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TSPA SPACE ACTIVITIES

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Effective from March 1973 (Revised January 1983)

Research and development leading to and resulting in the exploration and utilization of outer space. (Replaces RCHB file categories: DEF, SP, TEL)

Specific Subject Terms often used with this TAGS:

* Astronaut
* Astronomy
* Communications Satellite
* Direct Broadcasting Satellite
* ELV
* Exploration
* Geostationary Satellite Orbit
* High Technology Equipment
* Intellectual Property
* Intellectual Property Rights
* Landing Rights
* Navigational Aid
* Orbit
* Outer Space
* Outer Space Commercialization
* Peaceful Use of Outer Space
* Reentry
* Research & Development
* S & T Agreement
* S & T Cooperation
* S & T Development
* Salvage
* Satellite
* Scientific Cooperation
* Space Agreement
* Space Fragment
* Space Law
* Space Liability
* Space Program
* Space Station
* Spacecraft
* Spacecraft Recovery
* Spaceflight
* STRIDE
* Technology
* Technology Transfer
* Telecommunication
* Tracking Station
* UFO

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AA AADP AALC ABER ABLD [+] ABLDG ABLG ABMC ABT ABUD AC ACABQ ACAO ACCOUNT ACDA ACEC ACKM ACOA ACOTA ACS ACTION ADANA ADB ADCO ADCP ADEL ADEP ADIP ADM ADMIRAL ADPM ADRC AE AEC AECL AEGR AEIR AEM AEMED AEMR [+] AER AESC AF AFARI AFDB AFDIN AFFAIRS AFGHANISTAN AFIN [+] AFL AFLU AFOR AFR AFSA AFSI AFSN AFU AFZAL AG AGAO AGENDA AGENGA AGIT AGMT AGOA AGR AGS AGUIRRE AI AIAG AID AIDAC AIDS AIEA AIHRC AIN AINF AINFCY AINR AINT AISG AIT AJ AK AL AL-1 ALAB ALBE ALEXANDER ALI ALJAZEERA ALL ALNEA ALOW ALOWAR AM AMAT AMB AMCHAMS AMCT AME AMED AMEDI AMEMR AMER AMERICAS AMEX AMG AMGE AMGMT AMGT [+] AMIA AMLB AMPR AMT AMTC AMTG AN ANARCHISTS ANC AND ANET ANTITERRORISM AO AOCR AODE AOIC AOMS AOPR AORC [+] AORD AOREC AORG AORL AOWC AP APCS APDC APEC APECO APER [+] APR APRC APRM AQ AR ARAB ARABBL ARABL ARABLEAGUE ARAS ARC ARCH ARENA AREP ARF ARG ARM ARMITAGE ARMS AROC ARR ARRMZY ARSO AS ASA ASAC ASC ASCC ASCE ASCEC ASCH ASE ASEAN ASEC [+] ASECARP ASECE ASECM ASECSI ASECVE ASED ASEDC ASEG ASEK ASES ASEX ASFC ASIC ASIG ASIR ASJA ASO ASOC ASPA ASR ASSEMBLY ASSK ASUP AT ATFN ATPDEA ATRA ATRD ATRN AU AU-1 AUC AUNR AUSGR AUSTRALIAGROUP AV AVERY AVIAN AVIANFLU AVIATION AW AX AY AZ AZE B. BA BAGHDAD BAIO BAKOYANNIS BALKANS BAPOL BARACK BASHAR BATA BB BBG BBSR BC BCW BCXP BD BE BEAN BEN BERARDUCCI BESP BEXB BEXP [+] BEXPC BEXPPLM BEXT BF BFIF BFIN BFIO BG BGD BGMT BH BHUM BI BIC BIH BILAT BIMSTEC BINR BIO BIOS BIOTECH BIOTECHNOLOGY BIT BITO BK BL BLR BLUE BLUNT BM BMENA BMGT BMOT BN BNUC BO BOIKO BOL BOND BOQ BORDER BOSNIA BOU BOUCHAIB KAKA BOUTERSE BP BPIS BPTS BR BRIAN BRPA BRUSSELS BS BSSR BT BTA BTC BTIO [+] BTIU BTRA BTT BU BUD BULGARIA BURMA BUSH BV BW BWC BX BXEP BY BZ CA CAC CACM CACS CAFTA CAIO CAJC CAMBODIA CAN CAPC CARC CARE CARIB CARICOM CARSON CAS CASA CASC [+] CASCC CASCR CASE CASTILLO CAVO CB CBC CBD CBE CBG CBIS CBM CBSA CBTH CBW CCSR CCY CD CDB CDC CDCC CDCE CDG CDI CE CEA CEC CEDAW CEN CENTCOM CENTRIC CEUDA CF CFE CFED CFG CFIS CFSP CG CGEN CGOPRC CH CHAD CHALLENGE CHAO CHELIDZE CHENEY CHERTOFF CHG CHIEF CHN CHR CHRISTIAN CHRISTOF CHRISTOPHER CI CIA CIAT CIC CICTE CIDA CIO CIP CIS CITEL CITES CITIBANK CITT CIVAIR CIVS CJ CJAN [+] CJUS CK CKGR CKOR CL CLEARANCE CLINTON CLMT CLO CLOK CM CMAE CMFT CMGT [+] CMP CMT CN CNAR CNARC CNC CNO CO CODEL COE COL COLIN COLLECTIVE COLOMBO COM COMESA COMMERCE CON CONAWAY CONDOLEEZZA CONDOLEEZZA RICE CONEAZ CONG CONGO CONGRINT CONS CONSULAR CONTROL CONTROLS CORRUPTION COSI COUNTER COUNTER TERRORISM COUNTERTERRORISM COUNTRY COUNTRYCLEARANCE CP CPA CPAS CPC CPCTC CPPT CPUOS CQ CR CRIM CRIME CRIMES CRM CROATIA CROS CRS CRUZ CS CSCE CSEP CSIS CSW CT CTBT CTER CTERR CTM CTR CTRYCLR CU CUCO CUIS CUL CV CVIA CVIC CVIS [+] CVISU CVPR CVR CW CWC CWCM CWG CX CY CYP CYPRUSARMS CZ DA DAC DAFR DAN DANFUNG DANIEL DAO DARFR DARFUR DAVID DAVID LEE HOWES DAVID WELCH DAVID WILLIAM RAY DB DC DCDG DCG DCHA DCI DCM DCOM DCRM DE DEA DEAX DEFENSE DEFENSEREFORM DELTAVIOLENCE DEM DEMARCHE DEMOCRATIC DENNIS DEOC DEPT DEPT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER DESI DHA DHLAKAMA DHLS DHRF DHS DHSX DIEZ DIPLOMACY DISENGAGEMENT DJ DK DKEM DMIN DMINE DO DOC DOD DOE DOJ DOMC DOMESTIC DOMESTICPOLITICS DONALD RUMSFELD DOT DPAO DPKO DPM DPOL DPRK DR DRC DRIP DRL DS DSR DSS DTFN DTRA DTRO DU DVC DY EAC EAD EADI EADM EAG EAGER EAGR [+] EAI EAIC EAID [+] EAIDB EAIDCIN EAIDEGZ EAIDMG EAIDNI EAIF EAIG EAIO EAIR [+] EAIS EAIT EAOD EAP EAPC EAR EARI EASS EATO EAUD EAVI EB EBEXP EBRD EBUD EC ECA ECCP ECCT ECE ECIN ECIP ECLAC ECN ECOIN ECOM ECON [+] ECONCS ECONEGE ECONOMIC ECONOMICS ECONOMY ECONOMY AND FINANCE ECOR ECOS ECOSOC ECOWAS ECPC ECPN ECPO ECPS [+] ECPSN ECRM ECTRD ECUN ED EDA EDEV EDRC EDU EDUC EE EEB EEC EENG EENV EEOC EET EETC EFI EFIC EFIM EFIN [+] EFIS [+] EFLU EFN EFND EFNI EFQ EFTA EG EGAD EGAR EGEN EGHG EGOV EGOVSY EH EI EIAD EIAID EIAR EIB EICN EID EIDE EIDN EIFN EIN EIND [+] EINDIR EINF EING EINN EINO EINR EINT [+] EINV [+] EINZ EIPR EIQ EISL EISNLN EITC EITI EIVN EK EL ELA ELAB [+] ELAD ELAINE ELAM ELAN ELAP ELB ELBA ELBR ELEC ELECTIONS ELF ELIN ELN ELND ELNT ELTD ELTM ELTN [+] ELTRN EMAIL EMED EMI EMIN [+] EMN EMS EMW EN END ENDURING ENEG ENER ENERG ENERGY ENFR ENG ENGR ENGRD ENGRG ENGY ENIV ENLT ENNP ENR ENRC ENRG [+] ENRL ENTG ENV ENVI ENVIRONMENT ENVR ENVT EON EOXC EP EPA EPAT EPCS EPE EPEC EPECO EPET [+] EPIN EPIT EPPD EPRT EPSC EPTE EPTED EPWR EQ EQRD ER ERA ERD EREL ERGR ERICKSON ERIN ERTD ES ESA ESCAP ESCI ESDP ESENV ESF ESLCO ESOC ESOCI ESPS ESS ESSO ESTH ESTN ESTRADA ET ETA ETAD ETC ETCC ETD ETDR ETEL ETER ETEX ETFN ETIC ETIO ETLN ETMIN ETR ETRA ETRAD ETRB ETRC ETRD [+] ETRDECD ETRG ETRK ETRN ETRO ETRP ETT ETTC [+] ETTD ETTF ETTN ETTR ETTRD ETTW ETZ EU EUC EUCOM EUE EUEAID EUFOR EUM EUMEM EUN EUR EUREM EURM EURN EV EVENTS EVN EWRG EWT EWTR EWWT [+] EX EXBS EXEC EXIM EXO EXPORT EXTERNAL EZ FA FAA FAC FAGR FAO FARC FARM FAS FATAH FBI FCC FCS FCSC FCSCEG FCUL FDA FDIC FEDULOV FEMA FERNANDO FGM FI FIN FINANCE FINE FINR FINREF FINV FIR FISO FJ FK FKFLO FKLU FLU FM FMC FMGT FMLN FMS FO FOI FOOKS FOR FORCE FORCES FOREIGN FORWHA FP FPC FR FRA FRANCIS FRANCISCO RODENAS RUIZ FRB FREDOM FREEDOM FRELIMO FRIED FRN FRU FSC FSI FT FTA FTAA FWS GA GAERC GAMES GAO GARCIA GASPAR GATT GAZA GAZPROM GB GBSLE GC GCC GCCC GE GEF GEORGE GERARD GESKE GF GG GH GI GIPNC GIWI GJ GKGIC GL GLOBAL GM GN GO GOG GOI GON GOVPOI GPGOV GPI GPOI GPOV GR GRQ GS GT GTIP GTMO GTREFTEL GU GUAM GUANTANAMO GUIDANCE GUILLERMO GUTIERREZ GV GWI GY GZ GZIS HA HARRIET HARRY HAWZ HCOPIL HDP HE HEAVEN HEBRON HELGERSON HERCEGOVINA HG HHS HI HIGHLIGHTS HIJAZI HILARY HILLARY HILLEN HIPC HIV HIZ HK HKSX HL HLSX HN HNCHR HO HOA HOSTAGES HPKO HR HRC HRCS HRICTY HRIGHTS HRKSTC HSI HSTC HSWG HT HTCG HTSC HU HUD HUM HUMAN HUMANITARIAN HUMANR HUMANRIGHTS HUMOR HUMRIT HUNRC HURI HURRICANE HYDE HYLAND HYMPSK HZ IA IACHR IACI IACO IACW IADB IAEA IAES IAHRC IAIE IAII IASA IATTC IAZ IBB IBD IBET IBPCA IBRB IBRD IC ICAC ICAO ICC ICCAT ICCROM ICES ICJ ICRC ICRS ICSCA ICTR ICTY ID IDA IDB IDLI IDLO IDP IDR IE IEA IEAB IEF IF IFAD IFC IFIN IFM IFO IFR IFRC IG IGAD IGF IHO IICA IINS IIP IK IL ILAB ILC ILEA ILO IMC IMET IMF IMMIGRATION IMO IMSO IMTS IN INAUGURATION INCB IND INDO INF INFLUENZA INL INMARSAT INNP INPFC INR INRA INRB INRD INRO INRPAZ INS INSC INT INTEL INTELLECTUAL INTELSAT INTERNAL INTERPOL INV INVI IO IOC IOM IP IPET IPGRI IPK IPPC IPR IPROP IQ IQNV IR IRAN IRAQ IRAQI IRAQI FREEDOM IRC IRCE IRDB IRE IRL IRLE IRM IRMO IRNB IRPE IRS IS ISA ISAAC ISAF ISCA ISCON ISLAMISTS ISLE ISN ISNV ISO ISPA ISPL ISRAEL ISRAEL RELATIONS ISRAELI ISRAELI PALESTINIAN AFFAIRS ISSUES ISTC IT ITA ITALIAN ITALY ITECIP ITEIND ITELTN ITER ITF ITIA ITRA ITRD ITU IUCN IV IVIANNA IWC IWI IX IZ IZAORC JA JAM JAMES JAPAN JAT JAWAD JCIC JE JEFFERY JEFFREY JHR JI JIMENEZ JIMENEZ CHILDREN JK JKUS JM JN JO JOHNNIE JOSE NEY MILA ESPINOSA JOSE RAMOS HORTA JOSEPH BIDEN JP JS JSRP JUAN JUS JY KA KACP KACT [+] KACW KADM KAID KALM KALR KANSOU KAPO KARIM WADE KATRINA KAUST KAWC [+] KAWK KAWL KAWS KAWX KAYLA KBCT KBDS KBEM KBIO KBNC KBTC KBTR KBTS KBWG KCCP KCEM KCERS KCFC KCFE [+] KCGC KCHG KCIP [+] KCIS KCM KCMA KCMR KCOG KCOM [+] KCOR [+] KCPS KCRCM KCRI KCRIM KCRM [+] KCRN KCRO KCROM KCROR KCRP KCRS KCRT KCSA KCSI KCSY KCUL KCUM KCVM KCWI KDCM KDDEM KDDG KDE KDEM [+] KDEN KDET KDEV KDGOV KDGR KDHS KDM KDMR KDP KDRG [+] KDRL KDTB KDUM KE KEAI KEBG KECF KEDEM KEDM KEDU KEIM KEM KEMPI KEMR KEMS KEN KENV KERF KERG KESO KESP KESS KEVIN KFAM KFCE KFE KFEM KFGM KFIN KFIU KFLD KFLO KFLU KFOR KFPC KFRD [+] KFRP KFSC KFTFN KFTN KG KGCC KGCN KGHA KGHG [+] KGIC [+] KGICKS KGIT KGIV KGKG KGLB KGOR KGOV KH KHDP KHGH KHIB KHIV [+] KHJUS KHLS [+] KHMN KHOURY KHPD KHSA KHSL KHUM KI KIBL KICA KICC KICCPUR KICR KICT KID KIDE KIF KIFR KIIC KIIP KIL KILS KIMMITT KIMT KIND KINF KINL KINP KINR KINT KIPR [+] KIPT KIRC KIRF [+] KIRL KIRP KIS KISC KISK KISL [+] KISM KISR KITA KIVP KIVR KJAN KJRE KJU KJUS [+] KJUST KJWC KK KKIV KKNP KKOR KKPO KLAB KLAP KLBO KLEG KLFLO KLFU KLHS KLIG KLIP KLPM KLSO KLTN KM KMAC KMAR KMCA [+] KMCC KMCR KMDR [+] KMEPI KMFO KMGT KMIG KMNP KMOC KMPF KMPI KMPIO KMPL KMPP KMPT KMRD KMRS KMSG KMVP KMWN KN KNAO KNAP KNAR KNDP KNEI KNEP KNET KNMP KNN KNNA KNNB KNNC KNNF KNNO KNNP [+] KNNR KNOP KNP KNPP KNPPIS KNPR KNPT KNRG KNRV KNSD KNUC KNUP KO KOC KOCI KOCM KOEM KOGL KOLY [+] KOM KOMC KOMCCO KOMCSG KOMH KOMO KOMS KOR KOSOVO KOUYATE KPA KPAD KPAI KPAK KPAL [+] KPALAOIS KPAM KPAO [+] KPAS KPBT KPDD KPEM KPEO KPER KPET KPIN [+] KPIR KPKO [+] KPKP KPLS KPMI KPMO KPO KPOA KPOKO KPOL KPOP KPOV KPOW KPPAO KPPD KPRD KPRM KPRO KPROG KPRP KPRV KPSC KPTD KPTS KPWG KPWR [+] KQ KQM KQRDQ KR KRAD [+] KRAL KRCIM KRCM KRCS KRD KRDP KREC KREF KREL KRF KRFD KRFR KRG KRGY KRIC KRIF KRIM KRKO KRM KRMS KRV KRVC KS KSA KSAC KSAF KSCA [+] KSCI KSCS KSCT KSEAO KSEC KSEI KSEO KSEP KSI KSIA KSKN KSLG KSMT KSOC KSOCI KSPA KSPR [+] KSRE KSTC KSTCC KSTCPL KSTH KSTS KSTT KSUM [+] KSUP KT KTAO KTBD KTBT KTCRE KTDB KTDD KTDM KTER KTEX KTFIN KTFM KTFN [+] KTFR KTFS KTIA [+] KTIP [+] KTLA KTNBT KTNF KTPN KTRD KTRF KTSC KTSD KTTB KTTC KTTP KU KUAE KUIR KUM KUNA KUNC KUNH KUNP KUNR [+] KUS KUWAIT KV KVBL KVIP KVIR KVIS KVPR KVRC KVRP KW KWAC KWAK KWAWC KWBC KWBG [+] KWBW KWCI KWCR KWGB KWHG KWIC KWIM KWIR KWKN KWM KWMJN KWMM KWMN [+] KWN KWNM KWNN KWOMN KWPA KWPB KWPG KWPR KWRC KWRF KWRG KWUN KWWT KWWW KX KY KZ LA LAB LABOR LANSANA LANTERN LARREA LARS LAS LAURA LAVIN LAW LB LBAR LBY LE LEAGUE LEB LEBIK LEGAT LEGATT LEIS LEON LEVINE LEW LG LGAT LH LI LIB LICC LIMA LINE LK LMS LN LO LOG LORAN LOTT LOVE LR LS LT LTG LTTE LU LV LVPR LY LZ MA MAAR MACEDONIA MACP MANUEL MAP MAPP MAPS MAR MARAD MARIE MARINO MARITIME MARK MARQUEZ MARR [+] MARS MARTIN MARV MAS MASC MASS [+] MATT MB MBM MC MCA MCAP [+] MCAPARR MCAPN MCAPP MCAPS MCAT MCC MCCONNELL MCCP MCRM MCTRE MD MDA MDC MDO ME MEA MED MEDIA MEP MEPI MEPN MEPP MERCOSUR MESUR MEX MF MFA MFO MG MGL MGMT MGOV MGT MGTA MH MHUC MI MIAH MIC MICHAEL MICHEL MIGUEL VARGAS MALDONADO MIK MIL MILI MILITANTS MILITARY MILLENNIUM MINURSO MINUSTAH MITCHELL MJ MK ML MLS MMAR MMED MN MNLF MNNC MNNUC MNU MNUC [+] MNUCH MNUCWA MNUM MNUN MNUR MNUS MNVC MO MOHAMAD MOHAMMAD MOLINA MONTENEGRO MONUC MONY MOOPS MOP MOPP MOPPS MOPS [+] MORG MOROCCO MORS MOS MOTO MOTT MP MPOL MPOS MPP MPS MQADHAFI MR MRCRE MRRR MRS MRSEC MS MSG MSIG MT MTAA MTAG MTCAE MTCR MTCRA MTCRE MTRCE MTRE MTRRE MTS MU MUC MUCN MUKASEY MULLEN MUNC MURRAY MV MW MX MY MZ NA NAC NACB NAFTA NAM NAMSA NANCY NAR NARC NARCOTICS NARR NAS NASA NAT NATEU NATGAS NATIONAL NATO NATOAFGHAN NATOBALKANS NATOIRAQ NATOOPS NATOPOLICY NATSIOS NAVO NB NBTS NBU NC NCCC NCD NCT NCTC NDI NDP NE NEA NEC NEI NELSON NEPAD NERG NET NEW NFATC NFMS NFSO NG NGO NGUYEN NH NI NICOLE NIH NIPP NK NKWG NL NLD NLIAEA NLO NMFS NMNUC NMUC NNPT NO NOAA NOI NOK NON NONE NORAD NOTAG NOVO NP NPA NPG NPT NR NRC NRG NRR NRRC NS NSC NSF NSFO NSG NSSP NT NTDB NTSB NTTC NU NUC NUIN NV NW NZ NZUS OA OAO OARC OAS OASC OASCC OASS OAU OBAMA OBS OBSP OCBD OCEA OCED OCHA OCII OCRA OCS OCSE ODAG ODC ODIP [+] ODPC OECD OECS OECV OES OESC OEXC [+] OEXP OF OFDA OFDC OFDP [+] OFDPQIS OFFICIALS OFPD OFSO OGAC OGIV OHCHR OHI OHIP OI OIC OICCO OIE OIF OIG OIIP [+] OIL OIM OLY OLYAIR OLYMPICS OM OMB OMIG OMS ON ONA OPAD OPBAT OPC OPCD OPCR OPCW OPDAT OPDC [+] OPDP OPEC OPET OPIC OPID OPOC OPPC OPRC [+] OPREC OPREP OPS OPSC OPVIP ORA ORC ORCA ORECD ORED OREG OREP [+] ORGANIZED ORP ORTA ORUE OSAC OSCE OSCI [+] OSD OSEC OSHA OSIC OSTA OSTRA OTA OTAR OTP OTR OTRA [+] OTRABL OTRAO OTRAZ OTRC OTRD OUALI OVIP [+] OVP OXEC OXEM OZ PA PAARM PAC PACE PAGE PAGR PAHO PAIGH PAK PAL PALESTINIAN PAMQ PAN PANAM PAO PAR PARALYMPIC PARCA PAREL PARK PARLIAMENT PARM [+] PARMS PARN PARP PARR PARTIES PARTM PARTY PAS PASS PATTY PAUM PB PBGT PBIO PBK PBOV PBPTS PBS PBT PBTS [+] PCI PCON PCOR PCRM PCUL PD PDA PDD PDEM PDIP PDOV PDRG PE PEACE PEACEKEEPINGFORCES PEDRO PEL PELOSI PEMEX PENA PENV PEPFAR PEPR PER PEREZ PERL PERM PERSONS PET PETER PETERS PETR PETRAEUS PETROL PF PFIN PFLP PFOR PFOV PG PGGOC PGIC PGIV PGKV PGO PGOC PGOF PGOG PGON PGOR PGOT PGOV [+] PGOVE PGOVQL PGPV PGREL PGREV PGV PH PHALANAGE PHARM PHAS PHEM PHIM PHM PHSA [+] PHU PHUH PHUM [+] PHUMHUPPS PHUN PHUS PHYTRP PI PIA PICES PIF PIN PINB PIND PINER PINF PING PINL PINO PINR [+] PINS [+] PINT PINV PIR PIRF PIRN PJUS PK PKAO PKBL PKFK PKISL PKK PKMN PKNP PKO PKPA PKPAL PKPO PKPRP PKST PL PLAB PLAN PLEC PLN PLO PLUM PM PMAR PMAT PMDL PMIG PMIL PMIN PMR PMUC PN PNAT PNET PNG PNIR PNNL PNR PNRG PNS PNUC PNUK PNUM PO PODC POG POGV POINS POL POLG POLI POLICY POLINT POLITICAL POLITICS POLM POLMIL POLS POLUN POREL PORG POSTS POTUS POUS POV POWELL PP PPA PPAO PPD PPEF PPEL PPKO PPOL PQL PQM PRC PRE PREC PRED PREF [+] PREG PREJ PREK PREL [+] PRELEVU PRELM PRELPLS PRELTBIOBA PREM PREO PREP PRER PRES PRESIDENT PRESL PREV PREZ PRF PRFE PRFL PRGO PRGOV PRIL PRL PRLE PRM PRO PROB PROCESS PROG PROL PROLIFERATION PROP [+] PROPERTY PROTECTION PROTESTS PROV PROVE PRT PRTER PRWL PS PSA PSCE PSEC PSEPC PSHA PSI PSNR PSO PSOC PSOCI PSOE PT PTBS PTE PTEL PTEP PTER [+] PTGOV PTIA PTR PTRD PU PUAS PUBLIC PUNE PUNR PUOS PV PVIP PVOV PVPR PVTS PWBG PWMN PY QA QADRI QEL QI QIZ QM QT QU QUAN QUOC RA RAED RAID RAS RATIFICATION RBI RCA RCMP RE REA REACTION REALTIONS RECIN REF REFORM REFPAN REFUGEE REFUGEES REGION REGIONAL REID REIN REINEMEYER REL RELAM RELATIONS RELFREE RELIGIOUS REMON RENAMO RENE PREVAL REO REPORT REUBEN RF RFE RFIN RFREEDOM RGOV RGY RHUM RI RICE RICHARD RIGHTS RIGHTSPOLMIL RIMC RIVERA RL RLA RM RMA RO ROK ROME ROSS ROW ROY RP RPEL RPTS RQ RR RRB RREL RS RSO RSOX RSP RSZ RTT RU RUEHZO RV RW RWANDA SA SAAD SAARC SACU SADC SAFE SAIR SAIS SAMA SAN SANC SANR SAO SARB SARGSIAN SARS SASC SASEC SB SBA SC SCA SCCC SCE SCENESETTER SCHUL SCI SCIENCE SCNV SCOI SCOL SCOM SCPR SCRM SCRS SCRSERD SCUL [+] SCVL SD SE SEC SECDEF SECI SECRET SECRETARY SECSTATE SECTOR SECURITY SEMAAN GABY EID SEN SENC SENG SENS SENU SENV [+] SENVQGR SENVSPL SENVSXE SEP SERBIA SERZH SETTLEMENTS SEVN SEXP SF SFNV SG SGNV SGWI SH SHANNON SHI SHUM SI SIMS SIPDI SIPDIS SIPR SIPRNET SIPRS SIUK SK SKCA SKEP SKI SKSAF SL SLM SLOVAK SM SMAR SMI SMIG [+] SMIL SMIT SMITH SMRT SN SNA SNAP SNAR [+] SNUC SO SOC SOCI [+] SOCIA SOCIETY SOCIS SOCISZX SOCR SOCY SOE SOFA SOI SOIC SOLI SOLIC SOM SOPN SORT SOSI SOVIET SOWGC SP SPAS SPC SPCE SPCVIS SPECI SPECIALIST SPILL SPP SPSTATE SR SREF SRIT SRS SRYI SSA SSH ST STAG START STATE STC STEINBERG STET STP STR SU SUCCESSION SULLIVAN SUMMIT SUR SV SW SWHO SWMN SX SXG SY SYAI SYMBOL SYR SYRIA SYSI SYTH SZ TA TAGS TALAL TAUSCHER TAX TB TBI TBID TBIO [+] TBIOZK TBKIO TBO TC TCOR TCSENV TD TDA TE TECH TECHNOLOGY TER TERAA TERFIN TERR TERROR TERRORISM TF TFIN TG TGRY TH THANH THE THERESE THIRDTERM THKSJA THOMAS THPY TI TIA TIBO TIFA TINT TIO TIP TITI TIUZ TJ TK TL TM TN TNDG TNGD TO TOPEC TORRIJOS TOURISM TP TPHY [+] TPKO TPP TPSA TPSL TR TRAD TRADE TRAFFICKING TRBIO TRBY TRD TREAS TREASURY TREATY TREL TRG TRGV TRGY [+] TRIO TRSY TRT TRV TRY TRYG TRYS TS TSA TSLP TSPA [+] TSPL TSRL TSRY TSY TT TTFN TU TURKEY TV TVBIO TW TWRO TX TY TZ TZBY UA UAE UAID UAM UB UDEM UE UEU UG UGA UK UKR UKRAINE UM UMIK UN UNA UNAF UNAIDS UNAMA UNAMSIL UNAORC UNAUS UNBRO UNC UNCC UNCDF UNCDN UNCHC UNCHR UNCHS UNCITRAL UNCND UNCOPUOS UNCRED UNCRIME UNCSD UNCSW UNCTAD UNDC UNDEF UNDOF 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Identifier	Subject	Date	Office	Classification	Tags
07BEIRUT638	LEBANON TRIBUNAL: CHATAH AND HAMADEH REVIEW DAYS [...] (C) Mohamad Chatah, Senior Advisor to PM Siniora, told the Ambassador in a 5/5 meeting that, based on his consultations in New York (reftel),he was awaiting receipt of a draft UNSCR regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Siniora's letter to the UN will be finalized according to the for [...]	2007-05-07 07:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER UNSC SY LE

07BEIRUT645	FRENCH AMBASSADOR ON TRIBUNAL, BRAMMERTZ, [...] (C) In a 5/7 meeting with Ambassador Feltman, French Ambassador Bernard Emie, just back from Paris, reported that France wants to move quickly toward a simple UNSCR establishing the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Emie agreed that it appears that the pro-Syrians already recognize the inevita [...]	2007-05-07 14:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PTER PREL UNSC LE SY
07BEIRUT650	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA POLITICIAN SUGGESTS [...] (SBU) Independent Shia political leader Mohammad Baydoun in early May expressed frustration that the March 14 movement continues to approach the Shia community exclusively through Nabih Berri, whom Baydoun considers an unreliable partner. The main impediment to progress in Lebanon is Hizballah [...]	2007-05-08 16:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS LE
07BEIRUT651	LEBANON: HARIRI PROMISES SINIORA WILL SEND SECOND [...] (C) Indicative of increasing momentum toward Chapter VII, March 14 parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri told the Ambassador in a 5/8 meeting that PM Siniora is about to send a second, more emphatic letter to UNSYG Ban Ki-moon. Although Chapter VII was not explicitly referred to in the d [...]	2007-05-08 16:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT655	NABIH BERRI SEEKS USG HELP TO DERAIL LAHOUD-SYRIAN [...] (S) Describing President Emile Lahoud as a "bastard," Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri used a 5/9 meeting with the Ambassador to seek USG help in derailing what Berri suspects is a diabolical Syrian-inspired plot Lahoud plans to implement to destroy Lebanon's parliament. (Yes, gentle reader, [...]	2007-05-09 17:27:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT657	URGENT: REQUEST FOR AMBASSADOR'S ASSESSMENT ON [...] (C) As of May 10, it appears that Lebanon has not yet determined whether it will support the candidacies of Slovenia and Bosnia, and refrain from support for Belarus, at the May 17 elections for new members of the UN Human Rights Council. The Ambassador met on May 10 with Prime Minister Sin [...]	2007-05-10 13:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PREL UNHRC LE
07BEIRUT66	WHERE ARE THE DEMONSTRATORS? [...] (S) Curiously, the much ballyhooed "anti-Paris III" labor protests that the March 8-Aoun opposition promised -- from Michel Aoun's front yard -- would shake the foundations of the Siniora government this week have fizzled. After two days of lackluster turn-out, the General Labor Confederatio [...]	2007-01-12 16:29:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PTER PGOV KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT665	PATRIARCH SFEIR UNENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT VATICAN [...] (C) In a 5/10 meeting with the Ambassador, Maronite Patriarch Sfeir downplayed the possibility of a special Vatican envoy helping to solve Lebanon's political crisis. A Vatican envoy, Sfeir said, would be perceived as coming to unite the Christians in advance of presidential elections. As t [...]	2007-05-11 17:20:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL KDEM PGOV LE SY
07BEIRUT666	LEBANON: AOUN ADVISOR'S RECONCILIATION INITIATIVE [...] (C) General Aoun's son-in-law and senior advisor Gebran Bassil provided details about Michel Aoun's anticipated initiative, which has yet to be publicly released. Bassil has been preparing the initiative for some time, but Aoun decided to wait until all of Lebanon's political players appeare [...]	2007-05-11 17:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER KCRM LE
07BEIRUT673	SCENESETTER FOR A/S WELCH'S 5/15-17/07 VISIT TO [...] (S) David: You last visited Lebanon in August 2006. Then, as now, Lebanon was in deep crisis. Yet the impact of today's crisis -- when Syria's allies seek to paralyze and make irrelevant the cabinet of Fouad Siniora and then install a pro-Syrian president in autumn -- stands in sharp contras [...]	2007-05-15 08:25:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT68	LEBANON: EAC TO ADDRESS THREATS TO EMBASSY [...] (S) On January 12 the DCM convened the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to review current threats in the wake of the early morning attack against Embassy Athens. EAC members discussed press reports of the Atnens attack, reftel description of an alleged missile threat against Embassy Beirut, [...]	2007-01-12 17:07:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC PTER CASC PGOV LE
07BEIRUT690	LEBANON: AOUN SAME GOALS, BUT DIFFERENT MEANS TO [...] (SBU) Former General Michel Aoun displayed to visiting NEA A/S Welch a friendly, near collegial demeanor as he outlined his plan for disarming Hizballah and assuring Hizballah supporters in southern Lebanon that a legitimate government can keep them safe from Israel. Welch said the U.S. woul [...]	2007-05-17 11:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE
07BEIRUT691	LEBANON: PATRIARCH SFEIR DISMISSES POPULAR [...] (C) In a May 15 meeting with visiting NEA A/S Welch and the Ambassador, Maronite Patriarch Sfeir -- commemorating his 87th birthday on the same day -- reported that his rare visit to President Emile Lahoud the previous week was to warn against Lahoud's appointment of a second cabinet. Lahoud d [...]	2007-05-17 12:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT692	LEBANON: A/S WELCH AND PM SINIORA COORDINATE [...] (C) In a 5/16 meeting, PM Siniora informed the visiting NEA A/S Welch that he is ready to initiate an all-out final diplomatic push to garner support for Chapter VII to establish the Special Tribunal. Once the P-3 draft resolution text has been agreed upon, Siniora will concentrate on winni [...]	2007-05-17 13:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT695	LEBANON: PM SINIORA CONVOKES UNSC MEMBER STATE [...] (C) SUMMARY AND INTRODUCTION: PM Siniora summoned the chiefs of missions of all UNSC member embassies in Beirut at 6:00 PM on May 16 to make a pitch for UNSC adoption of a Chapter VII resolution on the Special Tribunal. Present were the ambassadors of Italy, Russia, China, and Belgium; Char [...]	2007-05-17 15:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL UNSC KCRM LE
07BEIRUT696	LEBANON: A/S WELCH DISCUSSES DEVELOPMENTS WITH [...] (C) In a 5/15 meeting with Walid Jumblatt, Marwan Hamadeh, Ghazi Aridi and other March 14th figures, NEA A/S Welch assured them that U.S. support is non-negotiable and the pro-reform movement in Lebanon enjoys strong bi-partisan support in Congress. The state of play in the UN Security Coun [...]	2007-05-17 16:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE IS SY
07BEIRUT697	LEBANON: BERRI PRESENTS HIS ROADMAP: [...] (C) In a 5/16 meeting with A/S Welch, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri argued that the U.S. should welcome and support his announcement of, and commitment to, a 9/25 parliamentary session to initiate Lebanon's parliamentary elections. That date can be used as the action-forcing event to resolve [...]	2007-05-17 16:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT698	LEBANON: GEAGEA FOCUSES ON ELECTIONS WITH A/S [...] (C) In a 16 May meeting with visiting NEA A/S Welch and the Ambassador, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea expressed confidence that the 14 March coalition could unite behind one presidential candidate. He insisted that March 14 would elect a president with a simple majority, but urged the [...]	2007-05-17 16:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT699	LEBANON: A/S WELCH VISITS FORMER PRESIDENT [...] (C) In a May 16 meeting with visiting NEA A/S Welch and the Ambassador, former President Amine Gemayel stressed the need for a successful UN Security Council vote to establish the tribunal to try suspects in the death of former Prime Minister Hariri. Gemayel also hopes for a strongly-worded r [...]	2007-05-17 16:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KCRM PGOV PREL LE SY
07BEIRUT701	LAF COMMANDER FRETS ABOUT UNIFIL UNDER "TWO [...] (C) On May 16, NEA A/S David Welch met with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Michel Sleiman. General Sleiman was confident that the LAF would maintain unity and remain neutral politically. However, he admitted that if President Emile Lahoud appoints a second government -- a scen [...]	2007-05-18 09:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT704	LEBANON: HARIRI FEELS GOOD ABOUT FRENCH AND BAD [...] (C) In a 5/15 meeting with A/S Welch, MP Saad Hariri reported with satisfaction about the start of his relationship with French President Sarkozy, which Hariri interpreted as a promising sign of continued French support. The Syrians, however, continue to worry Hariri. Having blocked the gover [...]	2007-05-18 15:48:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY LE
07BEIRUT706	LEBANON: A/S WELCH ASSURES CHRISTIAN LEADERS [...] (C) Christian leaders of the pro-reform March 14 Movement met on May 15 at the Ambassador's residence with NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch. In what was the A/S's first official meeting in Lebanon, the they expressed their hopes for the quick establishment of the Special Tribunal and noted [...]	2007-05-18 16:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE
07BEIRUT707	THE SEDUCTION OF THE WIDOW HARIRI: HOPES FOR [...] (C) Further to something we first mentioned in the 4/23/07 daily sitrep, beach resort owner and political gadfly Roger Edde has pursued a far-fetched plan to achieve his long-shot goal of becoming Lebanon's next president: he has dangled before the eyes of Rafiq Hariri's Paris-based widow N [...]	2007-05-21 07:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY SA
07BEIRUT708	LAHOUD'S LEGAL ADVISOR CLAIMS TWO-CABINET SCENARIO [...] (C) Judge Selim Jeressaiti has a tough job: to persuade otherwise intelligent people that President Emile Lahoud's views have constitutional weight. Lahoud's recent rambling, ridiculous, but damaging letter to the UNSYG Ban regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon was a Jeressaiti product [...]	2007-05-21 09:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT709	LEBANON: ATTACKS ON SINIORA ESCALATE, BECOME [...] (C) Summary: Attacks against Prime Minister Siniora, both in the press and in local conversations, have escalated and taken on a more personal tenor. These attacks, largely led by Hizballah, but with contributions from both Sunni and Shia individuals, have resurrected stories about Siniora a [...]	2007-05-21 09:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT710	LEBANON: EAC MEETS TO REVIEW VIOLENCE OF MAY 20-21 [...] (C) Summary: On May 21 at 0900 local, the DCM convened a full Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting to review the events of May 20-21 and to consider follow-up security measures. It was agreed that the Embassy would maintain its strict review of all off-compound moves, issue a U.S. citiz [...]	2007-05-21 10:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ASEC CASC PTER LE
07BEIRUT712	HAMADEH, MURR ON TRIPOLI FIGHTS; SEEKING [...] (C) In a 5/21 meeting with the Ambassador, Minister of Communications Marwan Hamadeh and Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr (who joined the conversation by speaker phone from Switzerland) previewed what they predicted wouuld be the conclusions of the cabinet meeting being h [...]	2007-05-21 15:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PARM MOPS PGOV PTER LE SY
07BEIRUT713	LEBANON: FOLLOW-UP EAC MEETING TO REVIEW SECURITY [...] (C) Summary: On May 22 the Embassy Beirut EAC reviewed security developments in Lebanon and corresponding measures to address continuing threats. The Embassy's RSO will stay in close contact with Lebanese Internal Security Forces to evaluate risks to off-compound moves of Embassy Beirut Am [...]	2007-05-22 12:50:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ASEC AMGT PTER CASC LE
07BEIRUT726	LEBANON: AOUN'S MESSAGE: FORGET ABOUT HIZBALLAH [...] (C) On May 22, an agitated Gebran Bassil insisted on calling on the Ambassador on behalf of General Aoun, but, even after an hour conversation, the reasons he requested the meeting remained obscure. Bassil stressed Aoun's support for the LAF, but said that the GOL had not heeded Aoun's warnin [...]	2007-05-23 09:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT727	LEBANON: SINIORA STRESSES TRIBUNAL, AMMUNITION [...] (C) In a May 22 meeting with the Ambassador, Prime Minister Siniora urged a quick UN Security Council resolution establishing the Special Tribunal and expressed confidence that Indonesia, as a UNSC member, supports the tribunal. Siniora was convinced of Syrian involvement in the recent violenc [...]	2007-05-23 09:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PARM MOPS LE SY
