional peace and security. According to Zawawi, both Supreme Leader Khamene'i and President Ahmadinejad sincerely wanted to find a way forward. He noted, however, that "some" both outside and inside wanted to derail any rapprochement. With continued effort, Zawawi was certain that there could be a restoration of U.S.-Iranian relations, perhaps not to the level of the former "relationship with the Shah" but better than now. The Ambassador asked that Oman now use its good offices to get Iran back to the negotiating table. ¶3. (C) On Israel and Palestine, the Ambassador noted the importance of the Secretary's upcoming speech and explained the U.S. position on Israeli settlements had not changed but that the Israelis had taken an important step that should serve as a basis for negotiations. Zawawi was appreciative of the explanation, but argued that Secretary's statement sent the wrong message. The United States should not "thank Israel for continuing to do something wrong." Israel must stop building settlements. Unlike Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs Yusuf bin Alawi (reftel), Zawawi did not believe the United States could compel Israel to make peace. Reflecting in part his U.S. education, Zawawi said the Obama administration must strongly engage the U.S. Jewish community to convince them that a real peace is the best guarantor of Israeli security. With that backing secured, the United States could more forcefully engage Israel to the same end. ¶4. (C) The Ambassador pressed Zawawi about restoring an Omani diplomatic presence in Baghdad. Although Muscat has entertained an Iraqi Embassy since 2004 (with a new Iraqi embassy under construction a few doors down the beach from the U.S. Embassy), Zawawi demurred citing continuing security concerns. ¶5. (C) The Ambassador closed out the meeting by thanking Zawawi for Oman's continued political and financial support for many mutual objectives, including on Palestinian relief, Pakistan, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Schmierer