DEMARCHE: ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 062909 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/17/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAL XF EAID SUBJECT: DEMARCHE: ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL Classified By: Acting Assistant Secretary, David Hale for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3. ¶2. (S) SUMMARY: Arab and Palestinian reaction to PM Netanyahu's June14 speech has focused entirely on the negative, without acknowledging PM Netanyahu's recognition of a future Palestinian state as a significant step, or recognizing that the points in his speech are not pre-conditions to restarting negotiations. The United States welcomes the important step forward in PM Netanyahu's speech and continues to work with Israel to secure a commitment to take significant actions, particularly on settlements. In order to continue forward movement and obtain a positive outcome from the upcoming Arab League ministerial, Egypt has requested U.S. assistance in building a quorum of Arab ministers who will support our efforts to create the context for the prompt resumption and early conclusion of peace negotiations. End Summary. ¶3. (C) Action Request: Posts are requested to engage host country governments at the highest appropriate level to pursue the objectives below in advance of the upcoming Arab League ministerial on June 24. OBJECTIVES -------------- ¶4. (U) Objectives include: --Encourage Arab League moderates to demonstrate leadership at the Ministerial and help create the context for the prompt resumption and early conclusion of peace negotiations. --Encourage a more balanced interpretation of Netanyahu's speech as a step forward towards a two-state solution. --Solicit commitments from the Arabs to take concrete and specific gestures, in line with the Arab Peace Initiative, to be announced at the same time as significant Israeli steps towards peace. --Press for Arab political and material support for President Abbas and the Palestinian Authority government, including a substantial increase in direct budgetary support for the PA, in order to support the PA,s ability to deliver services to ordinary Palestinians and continue to serve as an empowered negotiating partner. BACKGROUND -------------- STATE 00062909 002 OF 002 ¶5. (S) The Arab League is holding a ministerial meeting on June 24 to present a common Arab response to the seven issues raised by resident Obama in his recent speech in Cairo, with an emphasis on regional peace. Egypt has requested U.S. assistance in building a quorum, in advance of the meeting, of Arab foreign ministers who will take a constructive posture. Such a group would increase the likelihood of a positive outcome that supports our efforts to create the context for the prompt resumption and early conclusion of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. ¶6. (C) Arab reaction to PM Netanyahu's June 14 speech has focused entirely on the negative, without recognizing any of Netanyahu's positive statements: negotiations without preconditions, honoring all previous commitments, and for the first time speaking of a future Palestinian state. This one-sided focus could negatively influence the outcome of the Arab League ministerial and U.S. efforts for regional peace. ¶7. (U) In light of Netanyahu's speech, the parties are now committed to a common objective: the two-state solution and comprehensive peace. The purpose of negotiations will be to reconcile the differing points of view of the parties in order to achieve the goal of two states. All concerned have a responsibility to promote a comprehensive peace and the two-state solution. The U.S. is fully committed to this goal, and we are looking to our Arab partners to uphold their responsibilities. The upcoming ministerial presents an opportunity for Arab states to demonstrate their commitment to our shared goals. Public acknowledgement, at the Arab League, of Arab governments' continuing responsibilities in this regard would be a positive indication of their willingness to work with the U.S. in pursuit of President Obama's vision. CLINTON