07BEIRUT732	ELIAS MURR, APPRECIATIVE OF USG HELP, PUSHES FOR [...] (C) Back in Beirut after another medical procedure in Switzerland, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr called the Ambassador today (5/23) with two messages. First, Murr noted that he had been fully briefed by LAF Commander Michel Sleiman and other officers on the planned US [...]	2007-05-23 14:21:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PARM MOPS PGOV PTER LE SY
07BEIRUT733	LEBANON: ISF'S GENERAL RIFI SEES SYRIA BEHIND [...] (C) In a meeting with the Ambassador on May 23, Director General of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) General Ashraf Rifi added his voice to the chorus of those who assume a Syrian role in the recent violence in Lebanon. Rifi supports immediate action to eliminate Fatah al-Islam from [...]	2007-05-23 15:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE SY
07BEIRUT740	SCENESETTER FOR CODEL PRICE'S 5/28-29/07 [...] (SBU) The House Democracy Assistance Commission last hosted Lebanese members of parliament (MPs) for a legislative strengthening visit to Washington in April. Then, as now, Lebanon was in deep crisis. Your visit comes amidst heightened tensions and renewed security concerns that will likely [...]	2007-05-24 14:35:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT743	DEFMIN MURR SAYS DECISIVE BATTLE WITH FATAH [...] (S) Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr told the Ambassador in a 5/24 meeting that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will initiate a major assault on Nahr al-Barid camp in about 4-5 days, the time needed to assemble troops and ammunition and clear the camp of as many civilians [...]	2007-05-25 11:30:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PARM MOPS PTER PREF LE SY
07BEIRUT744	LEBANON: LAF COMMANDER SEES CRUCIAL MOMENT FOR LAF [...] (C) On May 25, the Ambassador met with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Michel Sleiman. Sleiman indicated that it was important for the LAF to succeed in its fight with Fatah al-Islam at the Nahr el-Bared Palestinian refugee camp, not only for its own credibility, but for Lebanon [...]	2007-05-25 15:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT745	LEBANON: UNIFIL COMMANDER POSITIVE ON MANDATE, [...] (C) UNIFIL Commander Major-General Claudio Graziano feels confident that UNIFIL's mandate would be renewed by the UNSC in August and, if given the opportunity for a wish list, he would like to expanded UNIFIL,s area of operations beyond the Litani River and have a clearer interpretation of the [...]	2007-05-25 15:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT746	MURR ON NASRALLAH SPEECH: HARMFUL, BUT GOL/LAF [...] (S) In a 5/26 meeting with the Ambassador, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr attacked as "unacceptable" Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah's televised speech the previous evening. While according to Murr Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel Sleiman also [...]	2007-05-28 05:23:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PTER PREL MOPS PREF MASS LE SY
07BEIRUT747	PM SINIORA RESOLUTE ON NAHR AL-BARID, MAKES FINAL [...] (S) In a one-on-one 5/28 meeting with the Ambassador, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora speculated that the political will to "finish" Fatah al-Islam (FAI) had increased, not decreased, in the aftermath of Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah's 5/25 televised address. SIPDIS He [...]	2007-05-28 17:12:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PTER PREL PARM MASS MOPS LE SY
07BEIRUT754	LEBANON: EAC SETS TRIPWIRE OF ARMY ENTRY INTO [...] (S) On May 29, DCM chaired a full session of the Embassy Beirut EAC. Principal subjects included the increasing frequency of credible threat information against western and Lebanese government interests, tensions arising from the standoff at the Nahr el-Barad Palestinian refugee camp, and a [...]	2007-05-29 12:02:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	ASEC CASC PTER LE
07BEIRUT756	LEBANON: PARLIAMENTARIANS STRESS COOPERATION, AID [...] (U) On May 28, the House Democracy Assistance Commission (HDAC) Legislative Strengthening Program brought together members of the U.S. House of Representativs and leading members of the Lebanese Parliament. The U.S. delegation held three sessions with the following groups of Lebanese MPs: M [...]	2007-05-29 15:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM EAID LE
07BEIRUT757	LEBANON: HARIRI TELLS THE HDAC THAT "DEMOCRACY IS [...] (SBU) Saad Hariri told members of the House Democracy Assistance Commission that the establishment of the International Tribunal investigating the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri and others would send a strong message throughout the Arab world. He warned that Syria is oppo [...]	2007-05-29 15:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT767	LEBANON: SPEAKER BERRI DEFENDS CLOSURE OF [...] (C) In a 5/29 meeting with CODEL Price, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri thanked the delegation for its legislative strengthening assistance. Chairman Price expressed surprise and concern that Berri has not used the institution of the parliament to resolve the political impasse. Berri once aga [...]	2007-05-31 13:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT769	BERRI CLAIMS ONLY SINIORA'S RESIGNATION CAN SAVE [...] (C) Conveying a message to the Ambassador on 5/30 via an aide, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned that President Emile Lahoud plans to announce the dissolution of parliament in the coming weeks, using a dubious constitutional interpretation (described reftel). Hinting at fears of Syrian [...]	2007-05-31 15:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT771	LEBANON: SPEAKER BERRI LASHES OUT AFTER TRIBUNAL [...] (C) Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri lashed out at CODEL Leahy and the Ambassador during a meeting on 5/31, the day after Chapter VII adoption of UNSCR 1757 to create an international tribunal. Berri's advisor, before the meeting, highlighted to Emboffs the communique Berri had just issued, wh [...]	2007-05-31 16:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT772	LEBANON: SINIORA CALLS FOR "CONVIVENCIA" [...] (SBU) In a meeting with the House Democracy Assistance Commission (HDAC),Prime Minister Siniora shared his own understanding of the Lebanese will to live with one another. He insisted that Lebanon must exert sovereignty over its own lands, which in his definition include Sheb'a Farms. Recover [...]	2007-05-31 16:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT773	LEBANON: CODEL LEAHY MEETS WITH PM SINIORA [...] (C) On 5/31, PM Siniora conveyed to CODEL Leahy his sincere gratitude for U.S. leadership in yesterday's UN Security Council vote for resolution 1757, which will establish the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. He said the June 10 sunset clause was almost irrelevant because Speaker Berri will co [...]	2007-05-31 16:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT777	LEBANON: ECONOMY MINISTER REVIEWS WTO MEETINGS [...] (C) Minister of Economy and Trade (MOET) Sami Haddad expressed frustration that, in his view, U.S. trade negotiators asked more of Lebanon than they have asked of other recent WTO members. He argued that any message of strong American political support to the besieged GOL is not trickling dow [...]	2007-06-01 11:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON ETRD PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT780	LEBANON: EAC CONVENES TO REVIEW COMBAT AT NAHR [...] (C) The full Embassy Beirut Emergency Action Committee (EAC) convened at 1600 hrs. local to review security threats in the aftermath of the Lebanese Armed Forces' entry into the Nahr el-Barad Palestinian refugee camp. The EAC confirmed that off-compound personal moves have been suspended and [...]	2007-06-01 14:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ASEC AMGT PTER CASC LE
07BEIRUT782	LEBANON: EAC REVIEWS COMBAT AT NAHR EL-BARAD; [...] (C) On June 2 at 1300 hrs. local, the DCM chaired a full emergency action committee (EAC) meeting to review the status of military operations at the Nahr el-Barad Palestinian refugee camp and related security threats throughout Lebanon. The EAC agreed to lift the suspension of all off-compou [...]	2007-06-02 11:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ASEC PTER CASC AMGT LE
07BEIRUT783	LEBANON: AOUN BLOC TELLS HDAC THEY ARE THE [...] (SBU) On May 28, Aoun bloc member Ibrahim Kenaan told visiting members of the House Democracy Assistance Commission that the Aoun bloc was the original opposition; this status derives from the bloc having always opposed any government formed via elections that took place under the old Syrian- [...]	2007-06-02 12:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE
07BEIRUT784	POST-TRIBUNAL POLITICAL INITIATIVES: WHICH IS THE [...] (S) With the passage of UNSCR 1757 on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, the international community handed a significant victory to the March 14 and GOL leaders. While figures such as Saad Hariri have strained to project a spirit of magnanimity toward Hizballah and its allies in the afterma [...]	2007-06-02 13:39:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT785	DEFMIN MURR ON NAHR AL-BARID FIGHT [...] (S) In a one-on-one meeting with the Ambassador on the evening of June 2, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr, while describing that day's house-to-house combat in Nahr al-Barid as "tough," forcefully rejected the worry of some Lebanese politicians that the LAF had, on the s [...]	2007-06-03 07:39:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PTER PREL MASS MOPS LE SY
07BEIRUT789	LEBANON: ECONOMY MINISTERS UPBEAT ON FINANCES, [...] (C) Ministers Azour and Haddad met the Ambassador on June 1 ahead of a ministerial meeting scheduled to give political affirmation to the LAF's military operations in Nahr al-Barid. Haddad described his determination to use economic policy to address extremism. Azour reassured us that the GO [...]	2007-06-04 08:59:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	ECON EFIN ETRD PGOV PREL PTER LE
07BEIRUT794	HADDAD, AZOUR CONVINCED SYRIA WANTS RIAD SALAMEH [...] (S) After shooing out their staff members and Embassy notetaker after a lengthy meeting on economic and financial matters (reftel),Minister of Finance Jihad Azour and Minister of Economy and Trade Sami Haddad told the Ambassador on 6/1 that they were deeply concerned about the "charm offens [...]	2007-06-04 16:25:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL KDEM PGOV LE SY
07BEIRUT805	LEBANON: A/S SILVERBERG MEETS WITH PM SINIORA [...] (C) On 6/5, PM Siniora informed A/S Silverberg that LAF operations against Fatah al-Islam terrorists cornered in the Nahr al-Barid refugee camp were proceeding according to plan and that only two outcomes were acceptable: surrender to Lebanese justice, or elimination. Siniora agreed with the [...]	2007-06-06 09:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT812	LEBANON: PROMINENT BEIRUT CHRISTIAN TALKS [...] (C) Massaoud Ashqar, widely regarded as one of the best known Christian figures in Beirut, discussed with poloff political trends and concerns of the Lebanese Christian population. He described Michel Aoun as the most popular Christian leader in Lebanon despite Aoun's unpalatable alliance wit [...]	2007-06-06 13:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT813	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER RIZK LOOKS AHEAD ON [...] (C) Visiting Assistant Secretary for International Organizations Kristen Silverberg and the Ambassador on June 5 discussed upcoming issues regarding the Special Tribunal for Lebanon with Minister of Justice Charles Rizk. Fully supportive of A/S Silverberg's argument to make progress on making [...]	2007-06-06 15:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE SY
07BEIRUT814	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI REVIEWS NEXT STEPS ON THE [...] (C) Saad Hariri thanked the Ambassador and IO A/S Silverberg in a 6/5 meeting for U.S. support in adoption of the tribunal, and he pledged to move quickly on selecting Lebanese judges. He suggested that locating the tribunal in Cyprus could handicap the ability of Turkish pressure on Syria t [...]	2007-06-07 06:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT817	LEBANON: MITRI MOVING AHEAD ON TRIBUNAL, NEW [...] (C) Acting Foreign Minister Mitri in a 6/4 meeting with IO A/S Silverberg and the Ambassador thanked the U.S. for its efforts to pass the tribunal and pledged quick Lebanese action to establish it. Mitri did not advocate expanding UNIFIL's mandate, but saw no obstacle to renewing the current [...]	2007-06-07 15:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT818	LEBANON: UN ENVOY PEDERSEN ON UNIFIL RENEWAL AND [...] (C) SUMMARY: The UN SYG's Special Coordinator for Lebanon Geir Pederseon shared his thoughts about UNIFIL renewal, the upcoming UNSCR 1701 report, and Hizballah thinking on dialogue with March 14, at a dinner hosted by the Ambassador for IO A/S Kristin Silverberg on June 4. Pedersen noted t [...]	2007-06-07 15:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT820	LEBANON: PM SINIORA ON NARH AL-BARID, CABINET [...] (C) In a June 7 meeting with the Ambassador, Prime Minister Siniora said the destination of the weapons intercepted by the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) on June 6 had not yet been determined, but the GOL would not return them to Hizballah under any circumstances. He said the LAF will keep them [...]	2007-06-07 16:43:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT824	LEBANON: MARADA ALLY BLAMES HARIRI FOR SECURITY [...] (C) Richard Haykel, AmCham Vice President, general manager of a Tripoli hospital, and close friend of Marada Forces leader Suleiman Franjieh, on May 31 theorized about the recent security incidents in the north. He blamed Hariri and the Future Movement for the existence of Fatah al-Islam and [...]	2007-06-08 10:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT830	LEBANESE DEFMIN CONFIDENT ON NAHR AL-BARID FIGHT [...] (S) Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr told Ambassador and DCM on 6/8 that GOL forces are committed to completing the operation at Nahar al-Barid against Fatah al-Islam insurgents; he estimated the LAF needs three to five more days. In recent fierce fighting, the LAF had ki [...]	2007-06-10 08:33:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL MOPS PTER MASS LE SY
07BEIRUT831	LEBANON: FRENCH AMBASSADOR TRIES TO DOWNPLAY [...] (C/NF) In a 6/9 meeting with French Ambassador Bernard Emie, Ambassador Feltman registered strong concern about the proposal by French Foreign Minister Kouchner to host Lebanese political and civil society figures to a national dialogue in France in late June. Emie (please protect throughout [...]	2007-06-10 10:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY FR
07BEIRUT837	LEBANON: GEAGEA URGES DEAL ON PRESIDENCY, PRESSURE [...] (C) In a June 8 meeting with the Ambassador, Lebanese Forces leader Dr. Samir Geagea said the key to resolving Lebanon's political crisis is the presidency, suggesting that a deal over President Lahoud's replacement is possible if the Saudis exert their influence with Parliament Speaker Nabih [...]	2007-06-11 15:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT851	LEBANON: BERRI RAISING THE BAR ON NATIONAL UNITY [...] (C) In a June 11 meeting with the Ambassador, Parliament Speaker and Amal leader Nabih Berri hardened his positions on three issues. First, he rejected the 19-11 cabinet formula he had previous advocated, demanding instead a 17-13 division (with two seats more for the opposition). Second, Be [...]	2007-06-13 13:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT853	LEBANON: EAC REVIEWS BOMBING IN BEIRUT; SECURITY [...] (C) On June 13 at 1900 hours local, DCM chaired an emergency action committee EAC meeting to review security situation in the wake of bombing in Beirut that afternoon that killed MP Walid Eido and several others. EAC agreed to cancel off-compound moves for evening of June 13. RSO will eva [...]	2007-06-14 04:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ASEC PTER CASC AMGT LE
07BEIRUT858	LEBANON: EXPLOSION KILLS MARCH 14 PARLIAMENTARIAN [...] (C) March 14 MP Walid Eido was killed June 14 in what sources tell us was a targeted bombing on Beirut's waterfront corniche. Eido, an outspoken opponent of Syrian interference in Lebanon, was a member of Saad Hariri's Future Movement and a close personal friend of Social Progressive Party le [...]	2007-06-14 09:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT859	LEBANON: FIGHT FOR CONTROL OF LBCI TELEVISION [...] (C) Twice in recent weeks, most recently during a meeting with the Ambassador and Pol/Econ chief on political matters (reftel),Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea has sounded alarm bells about control of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International television network (LBCI) passing i [...]	2007-06-14 13:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KPAO PREL PGOV LE SA
07BEIRUT860	LEBANON: GOL MOVING QUICKLY ON SPECIAL TRIBUNAL [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 10. 2. C) SUMMARY: The Lebanese government is moving quickly on steps it must take to start the UN Tribunal. Minister of Justice Charles Rizk told the Ambassador June 14 that the GOL will submit to the UN Legal Adviser a list of twelve [...]	2007-06-14 16:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL UNSC AA
07BEIRUT861	LEBANON: BRAVO ZULU FOR U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE [...] Speed, professionalism, effectiveness: those qualities exemplified the extraordinary effort put forth by our EUCOM, CENTCOM and TRANSCOM military brethren and our State and DOD civilian colleagues in providing urgently needed military assistance to Lebanon's fledgling armed forces in their ti [...]	2007-06-14 16:23:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	MASS MOPS PTER PREL LE SY
07BEIRUT866	LEBANON: UN ASSESSMENT TEAM IN AN UNCOMFORTABLE [...] (C) At a 6/14 meeting requested by the International Donors Border Security Sub-group, members of the UN border assessment team spoke in worrying tones of what their team had found in its two-week examination of the Lebanese-Syrian border. In contrast to his aloof address to the same group [...]	2007-06-15 09:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT870	LEBANON: SAFADI SEES SYRIAN HAND BEHIND EIDO [...] (C) In a June 14 meeting with the Ambassador, Minister of Public Works and Transportation Mohammad Safadi blamed Syria for the June 13 assassination of March 14 MP Walid Eido. Eido and March 14 Youth and Sports Minister Ahmed Fatfat have both been targets for some time, he claimed, due to thei [...]	2007-06-15 14:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE SY
07BEIRUT871	POST CONCURRENCE - PROPOSED NIH RESEARCH PROJECT [...] Embassy Beirut has no objections to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) proposed award of research project AG01284613 entitled, "Michigan Center on the Demography of Aging," to the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor and the American University of Beirut. Embassy Beirut sees no adverse U [...]	2007-06-15 14:37:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	TBIO OSCI KSCA LE
07BEIRUT872	LEBANON: COUSSERAN READOUT: FRANCE REVISED ITS [...] (C) The reactions to the French initiative that Lebanese interlocutors gave envoy Jean-Claude Cousseron during his visit to Lebanon caused the French to modify their original plan for participation, French Embassy charge Joseph Silva told DCM on June 14. Interlocutors from both political camps [...]	2007-06-15 14:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KDEM PREL PGOV LE SY
07BEIRUT874	LEBANON: PREVENTING IRAN-SYRIA ARMS SHIPMENTS [...] (S) The Ambassador on June 13 and 14 delivered Ref B demarche to Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs Tariq Mitri, Minister of Defense Elias Murr, and Minister of Transportation Mohammed Safadi. In addition, the DATT demarched Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Michel Sleiman on June [...]	2007-06-15 15:09:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PARM PREL MOPS ETTC PGOV SY IR LE
07BEIRUT875	LEBANON: DO BY-ELECTIONS INCREASE THE CHANCES OF [...] (C) In a June 16 session, the Lebanese cabinet rushed through a decree to hold by-elections for the two March 14 parliamentary seats made vacant through assassination; by-elections will be scheduled for August 5. Former President Amine Gemayel told us that he hesitates to run for his son's [...]	2007-06-18 06:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT876	UN ENVOY PEDERSEN, MOHAMAD CHATAH ON 1701 REPORT [...] (C) In a July 16 meeting with the Ambassador that focused largely on Lebanon's internal politics, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Geir Pedersen also talked of the next UNSCR 1701 report. On Sheba' Farms, Pedersen, showing a map, said that the cartographer's work revealed that the area of [...]	2007-06-18 06:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER UNSC LE SY
07BEIRUT89	LEBANON: ARMENIAN CATHOLICOS SEES LEBANON'S [...] (C) The Patriarch of the Armenian Church in Lebanon, Catholicos Aram I, believes that Lebanon's political situation has reached a "crossroads" at which conflict between government and opposition cannot continue. The priority of all Lebanese must be the well-being of Lebanon, not the promotion [...]	2007-01-17 16:48:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
07BEIRUT896	LEBANON: AOUN RECEPTIVE TO RAPPROCHMENT WITH MARCH [...] (C) In a June 18 meeting with the Ambassador, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader General Michel Aoun agreed that a second government would be catastrophic for Lebanon. The FPM is exploring cooperation with the March 14 majority to form a national unity government, but claims the ball is in M [...]	2007-06-19 16:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL UNSC AA
07BEIRUT898	LEBANON: SCENESETTER FOR FBI DIRECTOR MUELLER [...] (SBU) As you visit Lebanon, the much-buffeted democratic government of Prime Minister Fouad Siniora is fully engaged on a number of critical issues. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are now locked in close combat with Sunni extremists who profess affiliation with Al Qaida, but who many believ [...]	2007-06-20 12:30:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT899	APPALLINGLY BAD EXAMPLE OF UNAUTHORIZED PERSONAL [...] (U) We urge all recipients of this message to remind all employees that Embassy Beirut is a partially unaccompanied post. All USG employees from all agencies, as well as their families and members of households, are subject to reftel guidance on travel to Beirut. Unless advised differently [...]	2007-06-20 13:42:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	AMGT ASEC APER LE
07BEIRUT90	LEBANON: UNIIIC BRAMMERTZ APPLIES SCISSORS TO [...] (S/NF) UNIIIC Commissioner Brammertz told the Ambassador that neither any of the P-5 counties, nor Israel, were among the ten countries cited for non-compliance in last month's interim report to the UN Security Council. Indicating some surprise that this has developed into such an issue, Br [...]	2007-01-17 16:49:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT913	LEBANON: UNIFIL COMMANDER WARNS ISRAEL WILL [...] (C) UNIFIL Force Commander Graziano, calling the June 17 rocket attack against Israel a "severe violation" of UNSCR 1701, credited excellent UNIFIL communication with the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) and Israeli restraint for Israel's decision not to retaliate. However, he warned that Israel [...]	2007-06-21 14:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT917	LEBANON: SINIORA INTENDS TO USE NAHR AL-BARID TO [...] (C) In a 6/21 meeting, PM Siniora conveyed to the Ambassador his conviction that the fight at Nahr al-Barid was a watershed event -- one which will enable his government to take the offensive against the numerous concentrations of militants located in the 12 Palestinian refugee camps and in [...]	2007-06-22 14:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT922	LEBANON: JUMBLATT: SECOND GOVERNMENT WOULD [...] (C) In a June 21 meeting with the Ambassador, Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) and Druse leader Walid Jumblatt expressed his support for the Arab League's initiative to hold a national dialogue at the deputy level the following week (an initiative that crumbled shortly thereafter). Jumblatt [...]	2007-06-25 04:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS LE
07BEIRUT933	LEBANON: SINIORA REQUESTS INCREASED MILITARY [...] (C) In a 6/25 meeting with CODEL Issa, PM Siniora requested continued U.S. security assistance so that Lebanon's army could carry on its fight against Palestinian militants and other extremists. Siniora said that once the Nahr al-Barid operation is completed, he wants to "turn his attention [...]	2007-06-25 14:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT94	WAITING FOR HIZBALLAH: SAUDI AMBASSADOR CLAIMS [...] (S) Summary: In a 1/18 meeting with the Ambassador, Saudi Ambassador Abdulaziz Khoja said that he has received approvals from Parliament Speaker Berri and MP Saad Hariri for the broad outlines of a political deal to resolve Lebanon's political crisis. Hizballah has not yet responded to his [...]	2007-01-18 14:20:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER LE SY
07BEIRUT944	LEBANON: CONGRESSMAN ISSA VISITS BEIRUT [...] (C) Congressman Darrell Issa (R-CA) visited Beirut June 24-25, where he held meetings with PM Siniora (reftel),Free Patriotic Movement General Michel Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabil Berri, Future Movement leader Saad Hariri, and March 14 MP Samir Franjieh. The visit occurred in the wake of A [...]	2007-06-26 13:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT945	LEBANON: BRAMMERTZ PREVIEWS NEXT REPORT ON HARIRI [...] (C) In a June 20 meeting with the Ambassador, UNIIIC Commissioner Serge Brammertz said he was in the process of finalizing his next report to the UN Security Council (which he expects to present on July 19). While the report will not include the names of those believed responsible for the 200 [...]	2007-06-26 14:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS LE
07BEIRUT952	LAHOUD'S SECOND CABINET SCENARIO: EVEN IF HE'S [...] (C) Rumors about if and when President Emile Lahoud will unilaterally form a second cabinet continue to dominate political talk in Lebanon. There are some indications that Lahoud might move far more quickly than expected to take this step to undermine Siniora's cabinet. Elias Murr, citing h [...]	2007-06-27 16:19:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
07BEIRUT96	LEBANON: BANKS DENY RELATIONS WITH IRAN, HIZBALLAH [...] (S) Pol-EconOff delivered reftel demarche to senior officials at six banks, per reftel request. The officials denied any current relations with Iran- or Hizballah-related entities, and reasoned that there is neither a market nor a political basis for such relationships. The officials told us [...]	2007-01-18 16:38:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	ETTC KTFN PTER EFIN PREL LE
07BEIRUT963	LEBANON: GOL CLOSE TO SUBMITTING TRIBUNAL JUDGE [...] (C) Justice Minister Charles Rizk provided Ambassador on June 28, 2007 with a list of names of twelve Lebanese judges the GOL intends to nominate to the UN for selection for the four seats on Special Tribunal. He said all twelve have agreed to have their names put forward. The GOL has its p [...]	2007-06-28 15:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS LE
07BEIRUT967	LEBANON: FBI DIRECTOR EXPLORES COUNTERTERRORISM [...] (S) FBI Director Mueller on June 26 met with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr, Minister of Interior Hassan Sabaa, Head of the Internal Security Forces Ashraf Rifi, Minister of Justice Charles Rizk, and Chief Prosecutor Jean Fahd to offer FBI assistance to Lebanon's securit [...]	2007-06-29 09:01:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER KCRM LE SY
07BEIRUT97	LEBANON: JA'JA' BRINGS IDEAS DOWN FROM THE [...] (C) Samir Geagea, newly installed in the hills north of Beirut (vice the distant Cedars region),advocated to the Ambassador early parliamentary elections, prior to the presidential election, as a "master stroke" for March 14. He acknowledged, however, that March 14 forces are divided over w [...]	2007-01-18 16:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE
07BEIRUT972	LEBANON: UNIFIL DISCUSSES TRIPARTITE TALKS, VBIED [...] (C) On June 27, UNIFIL's Chief of Planning and Coordination described the June 24 attack on the UNIFIL patrol near the village of El Khaim as a "specific terrorist attack" directed against UNIFIL, but he refrained from saying it had deliberately targeted the forward-leaning Spanish contingen [...]	2007-06-29 14:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS LE PGOV PREL PTER SY
07BEIRUT974	LAHOUD'S LEGAL ADVISOR: SECOND CABINET (OR [...] (C) Lebanese President Emile Lahoud's amiable legal advisor, Selim Jeressaiti, told the Ambassador on 6/29 that -- based on Jeressaiti's advice -- Lahoud has begrudgingly delayed the appointment of a second cabinet from July until September. If no consensus presidential candidate emerges by [...]	2007-07-02 05:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL KDEM PGOV LE SY
