DEMARCHE TO SAUDIS FOR UNRWA FLASH APPEAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L RIYADH 000014 SIPDIS DEPT FOR NEA/ARP (HARRIS) AND NEA/IPA E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/04/2019 TAGS: EAID PGOV PHUM PREL KWRG IS SA SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO SAUDIS FOR UNRWA FLASH APPEAL REF: STATE 135559 Classified By: Ambassador Ford Fraker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) On January 4, DCM discussed the situation in Gaza with Saudi Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations, Prince Turki Saud Al Kabir. DCM noted that any ceasefire should be durable, include an end to smuggling and a re-opening of border crossings in accordance to the 2005 Agreement on Access. DCM stressed that UNSC Resolution should be used to codify and reinforce practical steps already taken in these areas. ¶2. (C) The Prince accepted the DCM,s point that Hamas had brought this disaster upon the Gazan people and has used them as human shields, thus increasing civilian casualties. He said, "Hamas has brought this tragedy to their people and created many obstacles." The Prince added that Iran and Syria also bear responsibility for supporting Hamas. ¶3. (C) Nevertheless, the Prince said, Saudi Arabia is looking for an immediate cease-fire because "Public opinion is boiling over the images of women and children victims of the Israeli operations." While conceding that an ideal cease-fire should address the long-term causes of the conflict, including Hamas,s rocket attacks, the Prince stressed the Kingdom's immediate concern is about civilian casualties. Thus, an immediate cease-fire is necessary. Foreign Minister Prince Saud Al Faisal left for New York on January 3 to speak with the Secretary General and others with that goal in mind. ¶4. (C) DCM noted that the United States continues to urge Israel to avoid civilian casualties and has made significant new contributions to the 2009 UNRWA Emergency Appeals for the West Bank and Gaza. When asked if Saudi Arabia would do likewise, Prince Turki replied that King Abdullah and all provincial governors are leading a nationwide campaign to raise relief funds for Gaza. Comment: DCM will meet on January 5, 2009 with Prince Faisal bin Abdullah bin Abdulaziz, Chairman of the Saudi Red Crescent Society, to seek more information on this effort. End Comment. ¶5. (C) Referring to a January 3 meeting in Damascus, which apparently involved Iranian Supreme National Council Secretary Saeed Jalily, exiled Hamas politburo chief Khaled Meshaal, and Islamic Jihad Secretary General Ramadan Abdullah Shallal, the Prince said that the Palestinians should adopt a unified position, but "Hamas is awaiting instructions from Iran." The Prince seemed particularly surprised and irked by the hard stance emanating from the Iranian/Syrian/Hamas meetings in Damascus. Twice during the conversation, the Prince asked the DCM, "What do you think Hamas is up to next?" ¶6. (C) Comment: When DCM met with Deputy Minister of Inferior Prince Mohammad bin Naif bin Abdulaziz on January 3, Prince Mohammad made it very clear that no public demonstrations supporting Gaza civilians, much less Hamas, would be allowed in Saudi Arabia. However on January 4, Prince Turki at the Foreign Ministry also made it clear that the SAG's first priority was to get Gaza off the nightly news where inflammatory images are creating public unrest. Discussions with the Saudis on a UNSC Resolution would be advanced by appreciating their domestic political concerns, their acceptance of Hamas's culpability for the current crisis and their belief that this crisis is, at least partially, an Iranian inspired event. End Comment. FRAKER