ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL: TUNISIA SUPPORTS PEACE

C O N F I D E N T I A L TUNIS 000408 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2019 TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAL XF EAID SUBJECT: ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL: TUNISIA SUPPORTS PEACE BUT DOUBTS ISRAELI COMMITMENT REF: STATE 62909 Classified By: Ambassador Robert F. Godec, Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) The Ambassador raised he Arab League Ministerial with Foreign Minister Abdelwaheb Abdallah late June 18, asking Tunisia to demonstrate leadership and help create the context for the prompt resumption and early conclusion of peace negotiations. ¶2. (C) Abdallah spoke effusively about President Obama's Cairo speech and praised the President's courage in tackling Middle East peace. In contrast, he expressed doubt that the Israelis were willing to really commit, saying there were "few chances" for peace given the number of conditions he said were connected to the Israel's concept of a Palestinian state. He complained that the Israelis were masters in communication, and always seemed to succeed in conveying their message in a way that disguised extreme or intransigent positions. He cited Israeli rejection of a freeze of settlements and their steadfastness with respect to "natural growth." ¶3. (C) When the Ambassador pointed out the importance of the acceptance by Prime Minister Netanyahu of the principle of a two state solution and negotiations without preconditions, Abdallah acknowledged that this could help move things forward, and is better than stagnation. The situation should not stay frozen. The Ambassador asked that Tunisia be helpful in encouraging Arab countries to be more positive about Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's speech and also to support President Abbas. ¶4. (C) Abadallah responded that absolutely Tunisia would help, has not changed its position and supports all attempts to achieve peace. Abdallah said if peace were achieved, it would radiate outwards to other countries. He praised President Obama's early phone call to Abbas when he assumed office. He hoped that the international economic crisis would not occupy too much of the President's time. The Ambassador assured him of the importance the United States is placing on the issue. Abdallah noted that he could not personally attend the Ministerial on June 24 but that the GOT is conscious of the need to help peace advance. Godec