07BEIRUT977	LEBANON: ARE MODERATE SHIA THE ANSWER TO MARCH [...] (C) Recent discussions with two political figures from opposite sides of the confessional spectrum revealed a common thread in terms of broadening March 14's political alliances -- the need to secure the support of moderate Shia. While one advocated an alliance with Amal as a means for March [...]	2007-07-02 06:15:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS LE
07BEIRUT984	LEBANON: SINIORA CONFIDENT DESPITE CONCERTED [...] (C) Coming off a pivotal trip to Paris, Rome, Madrid, Cairo and Jeddah, PM Siniora spoke confidently of the pro-democracy movement's successful facing down of Syria's focused campaign to destabilize the country. Siniora believes the pro-Syrian opposition just might be becoming frustrated. [...]	2007-07-03 10:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY LE FR

07BEIRUT993	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER SUGGESTS NEW TWIST ON [...] (C) Defense Minister Elias Murr believes Syria ultimately will scuttle the most recent compromise idea (promoted by his father Michel) for solving Lebanon's political impasse -- appointing Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Michel Sleiman for a two-year term to replace President Emil [...]	2007-07-05 15:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1009	LEBANON: GOL UNLIKELY TO FUND PALESTINIAN [...] (SBU) PolOff delivered reftel demarche on supporting the Palestinian Authority to Oussama Khachab and Rana Mokaddem, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Acknowledging the financial challenges faced by the PA, the MFA officials said it was nevertheless not financially feasible for Leb [...]	2008-07-11 16:41:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KWBG KPAL IS PGOV PREL ECON LE
08BEIRUT1011	LEBANON: A CABINET IS FORMED [...] (C) After seven weeks of negotiations between and within the opposition and the majority blocs, President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister-designate Fouad Siniora, and Speaker Nabih Berri came together at the presidential palace for the announcement of the formation of a 30-member cabinet at 1610 [...]	2008-07-11 16:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1014	SYRIA TAX ON TRUCKS COULD OBSTRUCT TRADE, INFLATION [...] (U) On July 3,the Syrian authorities began imposing a "gas tax" of around $300 on regular trucks leaving Syrian territory and $500 on refrigerated trucks. Head of the Lebanese Syndicate of Fruit and Vegetable Exporters said that this tax would lead to losses of around $50,000 per day for refri [...]	2008-07-14 11:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1015	Beirut Media Reaction: July 14, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-07-14 12:41:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1017	Bin Talal Takes Ove LBC/Satellite [...] Saudi multi-billionaire Al Waleed Bin Talal and Lebanese media magnate Pierre El Daher announced on July 8 that Bin Talal raised his stake in El Daher's Lebanese Media Holding (LMH) to around 85 per cent with a value of US 78 million. Bin Talal is now the main shareholder. LMH encompasses th [...]	2008-07-14 14:43:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1018	LEBANON: WITH CABINET, BOTH SIDES TRYING TO HELP [...] (C) The transition to the new government announced on July 11 has begun, with some ministers already officially assuming their duties. The cabinet is expected to convene by mid-week to form a committee responsible for drafting the ministerial statement which is due by August 11. Negotiations [...]	2008-07-14 16:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE
08BEIRUT1021	LEBANON: BANKS DENY ALLEGATIONS OF SUPPORTING [...] (C) The President of the Association of Banks (ABL) in Lebanon, Dr. Francois Bassil, denies allegations that six Lebanese banks helped provided banking services supporting Hizballah's activities. Bassil and other banking officials stressed the efforts of the Lebanese banking sector to comply [...]	2008-07-15 14:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PTER PREL EFIN ECON LE
08BEIRUT1022	LEBANON: PM SINIORA WARNS AGAINST HIZBALLAH'S [...] (C) PM Siniora is pleased with the final cabinet formation and does not foresee difficulties in the preparation of the ministerial statement. However, he remains concerned about Hizballah's growing stature, particularly in light of the upcoming prisoner exchange between Lebanon and Israel. He [...]	2008-07-15 14:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1023	LEBANON: FRANCE BEHIND SYRIA'S OVERTURES TO [...] (C) Reporting on the July 12-13 meetings in Paris between President Michel Sleiman, French President Sarkozy, and Syrian President Bashar Asad, French Embassy PolOff said that France is interested in pursuing rapprochement with Syria. Sarkozy prodded Asad into agreeing to re-establish diplomati [...]	2008-07-15 15:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC FR IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1024	LEBANON: ELECTORAL REFORM PACE MAY INCREASE WITH [...] (C) In recent weeks, Lebanese civil society activists have been invited to address both the parliamentary committee considering electoral reform and a group of key March 14 political leaders. Both invitations are almost unprecedented in Lebanese political tradition, according to civil society [...]	2008-07-15 15:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM LE
08BEIRUT1043	LEBANON: A GLOATING NASRALLAH CLAIMS HIZBALLAH [...] (C) In a July 16 five-minute personal appearance and subsequent televised speech, Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah proudly declared victory for all of Lebanon and took credit for securing the release by Israel earlier in the day of five Lebanese prisoners and 199 bodies of Lebanese [...]	2008-07-17 17:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC IS LE
08BEIRUT1047	LEBANON: OPPOSITION DRUZE ADVISOR: WE WILL WIN [...] (C) Marwan Abu Fadel, senior advisor to opposition Druze figure Minister Talal Arslan, doubts President Michel Sleiman will successfully form his own parliamentary bloc for the 2009 election. He also does not believe the appointment by March 14 of independent Shia Minister Ibrahim Shamseddine [...]	2008-07-18 14:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1049	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN INTENDS TO GO TO SYRIA [...] (C) Lebanese President Michel Sleiman plans to visit Damascus as soon as a week following Syrian FM Walid Moallem's July 21 visit to Lebanon, and hopes to move forward quickly in establishing diplomatic relations between the two countries. Sleiman expressed his satisfaction with the new cabin [...]	2008-07-18 15:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1050	LEBANON: CABINET STATEMENT WITHIN DAYS, SAYS [...] (C) Newly appointed Minister of State Nassib Lahoud of March 14 expressed confidence that parliament would approve its ministerial statement by July 24. Lahoud is a member of the committee charged with drafting the statement, which met for the first time the day before. March 14 had prepared [...]	2008-07-18 16:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1051	LEBANON: GOL DOUBTS NAM WILL APPROVE IRAN'S DRAFT [...] (C) PolOff delivered reftel demarche to Oussama Khachab, Head of the Americas Desk, and Fadi Hajali, who holds the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) portfolio, both at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 17. Khachab reported that Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh would likely attend the 2008 NAM [...]	2008-07-18 16:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IR KNNP MNUC PARM TRGY IAEA PERL UR LE
08BEIRUT1053	NEW MINISTERS TAKE OVER; TELECOM PRIVATIZATION ENDORSED [...] (U) During the handover ceremony at the Ministry of Finance on July 15, newly appointed Minister Mohammad Chatah expressed his belief that Lebanon could witness nine percent GDP growth if the political and security situation were stable. Chatah pledged to continue reforms at the Ministry, and [...]	2008-07-21 08:24:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1067	LEBANON: MINISTERIAL STATEMENT: HIZBALLAH'S ARMS [...] (C) After its fifth meeting on July 22, the ministerial committee charged with drafting cabinet's statement to parliament has made significant progress, including text on economic objectives and Syrian-Lebanese relations, but remains deadlocked on how to address Hizballah's weapons. The commit [...]	2008-07-22 17:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1068	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN ACCEPTS INVITATION TO [...] (U) On July 21 Lebanese President Sleiman accepted an invitation from Syrian FM Moallem on behalf of President Bashar Asad to visit Damascus. Moallem traveled to Beirut to deliver the invitation, and later made a press statement reiterating Syria's support for establishing diplomatic relati [...]	2008-07-22 17:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1075	LEBANON: JUMBLATT WARY OF SYRIAN INTENTIONS, [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt remains skeptical of Syrian intentions toward Lebanon and continues to press for expedited action on the Special Tribunal as the only way to pressure Damascus, especially in light of recent French overtures toward Syria. Agreeing that released Lebanese prisoner [...]	2008-07-23 15:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1076	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER MURR ON THE NEXT ARMY [...] (C) Please see action request in para 12. In a July 22 meeting, Defense Minister Elias Murr told Charge the decision on the next Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander is down to two names: LAF Intelligence Director BG Georges Khoury and 2nd Brigade Commander BG Jean Qahwaji. (Murr will advoc [...]	2008-07-23 15:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT108	LEBANON: AMBASSADOR FAREWELL CALL ON LEBANESE ARMY [...] (C) In a January 12th farewell office call, a confident Lebanese Army Commander Michel Sleiman discussed the ongoing investigation of General Francois Al-Hajj's assassination, the current political impasse, a new but improbable Presidential candidate, and his mandatory resignation date as Army [...]	2008-01-24 13:47:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1084	LEBANON: FM SALLOUKH IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT [...] (C) Having fully resumed his role as foreign minister, Minister Fawzi Salloukh spoke of Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem's July 21 visit to Beirut as a "positive step forward" in establishing diplomatic relations with Syria. Salloukh, a member of the cabinet committee charged with draftin [...]	2008-07-24 15:45:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY LE
08BEIRUT1085	LEBANON: NEW INTERIOR MINISTER WILL FOCUS ON BOTH [...] (C) During an introductory call with the Charge Grant on July 23, newly appointed Interior Minister Ziyad Baroud said that he has a comprehensive vision for the Ministry portfolio and stressed that he will focus both on electoral and security issues. He said that the Ministry itself, rather t [...]	2008-07-24 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM PINS LE
08BEIRUT1086	LEBANON: TELECOM MINISTER PUSHES PRIVATIZATION, [...] (C) In a July 24 courtesy call by Charge Grant, newly appointed Minister of Telecommunications Gebran Bassil said that the GOL has been slow in its privatization of the mobile telecommunications market, but reaffirmed his belief that privatization in the sector is necessary. Bassil also reque [...]	2008-07-24 16:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV ECON ECPS EINV UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1087	LEBANON: MARCH 14 WORKSHOP: IMPOSSIBLE TO COEXIST WITH [...] (SBU) Summary. On July 23, the March 14 Secretariat held a workshop at the Bristol Hotel in Beirut to discuss and incorporate public opinion into a draft paper on civil peace and building a state of independence. The paper concluded that it is impossible to build such a state while Hizballah [...]	2008-07-24 16:46:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT1095	LEBANON: MARCH 14 TRYING TO BUILD A UNIFIED MESSAGE [...] (C) In a July 23 meeting with A/DCM, March 14 Secretary General (SYG) Fares Souaid was pleased to show off his coalition's new office space and signaled optimism about the creation of a common platform as unifying force for March 14 coalition. Souaid argued that while some slight differences [...]	2008-07-25 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1100	LEBANON: SAUDIS GIVING SAAD ONE LAST CHANCE, SAUDI [...] (C) Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Khoja told Charge July 25 that the March 14 majority must win the 2009 parliamentary elections to avoid an Iranian takeover of the country. Critical of majority leader Saad Hariri, Khoja said the Saudi leaders had told Saad recently that they would provide signi [...]	2008-07-28 08:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1103	LEBANON: MINISTERIAL STATEMENT 95 PERCENT [...] (C) Minister of State Nassib Lahoud, a member of the committee currently drafting the cabinet's ministerial statement, said the statement was "95 percent done." Hizballah's weapons remained the primary stumbling block, with the majority holding firm on keeping language that would acknowledge [...]	2008-07-28 14:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1104	LEBANON: TENSION PREVAILS FOLLOWING MORE TRIPOLI [...] (SBU) On July 25-26, fierce clashes resumed in the predominantly Sunni Bab al-Tabbaneh and predominantly Alawite Jabal Mohsen areas of Tripoli, reportedly resulting in between six and nine dead and 33 wounded. The Internal Security Forces (ISF) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) redeployed [...]	2008-07-28 17:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1105	TELECOM MININSTER SUPPORTS PRIVATIZATION, BROADBAND [...] (SBU) During a meeting on July 24 between CDA Grant and Embassy Officers and Minister of Post and Telecommunications Gebran Bassil, the Minister indicated that he is a strong advocate of privatization, although he recognizes that it will not be easy. Meanwhile, Bassil noted that introducing bro [...]	2008-07-28 17:29:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1111	LEBANON: NEW JUSTICE MINISTER WHOLEHEARTEDLY [...] (C) The well-informed new Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar emphasized his commitment to the Special Tribunal, while stressing that he will not be as outspoken as his predecessor, Charles Rizk. He plans to urge other countries for additional financial contributions to the Tribunal. Najjar inten [...]	2008-07-29 16:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1112	LEBANON: MAJORITY LEADER SAAD HARIRI NOT IN [...] (C) Majority leader Saad Hariri accuses Syria and Hizballah of masterminding recent violence in Tripoli as part of an effort to discredit Saad and impose Syria's agenda on Lebanon. As usual, Saad complained about what he perceives as an ambivalent U.S. policy toward Syria, warning that March [...]	2008-07-29 17:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1113	LEBANON: NEW INDEPENDENT SHIA MINISTER CALLS FOR [...] (C) In a courtesy call by Charge Grant, newly appointed non-Hizballah Shia Minister Ibrahim Shamseddine praised Saad Hariri's recent trip to Iraq as an important step in improving Arab-Iraqi relations and reducing Iranian influence over Lebanese Shia. He stressed his own independence and abil [...]	2008-07-29 17:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1116	LEBANON: JUMBLATT MAY MAKE A DEAL WITH DRUZE [...] (C) Saleem Hamadeh, advisor to opposition Druze leader and Youth and Sports Minister Talal Arslan, predicted that Arslan's rival Druze leader Walid Jumblatt would make a deal with Arslan in order to maximize the number of seats he could win in the 2009 parliamentary elections. Hamadeh did not [...]	2008-07-30 16:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT1133	LEBANON: SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF GENERAL DAVID [...] (C) General Petraeus, Welcome to Lebanon. Your visit provides another excellent opportunity to reinforce our message of strong, continued U.S. government support for a sovereign, independent, and democratic Lebanon. Your visit continues a series of high-level USG contacts since President Sle [...]	2008-08-01 18:03:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT1134	LEBANON: NEW TOURISM MINISTER SAYS 2009 CAMPAIGN [...] (C) In a courtesy call by CDA Grant, newly appointed Tourism Minister Elie Marouni said the committee drafting the cabinet's ministerial statement would complete its work on August 1 but two parties, his own Kataeb (Phlange) party and the Lebanese Forces, will register "reservations" when the [...]	2008-08-01 18:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID ECON PGOV PINR PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT1135	LEBANON: MINISTERIAL DECLARATION EXPECTED AUGUST [...] (C) Several Cabinet sources confirmed to us today that they expect the draft of Lebanese cabinet's ministerial statement to be completed by the night of August 1. Tareq Mitri, Minister of Information and a member of the drafting committee allied with March 14 and PM Siniora, told Charge and S [...]	2008-08-01 18:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PTER PREF KDEM IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1138	LEBANON: MINISTER OF ECONOMY ON ELECTIONS; WTO [...] (C) In an August 4 courtesy call by Charge, Lebanese Minister of Economy and Trade Mohammad Safadi shared his assessment of the GOL's ministerial statement as "the best possible outcome" and that the National Dialogue should be the next focal point for political decisions. Safadi, a Sunni mem [...]	2008-08-04 17:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC ECON EAID EIND ETRD
08BEIRUT1139	LEBANON: MINISTERIAL STATEMENT: RESISTANCE [...] (C) The ministerial committee charged with drafting the government's policy statement reached an agreement on August 1, and the full cabinet is expected to approve the statement on August 4. The statement is an improvement over the previous 2005 ministerial statement in that it gives increase [...]	2008-08-04 18:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1140	LEBANON: TELECOM MINISTER STRESSES THAT ALL AGREE ON [...] (U) In a press conference on July 30, Telecom Minister Gebran Bassil stated telecom privatization is something that all Lebanese agree upon, and that close examination of the issue will take place as soon as the Cabinet's policy statement is ratified by parliament. Bassil noted that $67,000 ha [...]	2008-08-04 18:25:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1145	LEBANON: MINISTER OF ENVIRONMENT FOCUSED ON FOREST [...] (C) Newly appointed Minister of Environment Tony Karam discussed his priorities for the ministry with Charge in a August 4 courtesy call. First, Karam intends to work with civilian groups to enforce current environmental protection laws. Second, he would like to create an elite firefighting [...]	2008-08-05 14:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR ECON EAID SENV UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1149	LEBANON: FINANCE MINISTER CHATAH SAYS MINISTERIAL [...] (C) Finance Minister Mohamad Chatah, former advisor to PM Siniora, views the 2008 ministerial statement as an improvement over 2005, in that it elevates the status of the state and puts limits on Hizballah. Remarkably, he notes, the statement was drafted without foreign interference. The big [...]	2008-08-05 17:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1160	LEBANON: AGRICULTURE MINISTER SKAFF CONFIDENT OF [...] (C) In an August 7 courtesy call by Charge Grant, Agriculture Minister Elie Skaff emphasized the importance of the 2009 parliamentary elections, while downplaying the upcoming National Dialogue, in solving Lebanon's problems. Nevertheless, he recommended enlarging the membership of the Dialogu [...]	2008-08-07 17:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC EAGR LE
08BEIRUT1161	LEBANON: AOUNIST MP HINTS AT CONSENSUS IN 2009 [...] (C) Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) MP Ibrahim Kanaan told Charge FPM is "satisfied" with the cabinet statement. He said the kerfluffle over fellow FPM MP Gebran Bassil's remarks about reviewing Paris III were taken out of context and exploited. Kenaan said he is turning his atte [...]	2008-08-07 17:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1166	LEBANON: SINIORA TELLS GENERAL PETRAEUS HE WILL [...] (C) Prime Minister Fouad Siniora announced to General David Petraeus, during the latter's August 6 visit to Lebanon, his plans to go to Iraq once parliament has passed the vote of confidence, expected to occur o/a August 12. Siniora said he intended to demonstrate to the Arab world his support [...]	2008-08-08 15:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR OVIP PETRAEUS DAVID MARR
08BEIRUT1168	LEBANON: PETRAEUS AND SLEIMAN DISCUSS SYRIAN TRIP, [...] (C) In an August 6 meeting with visiting General David Petraeus, President Michel Sleiman outlined three objectives for his upcoming meeting with Syrian President Bashar Asad. Most important, Sleiman said, is to initiate a diplomatic exchange between the two countries. Additionally, Sleiman p [...]	2008-08-08 15:43:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	OVIP PETRAEUS DAVID PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC
08BEIRUT1169	LEBANON: GEARING UP FOR THE NATIONAL DIALOGUE [...] (C) Parliament begins debate on the government policy statement on August 8, with the confidence vote expected a few days thereafter. President Sleiman travels to Damascus August 13-14, after which time he is expected to convene the National Dialogue. Preparations are under way; Baabda Palace [...]	2008-08-08 15:45:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1170	LEBANON: NEW DEPUTY PM SAYS AOUN INTERESTED IN [...] (C) Newly-appointed Deputy Prime Minister Issam Abou Jamra expressed to CDA on August 9 his pride both in being named Deputy Prime Minister and in how well his long-time friend Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement is doing. Abou Jamra pointed to FPM's friendly alliance with Amal and Hizballah [...]	2008-08-08 16:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1171	LEBANON: MINISTER HARIRI ENTHUSIASTIC ABOUT HER [...] (C) In an August 8 courtesy call by Charge, Minister of Education Bahiya Hariri told us that she hopes to create standardized curricula for Lebanon's public schools. In addition, she plans to push for greater community involvement in the educational process. A longtime MP from the southern c [...]	2008-08-08 17:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SCUL SOCI LE SY
08BEIRUT1173	LEBANON: TIME IS RIGHT FOR ACTION ON DETAINEES IN [...] (C) Following Israel's July 16 release of Lebanese prisoners including Samir Kantar, the issue of Lebanese detainees (also referred to as "enforced disappearances") in Syria has risen to the forefront in Lebanon. President Sleiman told visiting MNF-I Commander General David Petraeus on August [...]	2008-08-11 08:53:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PHUM PINR AI UNSC SY LE
08BEIRUT1176	LEBANON: ECONOMISTS LET DOWN BY MINISTERIAL POLICY [...] (SBU) Prominent financial economist Dr. Charbel Nahas told us on August 6 that the ministerial statement came "far below what it should have been." He said that "this cabinet has a unique opportunity as all the political parties are represented in the cabinet; thus actions can be quickly endor [...]	2008-08-11 16:08:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1181	LEBANON: ALL THE PRESIDENT'S MEN...AND WOMAN [...] (SBU) Though President Sleiman is still in the process of forming his staff, following is a list of individuals we believe will be key advisors and members of his staff as well as persons close to him who have no official role. OFFICIAL ADVISORS ----------------- 2. (SBU) Nazem Khoury, [...]	2008-08-12 16:06:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT1187	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH WILL PRESS FOR ACTION AGAINST [...] (C) Majority leader Saad Hariri warned that Hizballah would soon pressure the GOL to take action against Israeli overflights. He was reacting to recent tough statements from Israel about the official GOL cabinet statement linking Hizballah's "resistance" to the authority of the Lebanese state [...]	2008-08-13 16:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1188	LEBANON: CABINET WINS CONFIDENCE VOTE [...] (U) In the final step to form the new government, the cabinet obtained the Lebanese Parliament's vote of confidence on August 12. Of the 107 MPs in attendance, 100 voted in favor of the cabinet and accompanying cabinet statement (parliament currently has 127 members). The five days of sessi [...]	2008-08-13 17:53:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1197	LEBANON: MARCH 14 SECRETARIAT PERCEIVES MARCH 8 [...] (C) March 14 Secretary General (SYG) Fares Souaid and member Samir Franjieh report that March 14 is preparing to capitalize on what it perceives as a split between the "Syrian March 8" and "Iranian March 8" in an attempt to attract voters -- especially Christian voters who usually support Mich [...]	2008-08-14 16:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1198	LEBANON: CONSPIRACY THEORIES AND CONDEMNATIONS [...] (SBU) Leaders from across Lebanon's political spectrum condemned the August 13 civilian bus bombing in the northern city of Tripoli that resulted in the deaths of several Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) soldiers, among others. So far, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Several t [...]	2008-08-14 16:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT1199	LEBANON: MINISTER OF ENERGY AND WATER GETS A [...] (C) In an August 13 courtesy call with Charge Grant, the new Minister of Energy and Water Alain Tabourian described the huge cost and capacity problems in Lebanon's electricity sector, and discussed plans to import electricity and natural gas from Egypt. Tabourian, one of the five ministers [...]	2008-08-14 17:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV ECON ENRG EPET EFIN LE
08BEIRUT120	LEBANON: ISF INTELLIGENCE OFFICER TARGETED IN [...] (S) A huge car bomb explosion rocked the Chevrolet-Furn al-Chubbak area of east Beirut on January 25 killing Internal Security Forces (ISF) intelligence officer Captain Wissam Eid, his bodyguard, and at least two others, and injuring dozens. Eid, an Embassy contact, was in charge of the ISF's [...]	2008-01-25 18:28:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL IS KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1200	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH'S IMAGE MAKEOVER; A NEW APPEAL [...] (C) Local press reported on Hizballah's creation of an Arab relations portfolio, assigned to Sheikh Hassan Izz-al-Din. Hizballah explained to press that the new position was a product of periodic organizational restructuring. Expounding on his new role, Izz-al-Din said in an interview with a [...]	2008-08-14 17:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SA LE
08BEIRUT1201	LEBANON: SLEIMAN VISIT TO DAMASCUS: DEVIL IN THE [...] (C) According to his diplomatic advisor, President Sleiman reportedly is pleased with his August 13-14 visit to Damascus, although he had hoped for more on the issue of Lebanese detainees in Syria. The advisor believes that work will begin soon on establishing diplomatic relations and borders [...]	2008-08-18 07:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1211	UNIFIL: PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED NOTIFICATIONS FOR VISITS [...] (SBU) U.S. Embassy Beirut appreciates the efforts of USUN in bringing the issue of the suspicious incidents involving representatives of the Indian contingent of UNIFIL to the attention of the Asia and Middle East Director in the Office of Peacekeeping Operations (DPKO) detailed in reftel. In [...]	2008-08-18 14:35:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PTER ASEC KPKO UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1212	LEBANON: NON-COMMITAL ON THE IAEA BOARD OF [...] (C) Charge raised points about Afghanistan's candidacy with Rola Noureddine, PM Siniora's chief aide, on August 18. Noureddine took note of the information about Afghanistan's and Iran's candidacies, in addition to that of Syria, but was non-committal about what position the GOL would take. [...]	2008-08-18 14:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KNNP IAEA PREL PARM MNUC LE
08BEIRUT1213	LEBANON: PM SINIORA MAKES ENERGY DEALS IN EGYPT TRIP [...] (SBU) Board member and head of the Agriculture Committee at the Beirut Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture Raphael Debbane told us on August 13 that agriculture and industrialist representatives urged Agriculture Minister Elie Skaff to ask President Sleiman to convince his Syrian cou [...]	2008-08-18 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1220	LEBANON: DRUZE (OPPOSITION) MINISTER: U.S. SHOULD [...] (C) An affable Minister of Youth and Sports Talal Arslan welcomed the recent Damascus meeting between Presidents Sleiman and Asad as a positive step in putting the Lebanese-Syrian bilateral relationship back on a good track. Thanking the U.S. for its military assistance, Arslan said the list o [...]	2008-08-19 14:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1223	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH WELCOMING OR SABOTAGING [...] (C) Publicly, Hizballah officials are welcoming the upcoming National Dialogue. At the same time, however, Hizballah officials and their opposition allies are seeking an expansion of both the participation list and agenda in what we view as an attempt to dilute the process and steer the focus [...]	2008-08-19 15:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1225	LEBANON: GEMAYEL DOWNBEAT ON RAPPROCHEMENT WITH [...] (C) Former president Amine Gemayel reacted pessimistically August 19 to outcomes from President Sleiman's August 13-14 visit to Syria. He assessed Syria was willing to make minor concessions to Lebanon only to improve Syria's reputation within Lebanon. Gemayel criticized the international co [...]	2008-08-19 16:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR LE SY
08BEIRUT1228	LEBANON: TALKING, QUIETLY, OF MARONITE PATRIARCH [...] (U) Cardinal Mar Nasrallah Boutros Sfeir, the Lebanese Maronite Patriarch, turned 88 in May and there are quiet discussions about who will succeed him in this religiously and politically significant position. Following our report on the organization of the Maronite church (Ref A),this report [...]	2008-08-20 16:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	SOCI SCUL KIRF PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1233	LEBANON: INTERIOR MINISTER FOCUSED ON 2009 [...] (C) In a August 20 meeting with the Charge, Minister of Interior Ziyad Baroud said he is finalizing a "master plan" for donor nations who wish to provide technical assistance to Lebanon for the 2009 elections. Asked about a USG offer to assist with elections security planning, Baroud told us h [...]	2008-08-21 16:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM PINS LE
08BEIRUT1234	LEBANON: SINIORA'S TRIP TO IRAQ: INVESTMENT; ARAB [...] (C) PM advisor Rola Noureddine deemed Prime Minister Fouad Siniora's August 20 trip to Iraq a success and enthusiastically spoke of the future investment opportunities between the two countries. Noting to the Charge on August 21 that, "The earlier we get in, the better deals we will get," Nou [...]	2008-08-21 17:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MOPS MARR IZ LE
08BEIRUT1241	LEBANON: MARCH 14 MP BOUTROS HARB: BRIDGING THE [...] (C) MP Boutros Harb told Charge Grant in an August 20 meeting that the March 14 coalition faces two problems: relations between March 14 Christians and Muslims/Druze, and relations among March 14 Christians. Expressing concern that divisions within March 14 will result in failure in the 2009 [...]	2008-08-22 16:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1243	LEBANON: PROMISES, BUT NO FIRM COMMITMENTS, FOR EGYPTIAN [...] (SBU) During his visit to Baghdad on August 20, PM Siniora discussed reinforcing bilateral economic ties with Iraq. Iraq has long been one of Lebanon's major export markets, but it has exported only a trickle of goods to Lebanon in recent years, and no oil. Daily An Nahar reported that during [...]	2008-08-25 11:13:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1246	LEBANON: PROMISES, BUT NO FIRM COMMITMENTS, FOR EGYPTIAN [...] (SBU) During his visit to Baghdad on August 20, PM Siniora discussed reinforcing bilateral economic ties with Iraq. Iraq has long been one of Lebanon's major export markets, but it has exported only a trickle of goods to Lebanon in recent years, and no oil. Daily An Nahar reported that during [...]	2008-08-25 14:50:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1247	LEBANON: AOUNIST SOCIAL AFFAIRS MINISTER SEEKS BIGGER ROLE; [...] (SBU) During a visit by Charge Grant, newly appointed Minister of Social Affairs Dr. Mario Aoun explained that the Ministry of Social Affairs' (MOSA) main challenges in implementing social reform were overlapping responsibilities with other ministries and a small budget. Aoun said he hoped to [...]	2008-08-25 15:06:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON SOCI PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1248	LEBANON: PROGRESS TOWARDS WTO ACCESSION IS SLOW, [...] (SBU) Almost nine years after its initial World Trade Organization (WTO) membership application, Lebanon is moving forward on the multilateral track of the accession process, and only minor issues remained after the last Working Party (WP) meeting in May 2007. However, problems remain on the [...]	2008-08-25 15:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV ECON ETRD LE
08BEIRUT1249	LEBANON: LEBANON'S SALAFISTS GROUPS: NEITHER [...] (C) Many in Lebanon were surprised when Shia-dominated Hizballah signed a memorandum of understanding on August 18 with some Salafist Sunni groups in the northern city of Tripoli, ostensibly to reduce Shia-Sunni tensions that had produced violent clashes and deaths there. Then, the next day, [...]	2008-08-25 16:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT1262	LEBANON: GEMAYEL WITH HALE: CLEAR USG SUPPORT FOR [...] (C) In a August 27 meeting, former president and Kataeb party leader Amine Gemayel told visiting NEA DAS David Hale that a clear message from the U.S. would be critical for Lebanon in its struggle against Iranian and Syrian attempts to destabilize the country. Gemayel supported the idea of i [...]	2008-08-29 09:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1266	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, SINIORA CRITICIZES U.S. [...] (C) In an August 27 meeting with NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale, Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora complained that the U.S. has not come through on its assistance promises and that USG assistance has been dwarfed by Iranian support for Hizballah. He said U.S. and Israeli mistak [...]	2008-09-02 08:07:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR UNSC MARR IS IR SY LE
08BEIRUT1269	LEBANON: FM SALLOUKH RECEIVES AMBASSADOR'S [...] (C) On August 27, the Ambassador presented copies of her credentials to Minister of Foreign Affairs Fawzi Salloukh. In a subsequent meeting with the Ambassador and visiting NEA DAS David Hale, Salloukh asked the USG to place pressure on Israel to implement its share of UNSCR 1701. He emphasize [...]	2008-09-02 08:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1270	LEBANON: NEA DAS HALE MEETS SPEAKER BERRI [...] (C) In an August 28 meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, NEA DAS David Hale reiterated the USG's continued support for Lebanon. Berri thanked DAS Hale for USG assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces and expressed his concern over the recent violence in Tripoli, blaming Al-Qaeda and f [...]	2008-09-02 09:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR IS LE QA
08BEIRUT1272	LEBANON: AOUN EXPECTS VIOLENCE AFTER RAMADAN [...] (C) In a August 29 meeting, Free Patriotic Movement leader General Michel Aoun told visiting NEA DAS David Hale and Ambassador that he expected the volatile northern city of Tripoli to erupt in violence after Ramadan. Aoun blamed Saudi funding and ideology for fueling the militant elements c [...]	2008-09-02 09:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR KPAL UNSC MARR IS LE SA
08BEIRUT1273	LEBANON: GEAGEA WARNS DAS HALE THAT ISRAEL IS [...] (C) In an August 29 meeting with visiting NEA DAS David Hale, Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea stressed the importance of resolving the Israeli-Palestinian issue to facilitate resolution of other regional issues. He said Israel is making a huge mistake by publicly criticizing the Leb [...]	2008-09-02 09:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER UNSC PINR MARR IS IR FR SY LE
08BEIRUT1274	LEBANON: MARCH 14 MEMBERS TO DAS HALE: HELICOPTERS [...] (C) In separate meetings August 28 and 29 with visiting NEA DAS David Hale, March 14 leaders welcomed U.S. commitments in Lebanon but expressed frustration that the U.S. had not yet provided helicopters to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Without helicopters, March 14 members claimed, the LAF [...]	2008-09-02 10:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1278	LEBANON: MARCH 14 DRUZE MP REMINDS DAS HALE THAT [...] (C) March 14 MP Marwan Hamadeh expressed concerns about ongoing affronts to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and Israeli actions benefiting Hizballah and Syria during his August 29 meeting with visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale. Hamadeh predicted Hizballah would either delay t [...]	2008-09-02 12:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT128	LEBANON: NBPP: GERMANS DO NOT IMPRESS DURING [...] (C) European Commission officials in Lebanon harshly criticized German management of the Northern Border Pilot Program (NBPP). The EC insisted that the Germans extend their mandate on the NBPP for an additional three months and outlined a clear set of expectations for achievements. However, a [...]	2008-01-28 16:43:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL MASS MCAP SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1280	LEBANON: FRENCH, EGYPTIAN FOREIGN MINISTERS HAVE [...] (C) The purpose of French FM Kouchner's August 25-6 visit to Beirut seems to have been to reassure the Lebanese, just prior to Sarkozy's September 3rd visit to Damascus, that France's ongoing rapprochement with Syria will not harm Lebanon. Kouchner told the Lebanese that France will move care [...]	2008-09-02 13:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EG FR LE MARR MOPS PGOV PREL PTER SY
08BEIRUT1281	LEBANON: PARLIAMENT OPEN; NOT CLEAR WHEN IT WILL TAKE UP [...] (SBU) A senior legal trade specialist at the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET) told us on August 27 that, although parliament has reopened, it is not known yet if there will be progress on IPR-related draft laws and amendments that were sent to parliament in 2007. These include an amendment [...]	2008-09-02 13:33:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1283	LEBANON: JUMBLATT DESCRIBES TO DAS HALE MARCH 14'S [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt and his advisors told NEA DAS David Hale that March 14 was united, before giving multiple examples of disagreements among the bloc's party leaders. He had little confidence that the National Dialogue would begin until after Ramadan and perhaps even Ashura. He [...]	2008-09-03 07:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1284	LEBANON: HARIRI TO DAS HALE: ISRAEL HURTING US BY [...] (C) Majority leader Saad Hariri told visiting NEA DAS David Hale that Israel is hurting the forces of moderation in Lebanon through actions such as agreeing to a prisoner swap with Hizballah, "opening doors" for Syrians as it negotiates with them and making threatening statements regarding Leb [...]	2008-09-03 07:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY IS FR
08BEIRUT1285	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, AOUN ALLY ELIE SKAFF [...] (C) Minister of Agriculture Elie Skaff defended both his and Michel Aoun's alliance with Hizballah in an August 30 meeting with visiting NEA DAS Hale. Skaff argued that the West had abandoned the weak and divided Christians of Lebanon, forcing them to make internal alliances. Skaff strongly q [...]	2008-09-03 07:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1286	LEBANON: NEA DAS HALE URGES THAT PRESIDENT SLEIMAN [...] (C) NEA DAS David Hale, accompanied by DCM and Poloffs, stressed to two of President Michel Sleiman's senior staff and an unofficial advisor the importance of Sleiman visiting Washington before or after his address to the UNGA in September. For their part, the advisors expressed concerns abou [...]	2008-09-03 08:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT1287	LEBANON: A PRAGMATIC CHATAH CONCERNED ABOUT MARCH [...] (C) Minister of Finance Mohamad Chatah expressed concern to visiting NEA DAS David Hale that there were only eight months until the 2009 parliamentary elections and March 14 was still having trouble developing its message. He suggested March 14's message needed to include a broad, comprehensi [...]	2008-09-03 08:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC ECON LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT1288	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, VETERAN SUNNI FIGURE [...] (C) In his August 30 meeting with visiting NEA DAS David Hale, Minister of Culture and respected leader of the Sunni community Tammam Salaam stressed the need for progress in the Israeli/Palestinian peace process to defuse extremism in the region. Praising Hizballah's quick admission of culpa [...]	2008-09-03 08:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID UNSC MARR IR SY IS
08BEIRUT1289	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, UNSCOL SHARES CONCERNS [...] (C) In an August 31 meeting with visiting NEA DAS David Hale,officials of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) discussed the 2009 parliamentary elections, the National Dialogue, LIBAT II, Sheba'a Farms, UNMACC's funding crisis, and the August 28 downing by Hizballah of a Lebanese Ar [...]	2008-09-03 08:35:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1292	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN MEETS ASD LONG, ASD [...] (C) In an August 27 meeting, President Sleiman said that he was looking forward to his upcoming trip to the White House. Sleiman intends to address the complicated issues facing Lebanon with the President, as well as his concern over recent Israeli comments. Sleiman thanked the USG for conti [...]	2008-09-03 14:07:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR KPAL IR LE
08BEIRUT1296	LEBANON: LAF HELICOPTER ATTACK A HIZBALLAH ERROR? [...] (C) On August 28, a Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) helicopter operating in Hizballah-controlled territory was shot down, resulting in the death of an LAF officer. Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, although the LAF has begun a full investigation. Hizballah did not deny responsibil [...]	2008-09-04 11:12:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1299	LEBANON: MAKKAWI SAYS GULF STATES NEED TO HELP [...] (C) In a September 3 meeting with the Ambassador, Lebanese Palestinian Dialogue Committee President Ambassador Khalil Makkawi said Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar had yet to make any pledges for the reconstruction appeal for the destroyed Palestinian Refugee camp Nah [...]	2008-09-04 14:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID PREF PREL PTER KPAL LE AE KU QA SA
08BEIRUT1300	LEBANON: MFA PROVIDES LITLE COMMENT TO UNGA, ARAB [...] C) Poloff delivered points on Kosovo, the Arab League Ministerial, and the UN Third Committee on Human Rights to Oussama Khachab, Head of the Americas Desk at the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 4. Khachab said he would relay the points to other offices within the Foreign Mi [...]	2008-09-04 15:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PHUM UNGA UN LE SY IS IZ KV
08BEIRUT1301	LEBANON: ACTING ARMY COMMANDER MASRI PUTS ATTACK [...] (C) In an August 29 meeting with a visiting DOD delegation, a confident and open Acting Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Masri explained the Army's most pressing needs, chief among them attack helicopters. Masri explained that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) would remain in support of the Inte [...]	2008-09-04 15:48:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR IR LE
08BEIRUT1302	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER MURR DISCUSSES URGENCY [...] (C) In an August 27 meeting, Defense Minister Elias Murr said the outcome of elections in 2009 will depend on the Christian vote. It is critical that the current majority be able to show results to Christian voters. Specifically, the people must perceive that Murr's relationship with the Unit [...]	2008-09-04 15:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR IR LE

08BEIRUT1304	FACING MASSIVE POWER SHORTAGE, LEBANON AGREES TO [...] (C) Facing massive electricity shortages that have left residents of some regions without power twelve hours per day, Lebanon signed an agreement for the purchase of surplus electricity from Egypt, implementing one of the measures pledged in the new Lebanese cabinet's ministerial policy statem [...]	2008-09-05 10:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON ENRG EFIN PREL PGOV EG JO LE
08BEIRUT1308	LEBANON: BERRI CALLS OUT ISRAEL AND QADHAFI ON [...] (C) Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri blamed Israel and the forces of terrorism for trying to destabilize Lebanon. Berri made his remarks at a rally on August 31 marking the 30th anniversary of the disappearance of Imam Musa Sadr. In the same speech, Berri said he holds Libyan leader Qadhafi [...]	2008-09-05 14:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE IS LY
08BEIRUT1309	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA MINISTER OF [...] (C) Independent Shia and March 14-appointed Minister of Administrative Reform Ibrahim Shamseddine, showing a remarkable mastery of the inner workings of his ministry, the Lebanese government, and various development projects taking place in Lebanon, explained to the Ambassador and Acting USAID [...]	2008-09-05 14:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID PGOV SENV PINR LE
08BEIRUT1310	LEBANON: AMBASSADOR PRESENTS CREDENTIALS TO [...] (C) Ambassador presented her credentials to President Michel Sleiman in a ceremony at Baabda Palace on September 4 that also included Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh and MFA Chief of Protocol George Siam. A/DCM, DATT, Pol/Econ Chief, Consul, and ARSO Officer also attended the half-hour event, [...]	2008-09-05 14:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1311	LEBANON: AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH UNHCR [...] (SBU) Ambassador, PolOff, ConChief, ConOff, and the Department of Homeland Security circuit-ride team leader met with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Representative Stphane Jaquemet and UNHCR Senior Protection Officers, Ayaki Ito and Anna Leer on September 4. The UNHCR represen [...]	2008-09-05 15:04:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PHUM PREF PTER UNSC IQ LE
08BEIRUT1312	LEBANON: MARCH 14 LEADERS AGREE TO RUN UNIFIED [...] (C) March 14 leaders, meeting as a group for the first time since August 3, agreed to run unified lists in the spring 2009 elections, a major step forward for a coalition whose leaders have found it difficult to look above partisan interests to the greater goal of maintaining the parliamentary [...]	2008-09-05 15:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1316	LEBANON: PRESIDENT ASKS UNDP TO HELP WITH NATIONAL [...] (C) In a September 2 meeting with the Ambassador, UN Development Program Resident Representative Marta Ruedas reported that President Sleiman had recently approached the UN for technical assistance in setting up President Sleiman's Baabda Palace office and the National Dialogue. Ruedas said c [...]	2008-09-08 12:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV EAID PREL PTER PHUM KDEM LE
08BEIRUT1319	LEBANON: AMBASSADOR MEETS NEW LEBANESE ARMY [...] (C) In a September 8 meeting, a confident new Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Kahwagi told us about himself and his positive past experiences with the U.S. Military. He also told us that he looks forward to future bilateral cooperation, to include the Joint Military Commission in Octobe [...]	2008-09-08 15:05:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR IR LE
08BEIRUT1320	LEBANON: HARIRI'S VISIT TO TRIPOLI- THE BEGINNING [...] (C) In a surprise three-day visit to the northern city of Tripoli, Sunni majority leader Saad Hariri encouraged rival factions in Tripoli to reconcile and overcome their differences. In an effort to lead by example, Hariri held talks with Alawite leader and former MP Ali Eid and former Prime [...]	2008-09-08 15:48:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1321	LEBANON: MINIMUM WAGE CONTROVERSY AMONG ISSUES FORCING [...] (SBU) The cabinet cancelled is September 4 session due to lack of consensus on minimum wage increases. The next cabinet session is scheduled for September 9, and though the minimum wage is not on the formal agenda, contacts tell us it may still be discussed. So far, disagreement among cabinet [...]	2008-09-08 16:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1326	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA GEARING UP FOR 2009 [...] (C) Lokman Slim, an independent Shia organizer and Director of NGO Hayya Bina, told the Ambassador on September 5 that the March 14 coalition needs to take the independent Shia portfolio more seriously. Slim surmised that Shia independents could have a real possibility of winning parliamentar [...]	2008-09-09 16:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR PHUM EAID LE IZ SY
08BEIRUT1327	LEBANON: ISF HEAD: ONE DAY ELECTION IMPOSSIBLE [...] (C) Summary. The Director General of the Internal Security Forces (ISF),Major General Achraf Rifi, has reported to the Lebanese Minister of Interior (MOI) that the ISF would be unable to provide full security throughout all polling places in Lebanon if Spring parliamentary elections were to be [...]	2008-09-10 10:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR NAS LE
08BEIRUT1329	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN ANNOUNCES SEPTEMBER 16 [...] (U) At a September 9 iftar he hosted at Baabda Palace, President Michel Sleiman announced that the National Dialogue would begin on September 16. Both the majority and opposition reacted positively in public to the announcement and confirmed their readiness to participate in the dialogue. H [...]	2008-09-10 17:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1330	LEBANON: MARONITE PATRIARCH PRAISES SLEIMAN, [...] (C) Lebanese Maronite Patriarch Sfeir praised President Sleiman and said President Bush should show him strong support during Sleiman's visit to Washington at the end of the month. He commented briefly on the new LAF leadership appointments. He was impressed with majority leader Saad Hariri' [...]	2008-09-11 07:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER LE
08BEIRUT1332	LEBANON: GEMAYEL URGES WASHINGTON SHOCK TREATMENT [...] (C) While at the Embassy to renew his visa, former President Amine Gemayel stopped by for a meeting with Ambassador and ConOff on September 10. Gemayel discussed his upcoming trip to the United States, the National Dialogue, the 2009 parliamentary elections, Syria, Israel, and possible talkin [...]	2008-09-11 15:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1337	LEBANON: FINANCE MINISTER FOCUSED ON BUDGET [...] (C) Finance Minister Mohamad Chatah told USAID Deputy Assistant Administrator James Bever and the Ambassador that budget support is his number one priority. He discussed the pros and cons of the cabinet's recent approval of a higher minimum wage, and said he planned to ask the IMF for a new [...]	2008-09-12 07:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON ELAB EFIN ENRG PGOV PREL SA EG LE
08BEIRUT1339	LEBANON: INTERIOR MINISTER SAYS LACK OF TIME [...] (C) Implementation of proposed election administration reforms will be difficult prior to the spring 2009 Parliamentary elections, according to Minister of Interior Ziyad Baroud, who is responsible for organizing the elections. Recognizing the value of the Boutros draft election reform propos [...]	2008-09-12 12:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR NAS LE
08BEIRUT1343	LEBANON: MINISTER BAHIYA HARIRI FOCUSED ON "BACK [...] (C) Minister of Education Bahiya Hariri told the Ambassador on September 11 that if the Ministry of Education could make significant progress during the next school year, which coincides with the same ten-month period of the current national unity government, then she believed Lebanon would be [...]	2008-09-15 06:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR EAID UNSC SCUL SOCI LE SY
08BEIRUT1345	LEBANON: MINISTRY OF ECONOMY AND TRADE DISCUSSES [...] (C) In a meeting with the Ambassador, Ministry of Economy and Trade Mohammad Safadi praised majority leader Saad Hariri's role in the reconciliation among opposing groups in Tripoli, but said their weapons will remain. He worried that the Beddawi Palestinian refugee camp outside Tripoli is b [...]	2008-09-15 10:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL ECON EFIN ETRD KPAL QA LE
08BEIRUT1346	LEBANON: CABINET APPROVES FIRST WAGE INCREASES SINCE 1996 [...] (U) During its September 9 session, the cabinet decided to raise the minimum wage for the private and public sectors from 200 to 333 dollars per month (the first minimum wage increase since 1996) and the transportation allowance from 4 dollars to 5.30 dollars per day. In addition, it mandated a [...]	2008-09-15 11:12:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV
08BEIRUT1347	LEBANON: ARMY COMMANDERS LAMENT DEMINING PROBLEMS [...] (C) In a September 10 meeting, Brigadier General (BG) Mohammed Fehmi, Commander of the Lebanese Mine Action Center (LMAC),stated that lack of further funding for demining activities in southern Lebanon was a grave concern and expressed sincere hope that the U.S. would "push LMAC's needs" fo [...]	2008-09-15 13:15:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1348	LEBANON: BELLEMARE ANXIOUS FOR MORE USG ASSISTANCE [...] (S/NF) In a September 12 meeting with the Ambassador, Daniel Bellemare, Commissioner of the UN Independent International Investigative Commission (UNIIIC) made three specific requests for USG assistance and additional requests for USG action. First, he asked that the USG provide intelligence [...]	2008-09-15 14:18:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PTER PGOV PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1349	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI GRATEFUL FOR U.S. SUPPORT, [...] (C) In a September 13 meeting with the Ambassador, Majority leader Saad Hariri reported on his successful effort to broker a reconciliation between opposing groups in Tripoli and his trip to the Bekaa Valley, noting that his efforts would continue in other areas of Lebanon. He warned that in [...]	2008-09-15 14:23:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER UNSC IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1351	LEBANON: BERRI SAYS EXPECT MORE RECONCILIATION [...] (C) In a September 15 meeting with the Ambassador, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said he does not oppose increasing the list of agenda items for the upcoming National Dialogue, as long as they are pertinent and are related to the national defense strategy. Berri added that he expects more r [...]	2008-09-15 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR IS LE
08BEIRUT1352	LEBANON: ASSASSINATION OF OPPOSITION MEMBER [...] (C) The September 10 assassination of Saleh Aridi, a Druze opposition figure, is seen by many as an attempt to derail reconciliation efforts among Lebanon's political leaders. The immediate impact, however, appears to have been to solidify Druze solidarity, with rival party leaders standing si [...]	2008-09-15 16:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1358	LEBANON: SLEIMAN LAUNCHES NATIONAL DIALOGUE [...] (C) President Michel Sleiman launched the National Dialogue on September 16. As expected, this first session produced no significant results. The next session is scheduled for November 5. In his opening remarks, Sleiman stressed the need for dialogue and reconciliation, cited Israel as Leba [...]	2008-09-16 15:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1359	LEBANON: TELECOM MINISTER GUNG HO ON [...] (C) In a September 15 meeting with the Ambassador, Minister of Telecommunications Gebran Bassil, an ally of Michel Aoun in the March 8/Aoun opposition, said it would be wrong to discuss only the national defense strategy and the future of Hizballah's weapons at the National Dialogue without a [...]	2008-09-16 15:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL ECON EFIN ECPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1360	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH AND JUMBLATT'S PSP [...] (C) Druze opposition leader and Minister of Youth and Sports Talal Arslan sponsored a September 15 "reconciliation" meeting at his home for representatives from rival Druze leader Walid Jumblatt's bloc and Hizballah aimed at easing tension prior to the re-launching of the National Dialogue. Ju [...]	2008-09-16 16:47:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE
08BEIRUT1363	LEBANON: USG ANNOUNCES CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT [...] (SBU) At a September 11 donors conference, the USG announced a $17.81 million pledge to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to provide relief and reconstruction assistance to displaced Nahr al-Barid camp refugees. The U.S. was the only donor to ma [...]	2008-09-17 11:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID PREF PREL PTER KPAL LE AE KU QA SA
08BEIRUT1366	LEBANON: JUMBLATT FORESEES PARALLEL TRACKS OF [...] (C) March 14 Druze leader Walid Jumblatt stressed that recent talks with Hizballah and rival Druze leader Talal Arslan were limited exclusively to security matters to defuse Shia/Druze tensions. Should majority leader Saad Hariri decide to meet with Hizballah SYG Hassan Nasrallah, however, Ju [...]	2008-09-17 15:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1368	LEBANON: FIRST NATIONAL DIALOGUE SESSION MEETS LOW [...] (C) Most participants characterized the first session of the re-launched National Dialogue as calm and positive; one contact said it was "more than a photo op, but less than a dialogue." Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah welcomed the dialogue, but insisted on expanded participation [...]	2008-09-17 17:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1371	LEBANON: MINISTER LAHOUD: WINNING ELECTIONS IS [...] (C) March 14 Minister of State Nassib Lahoud assured the Ambassador in a September 17 meeting that the March 14 alliance is aware that it must win the spring 2009 parliamentary elections "to preserve status quo," noting that a loss would worsen the situation in Lebanon. He spoke of potential [...]	2008-09-18 09:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EINV ZP LE
08BEIRUT1374	LEBANON: INFORMATION MINISTER SAYS "MUTUAL SUSPICION AND MISTRUST" COULD DELAY ELECTIONS [...] (C) Minister of Information Tareq Mitri told the Ambassador on September 16 that there is a possibility that the 2009 elections could be delayed because mutual suspicion and mistrust continue to plague the national unity government. Mitri cautioned that recent events touted as "reconciliation" (i.e [...]	2008-09-18 14:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ECPS UNSC SY LE
08BEIRUT1375	LEBANON: HARIRI TO MEET NASRALLAH SOON? [...] (C) Rumors are growing of an imminent meeting between majority leader Saad Hariri and Hizballah SYG Hassan Nasrallah, especially after Druze leader Walid Jumblatt's representatives met with Hizballah officials earlier in the week to discuss security issues. However, Hariri's advisor Ghattas K [...]	2008-09-18 14:42:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR SA SY IR LE
08BEIRUT1376	LEBANON: LEAHY VETTING FOR PARTICIPANTS IN INL'S LEBANON [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police Basic Cadet Training course, scheduled to begin September 22, 2008. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 200 proposed traine [...]	2008-09-19 06:16:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
08BEIRUT1378	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH'S ARMS WEIGH ON SLEIMAN AS HE [...] (C) Advisor and confidant to President Sleiman BG (retired) Fares Soufia said Sleiman was looking forward to his upcoming visit to the United States and appreciated continuing U.S. support and assistance. Sleiman was working hard to promote reconciliation within Lebanon and therefore was meet [...]	2008-09-19 07:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1379	LEBANON: UN DIRECTOR BUTTENHEIM SHARES CONCERNS [...] (C) In a September 17 Embassy meeting, visiting UN DPA Director of Asia and Pacific Affairs Lisa Buttenheim discussed the National Dialogue, 2009 parliamentary elections, border security, Sheba'a Farms and the UN International Independent Investigative Council (UNIIIC). She noted that PM Sinio [...]	2008-09-19 14:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1381	LEBANON: SINIORA: WHAT I ADVISED SLEIMAN TO RAISE [...] (C) PM Siniora told the Ambassador that President Michel Sleiman, in his upcoming visit to Washington, would raise UNSCR 1701; Sheba'a; protecting Lebanon against regional shocks, the need for continued U.S. political, economic and military assistance to Lebanon; and assurances that Lebanon w [...]	2008-09-22 11:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE
08BEIRUT1383	LEBANON: U.S. FINANCIAL CRISIS HAS NO IMPACT ON BANKING [...] (SBU) Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL) Governor Riad Salameh reportedly said that the banking and financial crisis in the U.S. will not have an impact on Lebanon's banking sector. A survey by the Banking Control Commission (BCC) showed that banks in Lebanon were not involved directly or indirectl [...]	2008-09-22 13:11:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1386	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER MURR ON SLEIMAN TRIP, [...] (C) Minister of Defense Elias Murr told us he had been briefing President Sleiman regularly to prepare Sleiman for his upcoming meetings in Washington. He complained September 20 about Saad Hariri's demand that Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Kahwagi place Sunni officers in key LAF Inte [...]	2008-09-22 13:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1387	LEBANON: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON U.S. PRIORITIES FOR [...] (SBU) PolOff delivered reftel demarche to Oussama Khachab, Head of the Americas Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Khachab had no substantive response, but said that he would pass the message along to Foreign Affairs Minister Fawzi Salloukh and the GOL,s UN PermRep. In addition, Khach [...]	2008-09-22 14:23:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL UNGA
08BEIRUT1389	LEBANON: CHALLENGE HIZBALLAH BY FIXING THE DRUG [...] (C) Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) Vice President Duraid Yaghi said September 19 one-third of the population of his hometown of Baalbek does not support Hizballah, although it is in an area of strong Hizballah influence. However, according to Yaghi, continued unemployment and increased cul [...]	2008-09-22 15:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL SNAR PTER PINR EAID SOCI UNSC NAS SY LE
08BEIRUT1390	LEBANON: SCENESETTER FOR OCTOBER 5-6 JOINT [...] (C) The expansion of the U.S.-Lebanese military partnership represents a historic opportunity to bolster the cause of democracy, peace and stability in Lebanon and the Middle East. The Government of Lebanon (GOL) has demonstrated a commitment to strengthening our military-to-military ties. T [...]	2008-09-22 15:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MOPS PGOV PINR PREL PTER UNSC IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1391	LEBANON: MP MICHAEL MURR REVEALS HIS INDEPENDENT [...] (C) Crafty, lifelong politician MP Michel Murr unveiled his still-secret strategy to defeat former ally and opposition-aligned Michel Aoun in the spring 2009 parliamentary elections. Murr confided to the Ambassador on September 22 that, with the green light from majority leader Saad Hariri an [...]	2008-09-22 15:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE
08BEIRUT1393	LEBANON: GOL, GERMANY PLAN TO EXPAND BORDER [...] (C) On September 18, a UK Embassy contact briefed PolOff on a recent meeting between the UK DCM and PM Siniora, in which Siniora said that the GOL was ready to extend the German led Northern Border Pilot Project (NBPP) to the east, but that Syria would use its contacts within GOL's security a [...]	2008-09-23 08:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID MARR MCAP PBTS PGOV PINR PREL EC LE SY
08BEIRUT1394	LEBANON: LEAHY VETTING FOR PARTICIPANTS IN INL'S LEBANON [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police 3d and 4th Instructor's course, scheduled to begin October 7, 2008. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 50 proposed train [...]	2008-09-23 08:32:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
08BEIRUT1395	LEBANON: TASTE THE RECONCILIATION: BUSINESSES [...] (SBU) It has been an outstanding summer for Lebanon's tourism industry and service sector generally. Hotels have been full, restaurants packed, and it is impossible to find a rental car on short notice. Businesspeople are saying that political reconciliation initiatives among Lebanon's feud [...]	2008-09-23 08:33:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV ECON EIND LE
08BEIRUT1402	LEBANON: LEAHY VETTING FOR PARTICIPANTS IN INL'S LEBANON [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police Sergeants and Corporals Training course, scheduled to begin October 6, 2008. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 120 propo [...]	2008-09-25 07:37:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
08BEIRUT1406	LEBANON: CHRISTIAN RECONCILIATION UNLIKELY, [...] (SBU) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea apologized for mistakes made by the Lebanese Forces during the 1975-90 civil war and called for unity and reconciliation during his September 21 speech before tens of thousands of supporters at a ceremony honoring Lebanese Forces members killed during t [...]	2008-09-25 14:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT1407	LEBANON: HARIRI MEETS HIZBALLAH'S REPS; WILL SEE [...] (C) Ghattas Khoury, advisor to majority leader Saad Hariri, provided a readout to Charge on September 25 of the previous day's meeting when Hizballah MP Mohammed Raad led a delegation to invite Hariri to meet Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah. Raad urged Hariri to meet with Nasrall [...]	2008-09-25 15:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE
08BEIRUT1413	LEBANON: ELECTION LAW DRAFT GOES TO PARLIAMENT [...] (SBU) IFES officials briefed PolOff on last minute changes to the draft electoral law submitted by the Parliament's Administration and Justice Committee to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on September 24. The draft law states that elections should take place in one day but notes that election [...]	2008-09-26 14:59:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL KDEM PINS LE
08BEIRUT1414	BEIRUT CORE EAC MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 29, 2008 [...] (S) At 0900 hours of September 29, 2008, CDA William Grant convened a meeting of the Core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to discuss the embassy's security posture/move policy in light of the bombing earlier in the day in the northern city of Tripoli. The following Core EAC members were prese [...]	2008-09-29 11:44:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC CASC LE MOPS PTER SY
08BEIRUT1415	LEBANON: ENERGY MINISTER NOT EAGER FOR PRIVATIZATION, [...] (U) At a two-day workshop on electricity in parliament on September 15-16, Minister of Energy and Water Tabourian said that the best option to solve electricity problems would be continuing state ownership of the power sector, which is of "strategic importance," and corporatization of national [...]	2008-09-29 13:41:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1417	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN PLEASED WITH U.S. VISIT [...] (C) Two of President Michel Sleiman's Senior Advisors who accompanied him on his first official trip to the United States reported that the President was pleased with his visit, and with the clear message he received of continuing U.S. political and military support for Lebanon. The advisors [...]	2008-09-29 14:28:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1423	LEBANON: DRUG ERADICATION HALTED IN 2006 HAS NOT [...] (C) The Internal Security Forces' (ISF) Counternarcotics Chief said the ISF had to halt its drug eradication efforts in the Bekaa valley agricultural region in 2006 because of the war with Israel and the program has not resumed because police and military personnel were needed to deal with vi [...]	2008-10-01 14:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL SNAR PTER PINR EAID SOCI UNSC NAS SY LE
08BEIRUT1427	LEBANON: RESPONSE TO DESIGNATION OF NINE NAMES APPROVED [...] (SBU) Head of the Americas Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Oussama Khachab orally informed us September 18 that Lebanon undertook the necessary measures regarding the nine names approved by 1267 Sanctions Committee (List 103). He indicated that "the Special Investigation Commissi [...]	2008-10-02 12:17:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	KFTN EFIN PTER PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1428	LEBANON: POLITICAL WILL MEANS USG'S CASH TRANSFER [...] (C) There are clear signs that the political will exists in Lebanon, perhaps for the first time in years, to carry out needed structural reforms in the telecommunications and electricity sectors. The relevant ministries are working hard to make the privatization of mobile telecom networks and [...]	2008-10-02 13:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV ECON EFIN ENRG ECPS LE
08BEIRUT1430	LEBANON: DEMARCHE DELIVERED, NO SUBSTANTIVE [...] No summary [...]	2008-10-02 13:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PREL PARM PGOG PHUM UNGA CDG LE IS SY
08BEIRUT1439	LEBANON: NEW ELECTION LAW DISAPPOINTS CIVIL [...] (C) Parliament approved a new electoral law on September 27. The key element was a stipulation that the 2009 parliamentary elections take place in one day, despite concerns about authorities being able to provide security for all polling stations on the same day, as opposed to past practice [...]	2008-10-03 15:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM PINS LE
08BEIRUT1440	LEBANON: NO SUBSTANTIVE RESPONSE TO UNSCR 1835 [...] No summary [...]	2008-10-03 15:06:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PGOV PTER PINR PARM KNNP MNUC UNSC IR LE
08BEIRUT1441	BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF OCTOBER 3, 2008 [...] (S) At 1030 hours of October 3, 2008, DCM convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to discuss the embassy's security posture in light of the latest threat information. The following EAC members were present during the meeting: DCM, POL, RAO, RSO, AID, DAO, ODC, MGMT, CONS, an [...]	2008-10-03 15:13:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC CASC LE MOPS PTER SY
08BEIRUT1445	LEBANON: IMF TO ANNOUNCE NEW EPCA FOR LEBANON (ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) The IMF Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance (EPCA) team told us September 30 that the IMF will formally announce a new EPCA program for Lebanon during the Core Group Donors' meeting on the sidelines of the World Bank/IMF Annual meetings October 10-13 in Washington, D.C. The new EPCA progr [...]	2008-10-06 07:01:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1449	LEBANON: LEBANESE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON SYRIAN [...] (C) Defense Minister Elias Murr discussed recent reports of Syrian troop deployments near the northern border of Lebanon on October 6, but did not seem overly concerned with this development. Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi was also present and indicated troop positi [...]	2008-10-07 17:13:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR IR LE
08BEIRUT1450	BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF OCTOBER 7, 2008 [...] (S) DCM convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 7 to discuss the embassy's security posture in light of the latest threat information and security arrangements for the upcoming Made in America Expo in Beirut October 9-11 and related events. The following EAC memb [...]	2008-10-07 17:13:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC CASC LE MOPS PTER SY
08BEIRUT1451	LEBANON: UNIIIC COMMISSIONER HAPPY WITH USG [...] (SBU) This is an action request. See paragraph 10. SUMMARY ------- 2. (S/NF) In an October 3 meeting with the Ambassador, Daniel Bellemare, Commissioner of the UN Independent Investigative Commission (UNIIIC),was generally pleased with USG assistance to date, and repeated a single requ [...]	2008-10-07 17:21:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY LE
08BEIRUT1454	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, MP MICHEL MURR DESCRIBES [...] (C) In an October 7 meeting with visiting NEA DAS David Hale, independent MP Michel Murr remarked he was unconcerned about recent Syrian troop buildup at the northern Lebanese-Syrian border, attributing the maneuver to a Syrian desire to intimidate Salafists in northern Lebanon. Murr revealed [...]	2008-10-08 11:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC IS KPAL SY LE
08BEIRUT1455	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, GEAGEA WORRIED ABOUT [...] (C) On October 4, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea expressed his concern to visiting NEA DAS David Hale that the Syrian troops currently deployed at the northern border with Lebanon planned to invade northern Lebanon under the pretext of fighting terrorism. Downplaying the terrorist threat, [...]	2008-10-08 11:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1456	LEBANON: NEA DAS HALE TO JUMBLATT: NO CHANGE IN [...] (C) NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale reassured Druze leader Walid Jumblatt that, despite recent meetings between Secretary Rice and Assistant Secretary David Welch with Syrian Foreign Minister Moallem, there was no change in U.S. policy towards either Syria or Lebanon. DAS Hale also [...]	2008-10-08 11:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1466	LEBANON: NEA DAS HALE INFORMS SINIORA "NO CHANGE [...] (C) On October 7, NEA DAS Hale met with PM Siniora to brief him on recent U.S. discussions with Syria and reiterated that U.S. policy has not changed. PM Siniora believes that Syria continues to "pressure" the government of Lebanon (GOL) and has deployed troops along the northern border to i [...]	2008-10-10 13:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL PTER UNSC MARR MOPS LE
08BEIRUT1467	LEBANON: HARIRI ADVISOR TELLS HALE SLEIMAN READY [...] (C) Saad Hariri's senior advisor Ghattas Khoury told visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale that President Sleiman appeared unconcerned with recent Syrian troop movements in the north. Khoury said Sleiman told him that Syrian President Asad had no objection to the GOL acting again [...]	2008-10-10 14:45:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL ECON EFIN ETRD LE
08BEIRUT1468	LEBANON: SAUDI AMBASSADOR ON HARIRI AND HIZBALLAH; [...] (C) The Saudi leadership has neither encouraged nor discouraged majority leader Saad Hariri from meeting Hizballah SYG Nasrallah, the Saudi Ambassador reported on October 8. In fact, he claimed the Saudis refrain from giving directions to Hariri or other Lebanese, providing advice and counsel [...]	2008-10-10 15:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL PTER LE SA
08BEIRUT1469	LEBANON: FORMER DEPUTY SPEAKER TELLS NEA DAS HALE [...] (C) Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament Elie Ferzeli told visiting NEA DAS David Hale on October 5 that creating solidarity among the Lebanese people was the most important challenge currently facing Lebanon. To achieve that goal, Ferzeli suggested that fighting fundamentalist terrorism in al [...]	2008-10-10 15:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1471	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, BERRI STRESSES LEBANON [...] (C) Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri told visiting NEA DAS David Hale on October 7 that while he worried about the presence of fundamentalists and Al-Qaeda in north Lebanon, he dismissed the concerns of some Lebanese politicians regarding Syria's increased troop presence at the northern Leban [...]	2008-10-10 15:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR LE SY IS
08BEIRUT1472	LEBANON: ELECTION LAW FLAWED, BUT RIGHT MOVE, [...] (C) On October 7, Minister of Interior Ziyad Baroud told visiting NEA DAS David Hale that he was disappointed that many electoral reforms did not make it into the final law that parliament passed on September 29, but termed the new law as still encouraging. However, he added that providing s [...]	2008-10-10 15:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1473	LEBANON: WITH MARCH 14, DAS HALE STRESSES U.S. [...] (C) March 14 leaders shared their concerns about regional developments with visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale, especially perceived western (especially French) rapprochement with Syria and possible focus of the next U.S. administration on Iran, at Lebanon's expense. The March [...]	2008-10-10 15:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1474	LEBANON: SLEIMAN MAKES CASE FOR NEW LAF WEAPONS; [...] (C) In an October 7 meeting with DAS David Hale and the Ambassador, President Michel Sleiman presented the case for U.S. provision of precision weaponry to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to fight terrorists. He said Syrian President Bashar Asad had assured him Syrian troops deployed on the S [...]	2008-10-14 14:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR UNSC MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1475	LEBANON: FIRST MADE IN AMERICA SHOW SINCE 2005 (ECONOMIC [...] (U) For the first time since 2005, the Embassy and FCS sponsored the Made in America exposition of American products October 9-11. Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the Foreign Commercial Service Israel Hernandez and U.S. Ambassador Michele Sison, along with Lebanese Minis [...]	2008-10-14 15:03:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1476	LEBANON: TELECOM MINISTER ENTHUSIASTIC ON [...] (SBU) In an October 9 meeting with Commerce A/S Israel Hernandez and the Ambassador, Minister of Telecommunications Gebran Bassil inquired about the status of the two missing American journalists and talked about the significance of the case for Lebanon. He was enthusiastic about the Embassy [...]	2008-10-14 16:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV ECON EFIN EINV ECPS EINT EAID BEXP LE
08BEIRUT1478	LEBANON: MINISTER LAHOUD SAYS SLEIMAN'S SAUDI TRIP [...] (C) Minister of State Nassib Lahoud on October 15 told the Ambassador that he hopes the U.S. strong support of Lebanon's sovereignty continues after the U.S. presidential elections. Lahoud accompanied President Sleiman on his October 12 and 13 visit to Saudi Arabia. He said Saudi King Abdull [...]	2008-10-15 05:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT148	LEBANON: GOL DOWNBEAT ON LATEST ARAB LEAGUE MEETING [...] (C) The results of the January 27 Arab League foreign ministers meeting in Cairo were disappointing both to the Lebanese majority and the opposition. Acting FM Tarek Mitri and the PM's senior aide Mohamed Chatah, who represented Lebanon in Cairo, had weak support from Lebanon's friends and [...]	2008-01-30 17:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL IS KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1480	LEBANON: GEMAYEL, WITH DAS HALE, STRESSES ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) Former President and Kataeb party leader Amine Gemayel described his efforts to solidify his Kataeb party base, coordinate with other March 14 coalition members, and develop an election strategy in a meeting with visiting NEA DAS Hale and the Ambassador. Gemayel cited social and economi [...]	2008-10-15 10:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE MARR MOPS SY
08BEIRUT1489	LEBANON: HARIRI CONCERNED ABOUT ISRAEL AND [...] (C) In a wide-ranging October 15 discussion with the Ambassador, majority leader Saad Hariri said he anticipated meeting Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah "soon," explaining that such a meeting would fulfill his own political agenda by giving other Shia a green light to enter into d [...]	2008-10-15 16:59:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY IS IR RS LE
08BEIRUT1496	LEBANON: REGULATOR SAYS BANKING SECTOR STRONG [...] (SBU) Boeing International Sales and Regional Directors, Edward Schacle and Anthony Arvish, met with Ambassador October 14 for an update on Boeing's interest in selling B787 to national aviation carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA),as well as to some private charter companies operating out of Be [...]	2008-10-20 14:37:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1497	LEBANON: INAUGURAL JOINT MILITARY COMMISSION [...] (C) MinDef Elias Murr and ASD for International Security Policy Mary Beth Long chaired the inaugural U.S.-Lebanon Joint Military Commission (JMC) October 6. Murr opened the session by warmly welcoming the U.S. delegation and expressing his deep gratitude for U.S. assistance, especially during [...]	2008-10-20 15:05:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR IR LE
08BEIRUT1498	LEBANON: UNIFIL COMMANDER ASKS FOR HELP IN [...] (C) Force Commander General Claudio Graziano, speaking on October 9 at a regular United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission update briefing to the diplomatic corps, described the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from northern Ghajar as a critical step towards successful [...]	2008-10-20 15:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1499	LEBANON: ARMY DESTROYS ITS FIRST MANPAD [...] (C) On October 16, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) demolition experts destroyed their first MANPAD (Man-Portable Air Defense System),a Russian made SA-7 (serial# 9()54M-04-73-04774, 9M32M-04774). This demolition reflects an agreement with the Department of State's Office of Weapons Removal and Ab [...]	2008-10-20 15:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER UNSC MARR MOPS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT15	LEBANON: GEAGEA TIES SUCCESS OF HALF PLUS ONE TO [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea told the Ambassador on January 3 that March 14 is at a crossroads: either its members continue supporting the Siniora government, making small adjustments to the cabinet and consequently remain in a presidential vacuum, or they elect a president with a h [...]	2008-01-04 15:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM PTER SY LE
08BEIRUT1506	LEBANON: USDP EDELMAN MEETS LEBANESE ARMY COMMANDER [...] (C) In an October 17 meeting with visiting USDP Edelman, a confident new Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Kahwagi discussed his vision for the army as well as priority equipment requirements. Kahwagi also provided an update on the current situation in city of Tripoli in the north and rec [...]	2008-10-21 13:58:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR IR LE
08BEIRUT1507	LEBANON: PM SINIORA, WITH EDELMAN, THANKS USG FOR [...] (C) Under Secretary for Defense Eric Edelman met with Prime Minister Siniora on October 17 to explain to the Prime Minister that USG support for the Lebanese Armed Forces had been formally institutionalized with the recent establishment of the Joint Military Commission (JMC). U/S Edelman also [...]	2008-10-21 14:50:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL UNSC MARR MCAP MOPS IR LE
08BEIRUT1513	LEBANON: AOUNIST DEPUTY PM CAUSES DRAMA AT CABINET [...] (C) In an October 22 meeting with the Ambassador, Cultural Affairs Minister (and prominent Beirut Sunni community leader) Tamam Salam recounted the previous night's cabinet meeting, claiming it went well except for Deputy PM Issam Abou Jamra's dramatics. According to Salam, Abou Jamra insiste [...]	2008-10-22 16:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1515	LEBANON: GHAJAR AND SHEBAA ON THE MIND OF NEW UN [...] (C) New UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams stressed the need for urgent progress on Ghajar, warning that should the Israelis fail to respond to UNIFIL's proposal for withdrawal, the next UNSCR 1701 report would be tough on Israel during an October 22 call on Ambassador. Confir [...]	2008-10-23 13:45:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1516	LEBANON: AOUNISTS DEFEND DEPUTY PM'S DEMANDS FOR [...] (C) In separate meetings with members of Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM),DCM and Pol/Econ Chief expressed concerns that Deputy Prime Minister Issam Abou Jamra's threats to boycott cabinet meetings chaired by Prime Minister Siniora contradicted the spirit of the Doha agreement. MP [...]	2008-10-23 16:07:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC IR LE
08BEIRUT1520	LEBANON: PARLIAMENT PASSES LAW ON CONSTITUTIONAL [...] (C) In the first meeting of its fall regular session, parliament passed a law on the Constitutional Council, Lebanon's highest court, paving the way for an end to the judicial vacuum that has existed since 2005. The ten-member Council, which has the power to rule on challenges to electoral re [...]	2008-10-24 14:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT1521	LEBANON: MINISTER OF INTERIOR PRESENTS ELECTION [...] (C) Minister of Interior Ziad Baroud presented a master plan for execution of the 2009 parliamentary elections on October 20 during a well-attended briefing for international donors. Though still light on specifics and cost estimates, this document was welcomed by the donor community who have [...]	2008-10-24 14:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL UNSC MARR MCAP MOPS IR LE
08BEIRUT1523	LEBANON: CHATAH SAYS GOVERNMENT UNITED ON ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) During a Paris III donor briefing on October 23, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah stressed the current government's commitment to improving the standard of living of the Lebanese people by fostering an economic climate that encourages investment, creates jobs, and supports its people thro [...]	2008-10-24 15:18:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EAID PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1524	LEBANON: HIZBOLLAH ASKS FOR ISF ASSISTANCE TO [...] (C) Summary: The Lebanese Internal Security Forces recently have been granted the power to access and enforce the law within Lebanese regions and suburbs previously controlled by Hizbollah. At the request and urging of Hizbollah, the ISF two weeks ago began to police and to arrest individuals [...]	2008-10-24 15:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL SNAR LE
08BEIRUT1526	LEBANON: GEAGEA STRUGGLING WITH MARCH 14 ALLIES [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea told the Ambassador October 24 that he and his March 14 allies were still negotiating their candidate lists for the 2009 parliamentary elections. Geagea said he was having the most difficulty convincing Saad Hariri and Walid Jumblatt that the Christian [...]	2008-10-24 23:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1529	LEBANON: FINMIN: ALL PARTS OF GOVENMENT SUPPORT ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) During a Paris III donor briefing on October 23, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah stressed the government's commitment to improving the standard of living of the Lebanese people by fostering an economic climate that encourages investment, creates jobs, and supports its people through stro [...]	2008-10-25 02:36:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGO LE
08BEIRUT1530	LEBANON: NOMINEE FOR 2009 INTERNATIONAL WOMEN OF COURAGE [...] Embassy Beirut nominates Ms. Maya Mansour, an attorney and human rights activist, for the 2009 International Women of Courage Award. 2. Ms. Mansour is a partner at the Public Interest Advocacy Center, PINACLE, and is a member of the Institute of Human Rights at the Beirut Bar Association. S [...]	2008-10-25 02:40:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PHUM KWMN KPAO LE
08BEIRUT1533	LEBANON: SINIORA TERMS ABU JAMRA CONTROVERSY [...] (C) PM Siniora expressed frustration over the controversy generated by Deputy PM (DPM) Abu Jamra over the DPM's role, saying that he will give Abu Jamra office space and some assignment to try to mollify him, but is not willing to increase the powers of the DPM position. He believed that Abu [...]	2008-10-28 14:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE

08BEIRUT1534	LEBANON: UNSOPHISTICATED LEBANESE BANKING SECTOR NOT [...] (U) The Lebanese economy so far seems to have emerged unscathed from the international financial crisis. While part of the reason for its immunity to the crisis has been good banking oversight, it is actually the unsophisticated nature of the Lebanese banking sector, with its assets centered o [...]	2008-10-28 15:56:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EAID PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1538	LEBANON: OPPOSITION MARADA LEADER CALLS FOR [...] (C) Christian opposition Marada leader Suleiman Franjieh suggested on October 27 that direct talks between Lebanon (partnered with Syria) and Israel would lead to resolution of the issue of Hizballah arms, and that Lebanese-Syrian collaboration was necessary for border security. Stressing the [...]	2008-10-29 12:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT1541	LEBANON: HARIRI-NASRALLAH MEETING MEETS SAAD'S [...] (C) Nader Hariri, advisor to Saad Hariri, told Poloff and Senior Political LES October 29 that the meeting between March 14's leader, Saad Hariri, and Hizballah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, achieved Hariri's primary objective: to calm Sunni-Shia tensions. The October 26 meeting was, reportedly, [...]	2008-10-29 16:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1542	LEBANON: FATE OF SYRIAN-LEBANESE HIGHER COUNCIL [...] (SBU) The future of the Syrian-Lebanese Higher Council remains unknown after Lebanon and Syria formally established diplomatic relations October 16, 2008. The Higher Council is the umbrella organization created under a 1991 treaty to administer and implement coordinated foreign, economic, and [...]	2008-10-29 16:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1543	BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF OCTOBER 29, 2008 [...] (S) Ambassador Sison convened a meeting of Embassy Beirut's Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on October 29, 2008 to review security preparations for U.S Election Night events. The following EAC members were present: AMB, DCM, RSO, MGMT, INL, CONS, RAO, PD, POL/ECON. 2. (S) Embassy Beirut' [...]	2008-10-29 16:48:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC CASC LE MOPS PTER SY
08BEIRUT1554	LEBANON: UNIIIC CHIEF WARNS A/S HOOK OF POSSIBLE [...] (S) On October 30, UNIIIC Commissioner Daniel Bellemare warned visiting IO A/S Brian Hook that, while he was fully prepared for the transition to the Special Tribunal and would not seek an extension, the Registrar in The Hague may need UNIIIC to request a "technical extension of a few months" [...]	2008-10-31 07:24:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR KJUS UNSC SY LE
08BEIRUT1555	LEBANON: UNDP COUNTRY DIRECTOR, WITH A/S HOOK, [...] (C) During an October 30 meeting with Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Brian Hook, UN Development Program (UNDP) Country Director Marta Ruedas stated that the key priorities for UNDP in Lebanon were governance, community and economic development, the environment, and [...]	2008-10-31 07:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1557	LEBANON: UNSCOL ENCOURAGES A/S HOOK TO URGE GOL TO [...] (C) New UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Michael Williams told visiting Assistant Secretary Brian Hook and the Ambassador October 30 that the GOL needs to take control of all of its territory. Williams said that in the south, Hizballah is the dominant force; and absent a real GOL p [...]	2008-10-31 08:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPPS LE SY IS
08BEIRUT1562	LEBANON: UNRWA WARNS A/S HOOK ABOUT DETERIORATING [...] (C) During a October 30 meeting with visiting Assistant Secretary for International Organization (IO) Affairs Brian Hook and the Ambassador, UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Deputy Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi and UNRWA Lebanon Country Director Salvatore Lombardo warned that the ingre [...]	2008-10-31 15:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID PREF PREL PTER KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1563	LEBANON: JUMBLATT WITH A/S HOOK: JUSTICE AND [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt, in an October 30 meeting with visiting Assistant Secretary for International Organization Affairs Brian Hook and Ambassador, stressed justice and stability as priorities for the outcome of the Special Tribunal. Jumblatt repeatedly ceded authority for March 14 [...]	2008-10-31 15:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1569	LEBANON: GOL RESUMES COLLECTING GAS EXCISE TAX (ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) On October 30, the GOL resumed the collection of gasoline excise taxes, suspended while oil prices surged, following the recent fall in international oil prices. Because the tax fluctuates based on the price of oil, a continued price drop will bring in much needed additional revenues to [...]	2008-11-03 15:04:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1570	LEBANON: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN TRIPOLI FACES [...] (SBU) Northern Lebanon, which is in dire need of economic development, has existing infrastructure that, if improved and utilized, could in time promote investment and create jobs. However, political roadblocks are delaying progress on current projects, particularly the expansion of Tripoli po [...]	2008-11-03 15:54:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV EINV EFIN ETRD LE
08BEIRUT1575	LEBANON: NEED FOR EXPORT CONTROLS, CUSTOMS TRAINING [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraphs 15 and 16. 2. (C) GOL officials tell us there are few, if any, rules or regulations in place to halt or interdict potentially illicit radiological, biological or chemical material and other strategic goods that can be used in WMD devel [...]	2008-11-04 15:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ETTC MARR PBTS PGOV PINR PREL LE SY
08BEIRUT1576	LEBANON: SINIORA TELLS A/S HOOK HE IS FRUSTRATED [...] (S) Prime Minister Fouad Siniora told visiting Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Brian Hook that he was frustrated with Lebanon's lack of progress with the Israelis on the Blue Line, Ghajar, and strike data. Siniora believed the Special Tribunal for Lebanon w [...]	2008-11-04 16:06:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL UNSC LE IS
08BEIRUT1577	LEBANON: A/S HOOK TOURS THE BLUE LINE; MEETS WITH [...] (C) On October 31, A/S for International Relations Affairs Brian Hook, Ambassador, PolMilOff and Defense Attach toured the Blue Line in a UNIFIL helicopter, overflying Sheba'a farms and Ghajar, and met at length with UNIFIL Commander Graziano. Graziano has developed a detailed UNIFIL plan for [...]	2008-11-04 16:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	MARR MASS MCAP PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY
08BEIRUT1582	LEBANON: BOUTROS HARB URGES INDEPENDENT LIST, EVEN [...] (C) March 14 MP Boutros Harb, on the eve of the U.S. presidential elections, expressed hope that the "Lebanese message" would be well-understood by the new U.S. administration. During his November 4 meeting with the Ambassador, Harb said March 14 had agreed to reach a unified position on cand [...]	2008-11-05 15:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1584	LEBANON: NEW GOL BORDER PLAN DISAPPOINTS DONORS [...] (C) In an October 31 meeting, PM Siniora told international donors that the GOL planned to create a national border force to operate along Lebanon's border with Syria. He acknowledged that parliamentary approval would be needed to proceed with such a plan. However, Siniora felt this was a m [...]	2008-11-05 15:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID MARR MCAP PBTS PGOV PINR PREL EC LE SY
08BEIRUT1595	CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT-ELECT [...] Following is the text of a letter received Friday, November 7, 2008 from Saad R. Hariri, Member of Parliament, leader of the majority and head of the Future Parliamentary Bloc, to the President-elect. 2. Begin Text: The Honorable Barack Obama President-elect of the United States of Ame [...]	2008-11-07 07:41:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	OPDC PREL OVIP LE
08BEIRUT16	LEBANON: MURR, CONVINCED STREET VIOLENCE IS [...] (C) Citing sources close to March 8 and noting that Hizballah's Wafiq Safa met with Michel Aoun for three hours, Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr told the Ambassador on 1/4 that he expected March 8-prompted street action to break out and turn violent by the end of Januar [...]	2008-01-05 12:02:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PTER PGOV KDEM LE SY
08BEIRUT1603	LEBANON: PRESIDENT'S ADVISOR ADVOCATES ELECTIONS [...] (C) Ambassador Naji Abi Assi, advisor to President Michel Sleiman, suggested that the new U.S. administration pursue regional peace in the Middle East, noting that Lebanon stood to benefit greatly from Arab rapprochement. Regarding Lebanon's spring 2009 parliamentary elections, Abi Assi stres [...]	2008-11-07 16:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1605	LEBANON: GOL APPROVES NEW EPCA (ECONOMIC WEEK IN REVIEW, [...] (SBU) On November 3, the cabinet approved the signing of the IMF's Emergency Post Conflict Assistance (EPCA) II program, and informed the IMF of this decision. During the cabinet session, Chatah also gave a presentation of the 2009 budget proposal, which will be discussed at a separate session [...]	2008-11-10 07:55:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT161	LEBANON: SAAD WAKES UP TO 2009 PARLIAMENTARY [...] (C) March 14 majority leader Saad Hariri blamed Libya and Qatar for undermining Lebanon at the January 27 Arab League meeting, with the preservation of Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Michel Sleiman's presidential candidacy the only positive result, in his view. He predicted that, without tou [...]	2008-02-01 16:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1612	LEBANON: RECOMMENDATION ON INTERNATIONAL ELECTION [...] (C) After consulting with Lebanese governmental contacts, local NGOs and international donors, Embassy Beirut recommends that USAID provide funding to support an international observation team through the National Democratic Institute (NDI). With extensive experience in Lebanon working with d [...]	2008-11-10 16:15:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PREF OVIP ASEC SY LE
08BEIRUT1613	LEBANON: UNSCOL SEES MINIMAL PROGRESS ON GHAJAR; [...] (C) Briefing the Ambassador on his recent trips to Israel and Syria, UN Special Coordinator Michael Williams relayed that Israel will neither accept nor reject UNIFIL's proposal for withdrawal from Ghajar by the November 22 deadline. Williams relayed that Israeli PM Ehud Olmert is focusing all [...]	2008-11-10 16:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1614	LEBANON: SCENESETTER FOR UNDER SECRETARY OF [...] (C) Under Secretary Clapper: Welcome to Lebanon. Your trip provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce the message of strong U.S. government support for Lebanon. The expansion of the U.S.-Lebanese military partnership represents an historic opportunity to bolster the cause of democracy, [...]	2008-11-10 19:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MOPS PGOV PINR PREL PTER UNSC IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1615	LEBANON: JUMBLATT AND HAMADEH ON INDEPENDENT BLOC [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt and March 14 MP Marwan Hamadeh discussed ongoing negotiations for election blocs and contentious cabinet atmospherics during dinner with the Ambassador on November 8. Jumblatt said he planned to offer his own national defense strategy during the next National D [...]	2008-11-10 19:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1618	LEBANON: DESIGNATION OF IRANIAN ENTITIES AND [...] (SBU) Econoff on October 3 and 4 delivered reftel demarche, Designation of Additional Iranian Entities and Individuals under E.O. 13382, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Americas' Desk Oussama Khachab and to Central Bank of Lebanon Governor Salameh. Salameh heads the Special In [...]	2008-11-12 14:30:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PTER ECON KTFN KNNP LE IR
08BEIRUT1619	LEBANON: CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR STRESSES [...] (C) Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh stressed the Bank's efforts to comply with all international rules and banking regulations during his November 11 meeting with visiting Treasury Department Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Howard Mendelsohn. He said that although m [...]	2008-11-12 16:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON EFIN LE PTER
08BEIRUT1627	LEBANON: CHATAH DISCUSSES BUDGET, ECONOMIC REFORM WITH [...] (SBU) In a November 11 meeting with Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intelligence and Analysis Howard Mendelsohn, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah said that despite differences between the U.S. and Lebanese definitions of terrorism, there is ample room for terror finance and anti-money l [...]	2008-11-13 15:31:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EAID PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1630	LEBANON: TELECOM PRIVATIZATION ON TRACK, BUT UNLIKELY [...] (SBU) In recent weeks, Embassy contacts have publicly and privately expressed doubts that the privatization of mobile telecom licenses can take place before the spring 2009 parliamentary elections. Most contacts blame poor market conditions following the international financial crisis for the [...]	2008-11-14 09:28:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1633	LEBANON: FORMER LEBANESE AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S. ON [...] (C) Former Lebanese Ambassador to the U.S. Simon Karam discussed Lebanon's upcoming elections, political reforms, and Hizballah's role in both on November 11. Expressing resignation over the current majority's lack of unity, Karam said Hizballah would not tolerate election results not in its [...]	2008-11-14 11:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1636	CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE TO PRESIDENT-ELECT [...] Following is the text of a letter received Friday, November 14, 2008 from Nabih Berry, President of the Lebanese National Assembly, to the President-elect. 2. Begin Text: H.E. Mr. Barack Obama President-elect of the United States of America Excellency: On behalf of the Lebanese Na [...]	2008-11-14 14:22:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	OPDC PREL OVIP LE
08BEIRUT1637	LEBANON: SEEMINGLY HEALTHY PATRIARCH STILL WORKING [...] (C) Maronite Patriarch Sfeir, in a November 13 meeting with the Ambassador, expressed measured optimism that the Maronite League's continuing efforts to reconcile Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea and Marada party leader Suleiman Franjieh will be successful. Praising President Michel Sleima [...]	2008-11-14 16:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY LE
08BEIRUT1638	LEBANON: OPPORTUNITIES TO INFLUENCE THE 2009 [...] (C) Although March 14 is working to fine-tune its campaign messaging and tactics, a March 14 victory in the spring 2009 parliamentary elections is, by the moderate coalition's own admission, by no means guaranteed. March 14 contacts tell us their hope is to win an absolute majority (65 out of [...]	2008-11-14 17:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT1639	LEBANON: MINISTER OF INTERIOR BAROUD: "I CONSULTED [...] (C) On November 14, Minister of Interior Ziad Baroud told the Ambassador that his November 10 visit to Syria had been approved -- prior to departure -- by the Council of Ministers and that he had furthermore consulted with a range of political figures, including via a call to Saad Hariri in Mo [...]	2008-11-14 19:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL UNSC MARR MCAP MOPS IR LE
08BEIRUT1641	LEBANON: UNSCOL BEMOANS SLOW PROGRESS ON 1701, [...] (C) UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Michael Williams expressed concern on November 15 that the Lebanese might be slowing on establishing diplomatic ties with Syria. He also expressed concern regarding progress on UNSCR 1701. Williams thought it possible that emerging GOL hesitation [...]	2008-11-17 16:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1642	LEBANON: GOL WILL NOT OPPOSE IRAN ON HUMAN RIGHTS [...] (C) The Lebanese MFA responded on November 17 to the reftel demarche PolOff delivered on November 12 on the UN General Assembly Third Committee human rights resolutions. Oussama Khachab, Head of the Americas Desk at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, after consulting with the Lebanese Mission to [...]	2008-11-17 16:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PHUM LE
08BEIRUT1643	LEBANON: CABINET REJECTS CONTRACT FOR FRENCH FIRM'S [...] (U) (U) On November 15, the cabinet rejected Minister of Telecommunications (MOT) Gebran Bassil's proposal to contract French company Sofrecom (100 percent owned by France Telecom) to manage one of the GOL-owned mobile companies until it is privatized later this year. Bassil's proposal came in [...]	2008-11-17 16:21:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1657	Lebanon: Media Reaction - November 20, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-11-20 14:15:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1659	LEBANON: MILIBAND URGES LEBANESE TO ACT ON RANGE [...] (C) British Foreign Secretary David Miliband addressed three main topics with Lebanese interlocutors in his November 18-19 visit: Syria, Iran, and the Middle East Peace Process. On Syria, he told the Lebanese that the UK is not naive and is not selling out with moves such as his trip to Damascu [...]	2008-11-20 14:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT166	LEBANON: NEW UNIIIC COMMISSIONER SAYS FAILURE IS [...] (C) New UNIIIC Commissioner and Prosecutor-Designate Daniel Bellemare believes time is running out for the Special Tribunal and "failure is not an option." UNIIIC was "clearly making process," but needs member states' urgent assistance in putting together the pieces of the puzzle and increasin [...]	2008-02-04 15:11:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1663	LEBANON: GEMAYEL DISTANCING HIMSELF FROM MARCH 14? [...] (C) Former President and Kataeb head Amine Gemayel told the Ambassador and visiting NEA/ELA Office Director Nicole Shampaine that March 14 would not develop a common platform by the coalition's January convention. At a November 20 meeting at Kataeb Headquarters, Gemayel emphasized the need to [...]	2008-11-21 14:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE
08BEIRUT1664	LEBANON: FEMALE POLITICIANS AND CIVIL SOCIETY [...] (SBU) Participants in a recent MEPI U.S. election observer program, representing women from both March 14 and the opposition, said education on political participation is needed to change Lebanese women's perception of politics as a "dirty game." At a November 19 lunch hosted by the Ambassad [...]	2008-11-21 14:35:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1666	LEBANON: BLOOMFIELD PROMOTES MANPADS DESTRUCTION [...] (C) Ambassador Lincoln P. Bloomfield, Jr., Special Envoy for Man Portable Air Defense Systems (MANPADS),addressed the need for control of MANPAD weapons with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Kahwaji, took a tour of LAF munitions storage depots, and met with several Lebanese interl [...]	2008-11-24 06:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1667	LEBANON: HARIRI EXPLAINS HIS CONTINUING HIZBALLAH [...] (C) In a meeting with the Ambassador and NEA/ELA Office Director Nicole Shampaine on November 20, parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri said that he had spoken with Hizballah officials following his October 26 meeting with SYG Hassan Nasrallah (reftels) on a variety of topics. Hariri said [...]	2008-11-24 09:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL UNSC MARR MCAP MOPS IR LE
08BEIRUT167	LEBANON: MARCH 14: HIGH HOPES FOR SPECIAL TRIBUNAL [...] (C) March 14 leaders have stepped up their own lobbying efforts recently to convince key countries to contribute to the Special Tribunal, reportedly securing commitments from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, and Russia. Many view the Tribunal as the primary -- if not only -- vehicle for ending [...]	2008-02-04 15:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PHUM SY LE
08BEIRUT1671	LEBANON: GEAGEA REJECTS TALKS WITH ISRAEL, PUSHES [...] (C) In a November 20 meeting with the Ambassador and NEA/ELA Office Director Nicole Shampaine, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea said the GOL should impose a weapons ban given the recent clashes between Christian groups in north Lebanon. He said March 14 has had a consistent national platfo [...]	2008-11-24 16:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE IS SY
08BEIRUT1677	LEBANON: MURR CONCERNED ABOUT HARIRI IN ELECTIONS, [...] (C) Defense Minister Elias Murr, in a November 21 meeting with visiting CENTCOM J2 Brigadier General Stephen Fogarty, visiting NEA ELA Officer Director Nicole Shampaine, and the Ambassador, said he would travel to Damascus as soon as border cooperation, missing Lebanese soldiers, and the trans [...]	2008-11-25 12:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE
08BEIRUT1679	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT CHRISTIANS NEED SPACE TO RUN [...] (C) In a November 21 dinner with the Ambassador and visiting NEA/ELA Office Director Nicole Shampaine, former MP Saleh Honein, businessman Neemat Frem, Dr. Paul Charbel, and Richard Jreissati, all Christians considering running as independent candidates in contested districts during the spring [...]	2008-11-25 12:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1682	LEBANON: AOUN EXPLAINS HIS DEFENSE STRATEGY, [...] (C) In a November 20 meeting with the Ambassador and visiting NEA/ELA Office Director Nicole Shampaine, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) Leader Michel Aoun talked briefly about his upcoming trip to Syria, which he confirmed would take place before the end of the 2008. He said the recent wave of [...]	2008-11-25 14:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE SY IS
08BEIRUT1686	LEBANON: FRANCE LOOSENS CONDITIONALITY ON SECOND TRANCHE [...] (SBU) On November 20, during French PM Frangois Fillon's visit to Beirut, France and Lebanon signed an amendment to the Paris III conditions for disbursement of French budgetary support. Lebanon has already received a 150 million euro loan for budgetary support under Paris III. The amendment [...]	2008-11-26 11:53:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1687	LEBANON: NOVEMBER 26 ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL [...] No summary [...]	2008-11-26 13:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1688	LEBANON: IRAQI CHALDEAN REFUGEES SUFFERING IN [...] (C) In a November 25 meeting with the Ambassador, Chaldean Archbishop Michel Kassarji spoke of the challenges facing the 5,000 Iraqi Christian refugees in Lebanon, including child labor, minimal education opportunities, and inability to find skilled employment. While the GOL has grown more un [...]	2008-11-26 14:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR PREF IQ LE
08BEIRUT1690	LEBANON: STUDENT AND ASSOCIATION VOTES SPLIT BY MARCH 14 [...] (U) Results of recent elections in several university student councils suggest that Lebanese society is divided between March 14 and the opposition. March 14, however, dominated recent professional association elections. The outcomes of such elections generally are predicated on local circums [...]	2008-11-26 15:11:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT1691	LEBANON: NASSIB LAHOUD ON SHIA SEEKING A NEW [...] (C) In a November 25 call on the Ambassador, Minister of State Nassib Lahoud described a Hizballah goal of "rewriting" the Taif Accord to allow the election of the president by popular vote. Until this long-term change is achieved, Lahoud expects the group will continue to demand veto authori [...]	2008-11-26 15:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1696	LEBANON: 63RD UNGA: DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO INCREASE [...] No summary [...]	2008-11-28 09:50:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1698	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN DECLINES IRAN'S OFFER [...] (C) During President Michel Sleiman's November 24-25 trip to Tehran, the Iranians had made a general offer of military support to Lebanon, and Sleiman diplomatically declined, Sleiman's Diplomatic Advisor Naji Abi Assi told us in a readout of the trip. Ayatollah Khamenei expressed his respec [...]	2008-11-28 12:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY IR IS
08BEIRUT1699	LEBANON: JUMBLATT PLEASED WITH HIS U.S. VISIT [...] (C) In a November 25 meeting, Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) leader Walid Jumblatt told the Ambassador that his trip to the United States had been a success, and he was pleased to hear that the U.S. continued to support the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. He worried that Kataeb Party leader [...]	2008-11-28 12:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY IS
08BEIRUT1700	LEBANON: FRENCH PM VISITS TO SHOW POLITICAL, [...] (C) French PM Francois Fillon's November 20-21 visit to Beirut seems to have been a somewhat pro forma demonstration of France's continued interest and support for Lebanon. During the visit, France agreed to provide weapons for the Lebanese Armed Forces aging Gazelle helicopters, following thr [...]	2008-11-28 13:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT1701	LEBANON: SCENESETTER FOR CENTCOM COMMANDER GENERAL [...] (C) General Petraeus: Welcome back to Lebanon. Your trip provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce the message of strong U.S. support for a sovereign, democratic, and stable Lebanon to reassure Lebanon's moderates that a change in the U.S. Administration does not equal a change in U.S. [...]	2008-11-28 14:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MOPS PGOV PINR PREL PTER UNSC IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1703	LEBANON: BERRI EXPECTS NO SOLID WINNER IN ELECTIONS [...] (C) Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri dispelled rumors that the postponement of the November 26 parliamentary session was for political reasons, explaining that the session lacked a quorum from both the opposition and March 14. He expressed pride that his Amal Movement won a number of seats in th [...]	2008-11-28 15:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1706	LEBANON: PRESIDENT'S TRIP TO IRAN YIELDS NO NEW ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) Arab nationalist As-Safir reported November 26 that during the visit to Iran of President Sleiman November 24-25, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said a joint Lebanese-Iranian ministerial commission will soon be set up to reinforce bilateral relations, revive previous agreements si [...]	2008-12-01 08:43:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1715	LEBANON: INFO MINISTER SAYS SLEIMAN DIRECTS [...] (C) Information Minister Tarek Mitri informed the Ambassador that President Sleiman has assumed a more active role in the formation of foreign policy than his predecessors, without challenges from the Cabinet. Sleiman firmly controls the Lebanon-Syria portfolio, Mitri said, but added that the [...]	2008-12-02 16:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1722	LEBANON: TASHNAQ AVAILABLE FOR COURTING, SAAD NOT [...] (C) Tashnaq has not decided with whom it will ally for the 2009 elections and is open to any option that will help it meet its goal of winning a five MP bloc, a senior Tashnaq MP told DCM. During the recent trip by a Tashnaq delegation to Syria, president Assad was very interested in Lebanese [...]	2008-12-04 15:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL UNSC MARR MCAP MOPS IR LE SY
08BEIRUT1725	LEBANON AND FINANCIAL CRISIS: IMF SAYS GOOD OVERSIGHT HAS [...] (U) In its first report on Lebanon since the onset of the global financial crisis, the IMF indicated that oversight by local supervisory authorities has so far shielded the banking system from direct impact of the crisis. It warned that the crisis could impact Lebanon through weakening conditi [...]	2008-12-05 12:36:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1729	LEBANON: HARIRI ON OPPOSITION ATTACKS ON SUNNIS [...] (C) Ambassador and DCM met December 4 with Parliamentary Majority Leader Saad Hariri, who said opposition March 8's fanning of anti-Sunni sentiment was not succeeding politically. He claimed that Michel Aoun's trip to Syria would backfire on Aoun, and said it was a "fact" that Aoun was receiv [...]	2008-12-05 18:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER LE SY QA
08BEIRUT1730	LEBANON: SINIORA, WITH GENERAL PETRAEUS, CALLS FOR [...] (C) In a December 2 meeting, Commander, U.S. Central Command David Petraeus underscored to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora the U.S. commitment to Lebanon and to strengthening the Lebanese Armed Forces. Siniora emphasized the need for U.S. involvement in the Middle East peace process. On Ghajar, [...]	2008-12-08 16:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE IS SY
08BEIRUT1731	LEBANON: SLEIMAN AFFIRMS: NO MILITARY DEAL WITH [...] (C) President Michel Sleiman told the Ambassador that during his late November trip to Tehran, Iran did not offer military assistance to Lebanon and he did not ask for any. He said he detected disagreement between Iran and Syria over Syria's contacts with Israel. He was negative about advanci [...]	2008-12-08 16:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR MASS UNSC LE SY IS IR
08BEIRUT1732	LEBANON: MICHEL MURR WANTS TO LURE MARCH 8 [...] (C) Greek Orthodox MP Michel Murr told the Ambassador December 5 that he hoped to draw candidates away from the opposition March 8 alliance to his independent candidate list for the 2009 parliamentary elections. Not wanting to harm Saad Hariri's March 14, Murr said he was not targeting potent [...]	2008-12-08 16:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1736	LEBANON: GENERAL PETRAEUS REVIEWS LAF COMMANDER'S [...] (C) On December 2, Commander, U.S. Central Command General David Petraeus met with Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Jean Kahwagi to discuss bilateral and regional military cooperation issues. General Petraeus pledged continued support for the LAF and said Lebanon was one of the priority [...]	2008-12-09 09:33:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PINR PREL UNSC MARR MCAP MOPS IR LE
08BEIRUT1745	LEBANON: UNSCOL DISCUSSES HIZBALLAH, TIGHT [...] (C) In a December 9 meeting with visiting CENTCOM Assessment Team members and the Ambassador, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Chief of Staff Jack Christofides, PolChief Diego Zorrilla, and Poloff Rami Shehadeh provided a broad assessment of Lebanese politics after the Doha Accord. [...]	2008-12-10 16:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1748	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER SAYS AN AOUN VICTORY [...] (C) In a December 10 meeting with the Ambassador, Defense Minister Elias Murr assessed that President Michel Sleiman, annoyed at the royal treatment Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun received during his trip to Syria, feels threatened by the prospect of a decisive Aoun victory in the [...]	2008-12-11 19:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS RS LE SY
08BEIRUT175	LEBANON: PM SINIORA URGES CLEAR USG STATEMENT OF [...] (C) During Ambassador Sison's introductory call on February 6, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora urged the USG to issue a "clear position of support" for the Arab League Initiative (ALI),which he described as "the only game in town right now" to resolve Lebanon's political crisis. He said USG sil [...]	2008-02-06 19:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL MASS MCAP SY IS LE
08BEIRUT1752	LEBANON: PRESIDENT CARTER WELCOMED POLITELY BY POLITICOS, [...] (SBU) Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and an accompanying delegation presented a proposal to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and Interior Minister Ziad Baroud to send a team to observe the 2009 parliamentary elections. Baroud welcomed Carter's proposal, but noted that it required cabinet appro [...]	2008-12-12 15:11:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT1753	LEBANON: LAF COMMANDER TELLS CODEL ACKERMAN HE [...] (C) In a December 13 meeting with Codel Ackerman, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Jean Kahwagi stressed that the LAF's primary goal was to fight terrorists, and highlighted the U.S. assistance that the army needs in order to succeed. He underscored the importance of U.S. military assistan [...]	2008-12-15 09:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV MASS MCAP LE IS IR
08BEIRUT1755	Lebanon: Media Reaction - December 15, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-12-15 11:41:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1757	Lebanon: Media Reaction - December 16, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-12-16 10:43:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1758	LEBANON: SLEIMAN WITH CODEL ACKERMAN SAYS [...] (C) In a December 13 meeting with visiting Codel Ackerman, President Michel Sleiman emphasized the need for a comprehensive regional peace agreement in order, "with time", to disarm Hizballah. Sleiman noted that Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) and UNIFIL presence south of the Litani since 2006 wa [...]	2008-12-16 11:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1759	LEBANON: SINIORA TELLS CODEL ACKERMAN SOLVING [...] (C) In a December 13 meeting with CODEL Ackerman, Prime Minister Siniora pushed for the U.S. to find an equitable solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. Solving the Palestinian problem, he said, would solve other regional and world problems. Siniora said Lebanon sought an "excellent relation [...]	2008-12-16 11:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1760	LEBANON: MARCH 14 OFFICIALS TELL CODEL ACKERMAN [...] (C) In a December 13 meeting, March 14 members expressed to Codel Ackerman their determination to win the spring 2009 parliamentary elections, and said the U.S. should support Lebanon rather than any single party. Rather than electoral politics, however, the bulk of the meeting was taken up wi [...]	2008-12-16 11:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1761	LEBANON: CODEL ACKERMAN GIVES HARIRI STRONG [...] (C) Codel Ackerman delivered a strong message of U.S. bipartisan support for Lebanon during its meeting with majority leader Saad Hariri. Rep. Ackerman said that with the administration change in Washington, there would be no change in U.S. support for Lebanon. In particular, the USG will c [...]	2008-12-16 14:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV MASS MCAP LE SY IR
08BEIRUT1762	LEBANON: NO SUBSTANTIVE RESPONSE TO US PROPOSAL TO [...] No summary [...]	2008-12-16 15:11:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREL PGOV UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1763	LEBANON: NEW SALARY MEASURES COULD BREAK THE BUDGET [...] (SBU) On December 11, a parliamentary committees approved a set of measures which, if implemented, will put a significant additional burden on state finances. While the measures still require approval by the full parliament, their passage would dramatically increase Lebanon's already huge budg [...]	2008-12-16 15:15:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1768	Lebanon: Media Reaction - December 17, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-12-17 11:28:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1770	LEBANON: ON GHAJAR, UN SEES NEED TO ACT, SAYS [...] (C) Milos Strugar, UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Senior Political Adviser said that because progress had stalled on UNIFIL's proposal that Israel transfer the northern half of Ghajar to Lebanese control, the UN was taking proactive steps to keep the proposal from floundering. The next [...]	2008-12-18 14:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1771	Lebanon: Media Reaction - December 19, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-12-19 12:54:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT1773	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, MIKATI CALLS HIZBALLAH A [...] (C) Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati told visiting NEA DAS Hale and the Ambassador that Sunni leader Saad Hariri, with whom Mikati acknowledged seeking an electoral alliance, would win the Tripoli district in Lebanon's 2009 parliamentary elections. Mikati said he would refuse the position o [...]	2008-12-19 15:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1774	LEBANON: DEMARCHE REQUEST UNESCO DIRECTOR-GENERAL [...] (C) PolOff delivered reftel demarche to Oussama Khachab, Head of the Americas Desk at the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on December 19. Khachab displayed interest in the subject. He noted there could be many more qualified candidates than Hosni and suggested a former Lebanese Minister [...]	2008-12-22 04:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	CDG IS LE PARM PGOV PHUM PREL SY UNGA
08BEIRUT1775	LEBANON: USG CASH TRANSFER: IS GAS EXCISE TAX REFORM [...] (SBU) In a December 18 meeting with NEA DAS Hale and the Ambassador, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah said he may want to retain the imposition of a gasoline excise tax as a condition for the disbursement of USG budget support pledged at Paris III, instead of replacing it with a reform of elect [...]	2008-12-22 04:54:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1779	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, MARONITE PATRIARCH [...] (C) Maronite Patriarch Sfeir fears a divided bloc of Christian voters will lead to March 8 gains in the spring parliamentary elections, but said his role was only to speak out for the principles of freedom, and to not be "out front" on delivering political messages. He was unsure if Christian [...]	2008-12-22 14:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR KPAL LE SY
08BEIRUT1780	LEBANON: DEFMIN MURR EXPLAINS RUSSIANS' "SURPRISE" [...] (C) In a December 22 meeting with the Ambassador, Defense Minister Elias Murr struggled to explain that the Russians "surprised" him with a grant aid offer of 77 free T-72 or T-90 tanks and 130 mm mortars, among other equipment, to which he reportedly declined and made the "completely unrealis [...]	2008-12-22 15:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS RS LE SY
08BEIRUT1781	LEBANON: TASHNAQ STILL SNUBBED BY HARIRI [...] (C) With visiting NEA DAS David Hale, Armenian Tashnaq SYG Hovig Mekhitirian noted his satisfaction with the new electoral law, laid out in the Doha agreement, because it allows the Armenians to vote for Armenian deputies (and not have their votes diluted by pro-March 14 Sunni voters),and it [...]	2008-12-23 07:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT1782	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, UNSCOL SOMEWHAT OPTIMISTIC [...] (C) UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams relayed to visiting NEA DAS David Hale that ultimately, the GOL was looking for a "clean withdrawal" by Israel from Ghajar with no future Israeli involvement of any kind. Williams reported that the Syrians seemed "serious" about negotiati [...]	2008-12-23 07:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1783	LEBANON: HARIRI TELLS DAS HALE RUSSIAN MIGS ARE [...] (C) In a December 17 dinner with visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale and the Ambassador, Parliamentary Majority Leader Saad Hariri said the Russian deal to provide ten MiG-29 aircraft to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),provided with no strings attached, threatened Hizballah and [...]	2008-12-23 07:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV MASS MCAP LE SY RU
08BEIRUT1787	LEBANON: WITH DAS HALE, CHATAH SHARES THOUGHTS ON [...] (C) Joking that, in addition to his continued role as advisor to PM Siniora, he was "moonlighting" at the Ministry of Finance, Finance Minister Mohamad Chatah met with visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) David Hale, Ambassador, visiting NEA Lebanon Desk Officer Matthew Irwin, and acti [...]	2008-12-23 13:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV EFIN MASS IS LE SA QA RU
08BEIRUT1788	SINIORA SWEET ON CONSTITUTIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS, [...] (C) Flush with March 14's victory in parliament's election of Constitutional Council members on December 18, PM Siniora and aide Rola Noureddine met with visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) David Hale, Ambassador, and NEA Lebanon Desk Officer Matthew Irwin on December 19. Siniora br [...]	2008-12-23 13:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV MASS PREL UNSC MARR LE SY IS
08BEIRUT1790	LEBANON: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST SHIPMENT [...] (SBU) In response to reftel, questions regarding export license application 050055911 for the export of carbines to the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) in Lebanon, Post confirms that this is a legitimate ISF purchase. In coordination with Embassy's Office of Defense Coordination (ODC) [...]	2008-12-24 04:13:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ETTC KOMC LE
08BEIRUT1791	LEBANON: BLUE LANTERN LEVEL 3: POST SHIPMENT [...] (SBU) In response to reftel, questions regarding export license application 050057708 for the export of 10 million centerfire ammunition, calibers 5.56, 9mm, and 40S&W to the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) in Lebanon, Post confirms that this is a legitimate ISF purchase. In coordinat [...]	2008-12-24 04:13:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	EG ETTC GM KOMC LE
08BEIRUT1793	LEBANON: SLEIMAN TELLS DAS HALE TO "WAIT AND SEE" [...] (C) In a December 19 meeting with visiting NEA DAS David Hale and the Ambassador, President Michel Sleiman said everyone should &wait and see8 what comes out of the Russian MiG-29 offer to the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). He said the entire GOL had been surprised by the offer, and the LAF wou [...]	2008-12-24 09:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS LE SY
08BEIRUT1794	LEBANON: BERRI ON U.S. MILITARY ASSISTANCE; SAYS [...] (C) Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri questioned NEA DAS David Hale as to why the U.S. had not provided high-profile military hardware to Lebanon. Berri said he welcomed the Russian offer of MiG-29s, provided it came without conditions or costs. The U.S. did not view the Russian offer as com [...]	2008-12-24 09:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY IS

08BEIRUT1795	LEBANON: UNSCOL WILLIAMS ON ISRAELI INTENT TO [...] (C) Returning from Israel December 23, UN Special Coordinator on Lebanon (UNSCOL) Michael Williams relayed to the Ambassador that Israel demonstrated a "serious intent" to complete negotiations over the transfer of northern Ghajar to Lebanon. He noted a "genuine commitment" on the part of Isr [...]	2008-12-24 10:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT1796	LEBANON: DESIGNATION OF IRANIAN ENTITIES UNDER [...] (SBU) Econoff on December 23 delivered reftel demarche, Designation of Additional Iranian Entities under E.O. 13382, to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Head of the Americas' Desk Oussama Khachab. 2. (SBU) Post will forward any substantive responses separately. SISON [...]	2008-12-30 09:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PTER ECON KTFN KNNP LE IR
08BEIRUT1798	LEBANON: CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR PROJECTS HIGHER DEFICIT AND [...] (U) In a televised interview on December 21, Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL) Governor Riad Salameh said the deficit will reach $2.66 billion in 2009, and will further grow by ten percent as a result of the recently approved salary increases in the public sector. He also indicated that inflation [...]	2008-12-30 10:11:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1799	LEBANON: GEAGEA DESCRIBES SLOW BUT STEADY PROGRESS [...] (C) Lebanese Forces (LF) head Samir Geagea received visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale, Ambassador, and NEA Lebanon Desk Officer Matthew Irwin on December 19. Geagea detailed progress in March 14's electoral preparations, including a plan to back independent Christian candidat [...]	2008-12-30 10:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV MASS IS SY LE
08BEIRUT1800	LEBANON: AN ENTHUSIASTIC JUMBLATT TALKS ELECTORAL [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt received visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale, Ambassador, and NEA Lebanon Desk Officer Matthew Irwin on December 18. Jumblatt delved into the details of intra-March 14 discussions on electoral strategy and candidate selection. He agreed that the [...]	2008-12-30 10:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER SY LE
08BEIRUT1801	SALLOUKH SKEPTICAL ON ISRAEL-PALESTINE [...] (C) Visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale, Ambassador, and visiting NEA Lebanon Desk Officer met Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh on December 19. Salloukh noted general respect for the Doha agreement in advance of the 2009 parliamentary elections, which he expected to occur in late [...]	2008-12-30 13:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV UNSC MASS KPAL IS LE
08BEIRUT1802	LEBANON: HUSSEINI CALLS FOR NEW ELECTORAL LAW, [...] (C) Former Speaker of Parliament and resigned Shi'a parliamentarian Hussein Husseini met visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary David Hale, DCM, and visiting NEA Lebanon Desk Officer Matthew Irwin on December 18, saying that without a fair electoral law, strong judiciary and parliament, and s [...]	2008-12-30 13:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT1803	LEBANON: KHAWAJI BRISTLES AT CRITICISM OF RUSSIAN [...] (C) Accepting a last-minute December 18 meeting to discuss Russia's offer of 10 MiG-29 fighter jets, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Jean Kahwaji received visiting NEA Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) David Hale, Ambassador, visiting NEA Lebanon Desk Officer Matthew Irwin, and LTC James [...]	2008-12-30 14:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL MASS MCAP RU LE
08BEIRUT1805	LEBANON: GOL WILL ATTEND ARAB LEAGUE MEETING ON [...] (C) On December 30, Embassy officers delivered reftel demarche to Nazem Khoury, advisor to President Sleiman, and Oussama Khachab, Director of the Americas desk at the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Khoury and Khachab, respectively, called the situation in Gaza "unacceptable" and "very [...]	2008-12-30 16:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PHUM KPAL KWBG MOPS IS LE
08BEIRUT1806	LEBANON: GAZA REACTIONS: HIZBALLAH MOST VOCAL [...] (C) The most vocal critic in Lebanon against Israeli action in Gaza, Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, blamed Arab states for "collaborating with Israel" and urged these states to stand up to Israel. He also called for demonstrations, most of which have been held without incident. [...]	2008-12-30 17:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS KPAL IS
08BEIRUT1808	LEBANON: PM SINIORA SAYS HE, SLEIMAN, PROACTIVE [...] (C) On December 31, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora informed the Ambassador and DCM that the GOL was taking a proactive approach with Hizballah in response to the situation in Gaza. He and President Sleiman were in contact with Hizballah officials daily, Siniora said, as well as with leaders of t [...]	2008-12-31 12:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE IS
08BEIRUT181	LEBANON: BERRI NOT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT MOUSSA VISIT [...] (C) The Ambassador paid an introductory call on Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, one day before Arab League Secretary General Moussa's return to Beirut. The Speaker did not appear optimistic that Moussa's visit would lead to a breakthrough in the ongoing impasse over the presidential election, [...]	2008-02-07 13:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT182	LEBANON: FM SALLOUKH WELCOMES AMBASSADOR SISON [...] (C) Ambassador Sison made introductory protocol calls on MFA Chief of Protocol Georges Siam and then FM Fawzi Salloukh on February 6. Salloukh said that the Ambassador, although officially a Charge d'Affaires, would be considered as a "full-fledged Ambassador, with all the rights and privilege [...]	2008-02-07 17:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL MASS MCAP SY IS LE
08BEIRUT183	LEBANON: JUMBLATT PESSIMISTIC ON ARAB LEAGUE, [...] (C) The Special Tribunal, the Arab League initiative and Amr Moussa's return to Lebanon, preparations for the February 14 commemoration of the assassination of PM Rafiq Hariri, and Hizballah arms were among the topics of conversation at a February 7 lunch hosted for the Ambassador by Druse lead [...]	2008-02-07 17:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT190	LEBANON: MARCH 14 GAINING MOMEMTUM [...] (C) Key March 14 players told the Ambassador March 14 would insist on presidential elections first in talks with visiting Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa (whose departure has now been postponed until February 9). They remained confident in the support of the Lebanese Armed Forces (LA [...]	2008-02-08 15:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT191	LEBANON: SCENESETTER FOR VISIT OF U/S DEFENSE ERIC [...] (C) Under Secretary Edelman: Welcome back to Lebanon. Your trip provides another excellent opportunity to reinforce the message of strong U.S. government support for Lebanon. Since your last visit in October 2007, Lebanon has sunk further into a political crisis. There have been more car bo [...]	2008-02-08 15:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL MASS MCAP SY IS LE
08BEIRUT192	BEIRUT EAC MEETING FEBRUARY 8, 2008 [...] (SBU) Action Request - see para 9. 2. (SBU) At 0930 hours on February 8, 2008, Ambassador convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC). The DCM, RSO, MGMT, POL, USAID, PD, RAO, DAO, ODC, CONS, and INL were present. 3. (SBU) There are large-scale pro-government demonstratio [...]	2008-02-08 16:00:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC PTER
08BEIRUT193	LEBANON: DEFMIN ON DEMONSTRATIONS, QATAR/UNIFIL [...] (C) In a February 8th introductory meeting at the MinDef's home, MinDef Elias Murr warmly welcomed the Ambassador and laid the ground work for continued, close coordination and cooperation with the USG. Murr looks forward to the upcoming visit of USDP Edelman and what that entails for supportin [...]	2008-02-08 16:06:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT195	LEBANON: ARAB LEAGUE SYG MOUSSA REPORTS NO [...] (C) Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, just minutes before departing Beirut, told the Ambassador that, although he was unable to report a breakthrough in the ongoing political impasse, he was not disappointed in his visit. There had been very open and serious discussions, he said, which [...]	2008-02-09 12:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT196	LEBANON: UN SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR LEBANON [...] (C) UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Geir Pedersen, who ends his three year tour of duty in Lebanon next week, provided a frank and fairly pessimistic assessment of Lebanon's state of affairs for the newly arrived Ambassador. In his opinion, the current political crisis will last for months, [...]	2008-02-09 12:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL UNSC PTER SY IS LE
08BEIRUT198	LEBANON: A/FM MITRI ON IRAQI REFUGEES, ARAB LEAGUE [...] (C) The Ambassador paid an introductory call on Acting Foreign Minister Tariq Mitri as Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa was once again in Beirut seeking to mediate a resolution to the presidential election deadlock between the majority and the opposition. Mitri was not hopeful that [...]	2008-02-11 08:15:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	CASC EAID IS KPAL LE PGOV PREF PREL SA SY
08BEIRUT2	LEBANON: SLEIMAN SEES AOUN AS "DANGEROUS" AND [...] (C) In a 1/2 meeting with the Ambassador, LAF Commander -- and presidential front-runner -- Michel Sleiman came across as both bemused and exasperated by the presidential limbo. While skeptical that elections would occur on 1/12, he denied rumors he would pull out of the race. Dismissing p [...]	2008-01-02 14:50:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER KDEM LE SY QA SA
08BEIRUT203	LEBANON: ARMY COMMANDER SAYS AMR MOUSSA WILL [...] (C) In a February 8th introductory office call, Lebanese Army Commander Michel Sleiman warmly welcomed Ambassador. Sleiman did not think that the February 7-9 trip by Arab League SYG Amr Moussa would accomplish anything other than a framework for more discussions. Sleiman gave a brief overvie [...]	2008-02-11 10:57:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT205	LEBANON: MARCH 14 ORGANIZING BETTER; ESTABLISHES [...] (C) At long last, the March 14 pro-government coalition has set up a secretariat for internal coordination to develop strategies to boost public (both domestic and international) support and create a unified public relations message. March 14 leaders already have begun an intensive diplomatic [...]	2008-02-11 12:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PHUM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT207	LEBANON: PATRIARCH SAYS SYRIA TO BLAME FOR [...] (C) In a February 8 introductory call by the Ambassador, Maronite Patriarch Boutros Sfeir said that Lebanon, especially the Christian community, was divided and he blamed Syria and Iran for the division. The Patriarch said the key element of the Arab League initiative is the call for the imme [...]	2008-02-11 14:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PARM PGOV PREL PTER LE SY
08BEIRUT208	LEBANON: WATER DISPUTE ALONG LEBANESE/ISRAELI [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 5 SUMMARY ------- 2. (C) During a February 6 International Donor Coordination meeting, Lillah Fearnley, a UNIFIL Civil Affairs Officer, briefed the group on a growing water dispute that is raising tensions between Lebanese and Israeli [...]	2008-02-11 16:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID MASS PBTS PGOV PREL IS LE SY
08BEIRUT209	LEBANON: UK AND UNIFIL SEEK FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR [...] (C) International donor country representatives working with Lebanon's security sector met on February 6 to discuss a number of items pertaining to security sector reform and stabilization. Items ranged from a UK recommendation for the funding of a newly trained Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) "P [...]	2008-02-11 16:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID MASS PBTS PGOV PREL IS LE SY
08BEIRUT215	LEBANON: HARIRI URGES STRONGER U.S. PRESSURE ON [...] (C) Increased pressure on Syria was the dominant theme of the Ambassador's first meeting with majority leader Saad Hariri. The opposition, supported by Syria and Iran, was pursuing a long-term strategy to gradually take over the country, he claimed. Bilateral and international assistance was [...]	2008-02-12 17:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PHUM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT216	LEBANON: AMBASSADOR VISITS SENIOR MUSLIM RELIGIOUS [...] (C) The Ambassador's introductory calls on Acting Head of the Higher Islamic Shia Council Sayyed Qabalan and Sunni Grand Mufti Sheikh Qabbani were a contrast illustrating the opposing political visions and the tensions underlying Shia-Sunni relations in Lebanon. Sayyed Qabalan, a close ally [...]	2008-02-12 17:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IS KIRF KPAL LE PGOV PREL
08BEIRUT223	LEBANON: ARMY COMMANDER DISCUSSES DISCIPLINARY [...] (C) In a February 13th office call with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (USDP) Edelman, Lebanese Army Commander Michel Sleiman reviewed the themes of Army unity, good morale in the Army, and the positive role model for sectarian cooperation the Army provides to Lebanon (Reftel A). Sleima [...]	2008-02-13 16:31:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT226	LEBANON: AMBASSADOR RECEIVES OVERVIEW OF GOL'S [...] (C) During an introductory call on February 13, the Ambassador received an overview of the GOL's programs to assist the Palestinian refugee community from Ambassador Khalil Makkawi, President of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC). Ambassador Makkawi outlined short-term goals, [...]	2008-02-13 16:43:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KPAL PREF SY IS LE
08BEIRUT228	LEBANON: FINMIN AZOUR - NAVIGATING BY RADAR; [...] (C) Summary: Finance Minister Azour, in his initial meeting with the Ambassador, outlined the economic situation at the end of 2007, and the challenges facing him in 2008. Last year was better than it might have been, but now security tensions are stalling the economy. Preventing economic col [...]	2008-02-14 10:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON EFIN PGOV PREL PTER SA LE
08BEIRUT236	MINISTER OF INTERIOR WELCOMES ENHANCED COOPERATION [...] (U) SUMMARY: In a February 13, 2008 introductory meeting pro-Hariri Interior Minister Hassan As-Sabaa welcomed Ambassador and communicated his strong interest in the active collaboration between the USG and the MOI in security related matters. He stressed the continuing need for further assis [...]	2008-02-14 16:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL NAS PTER IS SY LE
08BEIRUT237	LEBANON: THEORIES ABOUT MUGHNIEH'S ASSASSINATION [...] (C) Two days after the February 12 Damascus car bomb attack that killed senior Hizballah commander Imad Mughnieh, theories abound in Beirut on who was behind the assassination and why. The timing of the killing also cannot be ignored, occurring just two days before the third anniversary of th [...]	2008-02-14 16:56:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PGOV PREL IS KPAL LE
08BEIRUT238	LEBANON: CANADA AND BELGIUM NEED PUSH TO AID LAF, [...] (C) During a February 12 international donor assistance meeting for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),Canadian and Belgian DATTs (protect) requested USG help in approaching their host countries' foreign ministries to seek additional support for the LAF. The DATTs said that each of their countr [...]	2008-02-14 17:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MASS MCAP PGOV PREL PTER BE CA LE
08BEIRUT24	LEBANON: AOUN SAYS MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY [...] (C) In a January 4 meeting with Ambassador, Michel Aoun said the Hizballah-led March 8-Aoun opposition would not agree to ending the presidential vacuum until the pro-government March 14 bloc agrees to a package deal comprised of a one-third blocking minority in cabinet for the opposition, agr [...]	2008-01-07 14:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM FR IS LE SY
08BEIRUT251	LEBANON: PM GRATEFUL TO RECEIVE PRESIDENT'S STRONG [...] (C) Under Secretary of Defense Edelman delivered the President's personal letter to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora during their meeting in Beirut on February 12. The Prime Minister was grateful for the letter, saying he was pleased to see such "strong and firm support on many important issues." [...]	2008-02-15 12:48:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PGOV PREL UNSC PTER SY IS LE
08BEIRUT255	LEBANON: GEAGEA PLEASED WITH 2/14 RALLY, PLEADS [...] (C) In his first meeting with Charge Sison, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, pleased with the results of the February 14 rally, said he believed the March 14 bloc had proven it is a popular movement able to rally its supporters and speak with a unified voice. He predicted that the Arab Le [...]	2008-02-15 18:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PHUM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT256	LEBANON: GEMAYEL SAYS CHRISTIAN WITH MUSCLES [...] (C) In a February 15th introductory office call, former president Amine Gemayel warmly welcomed Charge Sison. Gemayel said he told PM Siniora in a telephone call on February 14 that Lebanon needed to address the lack of Christian representation in the government by either electing a president [...]	2008-02-15 19:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER IS LE SY IR
08BEIRUT257	MEETING WITH INTERNAL SECURITY FORCES DIRECTOR [...] (C) General Achraf Rifi, Director General of the Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF),in his first meeting with Charge Sison reiterated his and the ISF's appreciation for the active U.S. support for his forces and the continued need for additional training, equipment and infrastructure imp [...]	2008-02-15 19:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS LE
08BEIRUT26	LEBANON: BERRI SAYS CABINET MUST BE 10-10-10 [...] (C) In a January 7 meeting with the Ambassador, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said he agreed with the 1/5 Arab League Foreign Ministers' communique. But Berri's interpretation of the communique was sharply at odds with that of March 14: whereas March 14 sees the communique as largely suppor [...]	2008-01-07 17:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PARM PGOV PREL PTER FR LE SY
08BEIRUT260	LEBANON: HARIRI PROVIDES ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE ON [...] No summary [...]	2008-02-19 05:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PHUM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT264	LEBANON: HARIRI PROVIDES ANECDOTAL EVIDENCE ON [...] (S/NF) In the course of a February 11 meeting with the Charge (Ref A),majority leader Saad Hariri and advisor Ghattas Khoury provided anecdotal information regarding alleged financial transactions of Rami Maklouf and Syrian Directory of Military Intelligence Asef Shawket. They alleged that M [...]	2008-02-19 12:31:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PHUM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT266	LEBANON: AOUN INSISTS ON BLOCKING THIRD, ELECTORAL [...] (C) In his first meeting with Charge Sison, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun stressed the opposition's demand for a blocking third in cabinet and the need for a more representative electoral law if the Arab League initiative was going to succeed. Palestinian refugees was one of the [...]	2008-02-19 15:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PREF KPAL PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT267	LEBANON: LAWYERS FOR FOUR DETAINED GENERALS SEEK [...] (C ) DCM met on February 15 with two lawyers representing Jamil Sayed, the former head of Lebanon's General Security, who has been in detention for nearly three years after being arrested on suspicion of involvement in the car bomb assassination of former PM Rafiq Hariri in February, 2005. Thr [...]	2008-02-19 15:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PGOV PREL PTER LE SY
08BEIRUT268	LEBANON: CENTRAL BANK GOVERNOR POINTS TO SLOW [...] (C) In a February 18 meeting, Lebanese Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh painted a picture for Charge Sison of a Lebanese economy hampered by slow growth and not keeping up with its neighbors. The GOL needs the continued financial support of other countries to cover its deficits. He would w [...]	2008-02-19 15:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EFIN ETRD EAIR PTER LE
08BEIRUT269	LEBANON: HADDAD STRESSES WTO ACCESSION, IPR [...] (C) Minister of Economy and Trade Sami Haddad told Charge Sison that in Lebanese-U.S. discussions of Lebanon's WTO accession, there were numerous U.S. questions about pharmaceutical issues on import regimes, without any indication of actual infringements. Haddad would like to see some compari [...]	2008-02-19 15:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ETRD ECON EFIN PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT27	LEBANON: SINIORA PLEASED WITH ARAB LEAGUE; WON'T [...] (C) Summary: Meeting with the Ambassador on Monday 1/7, Prime Minister Siniora appeared pleased with the Arab League's weekend effort to find a solution to the presidential impasse, and promised to "extend a hand" to the Hizballah-led opposition, although not agreeing to a "10-10-10" cabinet s [...]	2008-01-07 17:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ENIV PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT270	LEBANON: FRENCH AND VATICAN AMBASSADORS [...] (C) In separate introductory meetings with Charge Sison, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Papal Nuncio Luigi Gatti and French Charge d'Affaires Andre Parant expressed similar views on Lebanon's ongoing political impasse, including the role of regional actors, Lebanon's Christians, the Special T [...]	2008-02-19 16:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PHUM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT271	LEBANON: SAUDI AMBASSADOR FEARS PLOT TO KILL [...] (C) The Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon claimed that Syria plans to allow the election of Michel Sleiman just before the Damascus Arab League summit, then assassinate him after the summit but before a new PM or cabinet is agreed. The purpose would be to create multiple vacuums in Lebanese institut [...]	2008-02-19 16:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE SA
08BEIRUT28	LEBANON: OPPOSITION RHETORIC AGAINST SLEIMAN [...] (C) Many in the governing March 14 coalition thought that their agreeing to elect Michel Sleiman as president would lead to a solution to the impasse over the presidency, since it was assumed Sleiman had the support of the March 8-Aoun opposition. Instead, the Hizballah-led opposition has s [...]	2008-01-07 17:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT283	LEBANON: JUMBLATT PREOCCUPIED WITH SECURITY ISSUES [...] (C) Security concerns weighed heavily on Druse leader Walid Jumblatt during a February 22 meeting with the Charge. He sought U.S. assistance in persuading Saad Hariri to discuss recent Sunni-Shia clashes with Amal leader Nabih Berri, pointing to an upcoming Hizballah rally as another source o [...]	2008-02-21 15:28:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT285	BEIRUT CORE EAC MEETING FEBRUARY 21, 2008 [...] (S) At 1730 hours of February 21, 2008, Charge Sison convened a meeting of the Core Emergency Action Committee (EAC). Present were DCM, RSO and GRPO. 2. (S) Core EAC discussed the anonymous phone threat to the Embassy of Kuwait in Beirut. On the morning of Thursday, February 21, 2008 an an [...]	2008-02-22 13:44:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC PTER LE
08BEIRUT286	LEBANON: ARAB LEAGUE INITIATIVE -- GROUNDHOG DAY? [...] (C) Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa's Chief of Staff expressed neither optimism nor pessimism following his February 20-21 discussions with members of the majority and opposition. Acknowledging that the situation was difficult, and that Moussa had not yet decided whether he would retu [...]	2008-02-22 16:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT292	LEBANON: BERRI SAYS STILL NO AGREEMENT ON CABINET [...] (C) Speaker Berri, commenting on Arab League SYG Amr Moussa's return to Lebanon in a last-ditch effort to resolve the political impasse before the February 26 parliamentary session to elect a president, said as of noontime on February 25, agreement still had not been reached on cabinet formati [...]	2008-02-25 15:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT296	LEBANON: ARAB LEAGUE SYG MOUSSA REPORTS GLASS IS [...] (C) Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, just minutes before departing Beirut, told the Charge that his most recent round of marathon meetings had resulted in "serious discussions" covering a lot of topics. If representatives from the majority and opposition could sit together and discus [...]	2008-02-26 16:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT297	LEBANON: REQUEST ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR NBPP [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 8. Summary -------- 2. (C) On February 22, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Signals Command requested additional funding (approximately USD 120K) to augment the USG-donated secure communications equipment for the German-led Northern Bor [...]	2008-02-26 16:45:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL UNSC PTER SY IS LE
08BEIRUT302	LEBANON: SAAD CALLS ARAB LEAGUE MEETINGS "USELESS" [...] (C) On February 25, Majority leader Saad Hariri called the February 24-25 round of Arab League meetings "useless." Michel Aoun continued to insist on a blocking third in the cabinet, and Syria does not want the presidential election to take place. Hizballah, meanwhile, was escalating its act [...]	2008-02-26 13:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT304	LEBANON: SINIORA ON ARAB LEAGUE, REQUESTS TO ARAB [...] Action Request - see para 13. 2. SUMMARY. Informed by Charge that U.S. would ask Arab League and GCC capitals to support Lebanon ahead of the March 5-6 Arab League meeting and GCC Ministerial, Lebanese PM Fouad Siniora asked that the U.S. be more specific in describing the Lebanese politic [...]	2008-02-26 19:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL EFIN ENRG EAID CASC SY KV AL IZ
08BEIRUT314	Lebanon: Media Reaction, February 29, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-02-29 11:52:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KMDR OPRC KPAO PREF PREL KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT316	LEBANON: COMMERCIAL SUCCESS STORIES [...] Date: December 28, 2007 Post: Beirut Action Officer: Naaman Tayyar, Senior Commercial Specialist Country: Lebanon Company: Fisher Labs Inc. Company Headquarters (state, zip code): North Haven, CT 06473 Issue/project: Agency Agreement between the U.S. firm Fisher Labs Inc. and the Lebanese fi [...]	2008-02-29 15:36:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	BEXP ETRD ECON EINV FIN LE
08BEIRUT317	LEBANON: AOUN'S TAKE ON THE ARAB LEAGUE MEETINGS [...] (C) Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) representative Michel de Chadarevian, speaking for FPM leader Michel Aoun, said the Arab League initiative remains blocked over two issues: cabinet formation and electoral reform. He also alluded to two additional conditions Aoun might try to impose should th [...]	2008-02-29 17:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM LE
08BEIRUT318	LEBANON: SINIORA MAKES STATEMENT ON USN SHIP [...] (S) Summary: PM Fouad Siniora asked to meet with Charge Sison at the Grand Serail at 1330 on February 29 to discuss media reports concerning the presence of the USS Cole in international waters off Lebanon. Siniora neither criticized nor blessed the presence of the Cole. His focus was what [...]	2008-02-29 17:44:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	MOPS PGOV PREL IS SY LE
08BEIRUT319	Lebanon: Media Reaction, March 3, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-03-03 12:50:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KMDR OPRC KPAO PREF PREL KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT321	LETTER TO SECSTATE [...] Following is the text of a letter received today addressed to Secretary of State from Member of Parliament (member of the March 14 Coalition) Walid Jumblatt: Begin Text: Beirut 22 February 2008 The Honorable Dr. Condoleeza Rice United States Secretary of State Dear Madame Secretary [...]	2008-03-03 14:30:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	OPDC PREL LE
08BEIRUT322	LEBANON: ENERGY MINISTER VISITS SYRIA (ECONOMIC WEEK IN [...] (SBU) Acting Energy and Water Minister Safadi on February 23 attended the Arab Energy Ministers meeting in Damascus, hosted by Syrian PM Naji Ottari, to discuss the Arab gas pipeline project. Safadi also met on the sidelines with Syrian Minister of Electricity Ahmad Khaled Al-Ali to discuss the [...]	2008-03-03 14:43:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT323	LEBANON: DRUSE AND PHALANGE DISMISSIVE OF ARAB [...] No summary [...]	2008-03-03 16:15:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT324	LEBANON: GENERAL SLEIMAN ON GAZA, US NAVY IN [...] (C) Summary: Charge met with Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Michel Sleiman March 3 for an overview of the past week: Gaza, U.S. Navy ship movements, and continued speculation on the Arab League Summit. Sleiman was frank and constructive during the meeting, offering feedback on Charge's rece [...]	2008-03-03 16:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT325	LEBANON: DRUSE AND PHALANGE DISMISSIVE OF ARAB [...] (C) Advisors to Phalange party leader Amine Gemayel and Druse leader Walid Jumblatt were critical of Arab League SYG Amr Moussa's ongoing efforts to resolve Lebanon's political impasse, suggesting that Moussa's real focus was a successful Arab League summit. They said some in March 14 favor th [...]	2008-03-04 06:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT329	LEBANON: MARCH 14 MPS ANXIOUS OVER ARAB LEAGUE [...] (C) Still determined and tough in their rhetoric, ten of the March 14 MPs taking refuge in Beirut hotels since the September 2007 assassination of their colleague MP Antoine Ghanem told the Charge that Lebanon should follow suit if Saudi Arabia and Egypt choose not to send a delegation to the [...]	2008-03-04 14:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM IS KPAL LE
08BEIRUT330	LEBANON: EPCA EXTENSION, DELICATE BANKING BALANCE [...] (C) U.S. Treasury DAS Andrew Baukol's visit to Beirut on February 25 was dominated by two recurring themes: the expired IMF Emergency Post Conflict Agreement (EPCA) must be replaced, and the normally robust Lebanese banking system might be more sensitive to increased security risks than politi [...]	2008-03-04 14:53:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EINV PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT331	LEBANON: GEAGEA PROPOSES REVAMPING GOVERNMENT WITH [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea conveyed his thoughts to the Charge on the political impasse shortly before departing on his three-week trip to the U.S. He believes Lebanon should boycott the March 29-30 Arab League summit in Damascus if no president is elected. At a minimum, the sum [...]	2008-03-04 16:13:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER SY LE
08BEIRUT333	LEBANON: 2008 SPECIAL 301 REVIEW [...] Summary: In 2007, the Government of Lebanon (GOL) made some important advances in the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR). Progress, however, was hindered by continued political instability, the absence of a functioning parliament that could approve new IPR legislation and the d [...]	2008-03-05 07:24:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KIPR ETRD ECON PGOV LE
08BEIRUT334	Lebanon: Print Media -- Newspapers [...] This cable is sensitive but unclassified. Please handle accordingly. 2. (U) Summary: This cable provides information on Lebanese newspapers including political affiliations and circulation figures where available. Lebanon's print media is diverse, vibrant and often opinionated. There a [...]	2008-03-05 08:56:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	KMDR OPRC KPAO PREF PREL KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT335	PD PROGRAMS ATTRACT YOUTH THROUGHOUT LEBANON [...] (U) Summary: Youth from throughout Lebanon are increasingly interested in Public Diplomacy's (PD) student programs. Results from the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) and English Access Microscholarship programs indicate that PD's outreach includes students from all groups of Lebanon's diverse se [...]	2008-03-05 13:44:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	OEXC SCUL KPAO
08BEIRUT337	LEBANON: ESTIMATED NUMBERS OF POTENTIAL EVACUEES [...] (SBU) In 2006 the USG evacuated approximately 15,000 American Citizens and their families from Lebanon during hostilities between Israel and the Lebanon-based group Hizballah. Embassy Beirut recognizes the importance of accurately forecasting the number of Americans in the country as it allo [...]	2008-03-05 14:11:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	AEMR CASC CY AMGT LE
08BEIRUT339	LEBANON: MARCH 14 TO HOLD FIRST CONVENTION [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 12. 2. (U) The March 14 coalition, seeking to build on the momentum gained during the February 14, 2008 third commemoration of Rafiq Hariri's assassination, which rallied larger than expected crowds, is planning its first ever convention [...]	2008-03-05 15:37:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT340	LEBANON: CHARGE VISITS SAFE HOUSE FOR TRAFFICKING [...] (U) On March 4, the Charge visited the G/TIP-funded Safe House operated by Caritas in partnership with the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC). The residents, all women, told stories of abuse and exploitation, while at the same time displaying the strength and courage to leave [...]	2008-03-05 15:49:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	ELAB KCRM PHUM SMIG SOCI CE CF ET LE MA NP
08BEIRUT347	LEBANON: FACEBOOK: BEIRUT'S NEWEST TOOL IN YOUTH [...] Summary: Responding to the overwhelming popularity in Lebanon of an American-based social networking website, Public Diplomacy (PD) Beirut is inviting tech-savvy Lebanese youth from all walks of life to become friends...on Facebook. With a membership base of 256,000 people in Lebanon and growi [...]	2008-03-07 10:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	OIIP OEXC KPAO KMPI
08BEIRUT348	Lebanon: Media Coverage -- USAID Projects in the South [...] Summary: Under the title "Forbidden Assistance," a Lebanese magazine "Southern Issues" (Shu'un Jannubiah) carried a ten-page report on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID)/Lebanon's assistance to southern Lebanon, the area where Hizballah, a designated terrorist orga [...]	2008-03-07 12:25:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KMDR OPRC KPAO PREF PREL KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT349	LEBANON: PRM A/S WITTEN REVIEWS IRAQI REFUGEE [...] (C) Acting Foreign Minister Tarek Mitri conveyed his concerns to visiting Acting A/S for Population, Refugees and Migration Samuel Witten about the complex situation of Iraqi refugees residing in Lebanon. He admitted that some in the Lebanese public are suffering from "paranoia," and he is co [...]	2008-03-07 13:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PHUM SOCI SMIG LE
08BEIRUT350	LEBANON: UNIIIC COMMISSIONER VOWS TO LEAVE NO [...] (C) This is an action request. See paragraphs 13-14. 2. (C) UNIIIC Commissioner and Prosecutor-Designate Daniel Bellemare is as determined as ever to succeed in his mission, but warns that it will take more time and resources before he will be able to issue indictments. Bellemare, who is [...]	2008-03-07 14:14:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT351	LEBANON: PEELING AWAY AOUN'S MPS [...] (C) At a March 5 luncheon hosted by the Mayor of Zahle, Asaad Zoughaib, the Charge attempted to verify reports that the Zahle MPs, part of Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun's bloc, are willing to break the alliance. The Mayor repeatedly told the Charge that his close friend Elie Skaff [...]	2008-03-07 14:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM LE
08BEIRUT353	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER INSISTS LEBANON ATTEND [...] (C) Minister of Justice Charles Rizk told the Charge in their first meeting that it is imperative that Lebanon attend the March 29-30 Arab League summit in Damascus, regardless of whether it is invited. He was less insistent on who should represent Lebanon, saying that ideally, the whole Counc [...]	2008-03-07 16:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER EAID SY LE
08BEIRUT354	LEBANON: HARIRI ADVISOR LOOKING AHEAD TO [...] (C) Ghattas Khoury, advisor to majority leader Saad Hariri, does not believe enough pressure has been exerted on Syria to allow Lebanon's presidential election to take place. Michel Aoun, who seemed to reject all three points in the Arab League initiative, was the main problem. Lebanon would [...]	2008-03-07 16:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT355	LEBANON: GEMAYEL FEARS CHAOS OR COMPROMISE WITH [...] (C) Former President and head of the Phalange party Amine Gemayel told the Charge he is afraid of two potential outcomes to the political impasse: chaos or compromise. He equates a compromise with the opposition as a compromise between Lebanese sovereignty and Syrian hegemony. Recapping his [...]	2008-03-07 17:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY LE
08BEIRUT356	LEBANON: SWAP OF MATURING EUROBONDS AND FRENCH SOFT LOAN [...] (SBU) The Ministry of Finance (MOF) on March 6 contracted with international financial institution Credit Suisse and local Audi Bank as lead managers in a new five-year Eurobond to refinance March 12 maturities amounting to $869 million, a senior MOF source told us. The coupon is estimated to [...]	2008-03-10 05:25:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT358	LEBANON: ANTI-HIZBALLAH SHIA LEADER SEEKS U.S. [...] (C) Independent Shia leader Ahmad Assad assessed positively his official reception during a recent Washington visit and is hopeful he will receive USG political and financial support. Assad briefed the Charge on his background and political stand, and deplored the general lack of media attenti [...]	2008-03-10 12:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL IS KPAL LE
08BEIRUT359	LEBANON: ADVANCING FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY REPORT [...] (SBU) Lebanon's democratic traditions go back at least to its initial elections in 1854, under Ottoman Empire rule. The key landmarks in Lebanon's democratic history are the 1924 Constitution, the National Pact of 1940, and the 1989 Ta'if Accord. Throughout Lebanon's history democratic initi [...]	2008-03-10 15:33:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ELAB KDEM PGOV PHUM PREL
08BEIRUT365	Lebanon: Media Reaction, March 11, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-03-11 09:25:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KMDR OPRC KPAO PREF PREL KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT367	LEBANON: WHITHER MARCH 14 AFTER MARCH 14? [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt conveyed the image of a stagnated March 14 bloc to the Charge in a March 8 meeting at his Clemenceau residence. With majority leader Saad Hariri in Saudi Arabia, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea in the U.S., and regional support unreliable, Jumblatt lamented [...]	2008-03-11 12:45:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM SY LE
08BEIRUT372	LEBANON: MINDEF WORRIED THAT HIZBALLAH WAR WITH [...] (S) In a March 10 meeting with Charge, MinDef Murr expressed his growing concern that a Hizballah war with Israel is imminent. His assessment is based upon recent Hizballah preparations, reported movement of families, and the precipitous increase in Israeli overflights of Lebanon. Murr does n [...]	2008-03-11 16:08:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT378	LEBANON: YOUTH BECOME POLITICALLY ACTIVE THROUGH [...] (U) Lebanon's Youth Shadow Government (YSG) is a Middle East Partnership Initiative (MEPI) funded program designed to place college level individuals in the different GOL ministries to serve as shadow ministers. EmbOffs held a reception to welcome the participants in December 2007 and have be [...]	2008-03-12 13:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	EAID LE PGOV PREL
08BEIRUT388	LEBANON: HAMADEH DISCUSSES "BEFORE, DURING AND [...] (C) Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamadeh shared with Charge and DCM that he was unable to persuade French Charge Parant to attend the March 14 congress. Regarding the upcoming Arab Summit, he said the GOL is "not in the mood" to attend, but there are issues to be decided before, during a [...]	2008-03-14 15:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PARM PGOV PINR PREF PREL PTER SY LE
08BEIRUT389	LEBANON: FRENCH AND OTHER EU CHIEFS OF MISSION [...] (C) French CDA Parant held firm to his view not to attend the March 14 bloc's convention. Not attending, he argued, takes away a potential argument by the Lebanese opposition that France and the EU unreasonably favors March 14 over the political opposition and avoids setting a precedent for at [...]	2008-03-14 15:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KDEM LE PGOV PREL SY FR
08BEIRUT391	LEBANON: GOL INEFFICIENCY IN AIDING SHIA BENEFITS [...] (C) Reasons for Hizballah's popularity and what the GOL could do to counter it were the dominant themes of discussion at a March 13 dinner with moderate Shia figures hosted by Charge Sison. Some of the guests noted that tangible assistance to underdeveloped Shia areas was the most effective [...]	2008-03-17 13:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL SY LE
08BEIRUT392	LEBANON: MARCH 14 CONVENTION REINVIGORATES THE [...] (SBU) On March 14th, the March 14 coalition commemorated the third anniversary of the 2005 Cedar Revolution with a convention that attracted a strong showing of over 2,300 supporters. The event set out to reinvigorate the movement and recapture public support. The speeches focused on March 1 [...]	2008-03-17 14:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL SY LE
08BEIRUT393	LEBANON: WILL LEBANON RECEIVE PROMISED NATURAL GAS? [...] (SBU) General Manager of the government-owned Tripoli and Zahrani (south Lebanon) Oil Installations Sarkis Hlaiss expressed skepticism that Lebanon will start receiving natural gas through the Arab gas pipeline this summer as announced by Acting Energy Minister Safadi on February 27. Hlaiss to [...]	2008-03-17 14:27:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT397	LEBANON: MARCH 14 CONSIDERING OPTIONS FOR [...] (C) While it is unlikely that PM Siniora will attend the Arab League Summit in Damascus, the ruling March 14 majority is considering other options for some form of Lebanese attendance to assure someone is there to defend the GOL in any discussion of Lebanon-Syria relations. There is disagreem [...]	2008-03-18 15:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	LE PGOV PREL SY
08BEIRUT402	LEBANON: PATRIARCH DISINCLINED TO SUPPORT CABINET [...] (C) Maronite Patriarch Sfeir continues to prioritize electing a president above all else, including expanding or reshuffling the cabinet, ideas to which he was lukewarm. He expressed his disapproval over how the invitation to the Arab League summit was delivered to Lebanon. In addition to his [...]	2008-03-19 13:45:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINR SY LE

08BEIRUT405	LEBANON: RESIGNED FM SALLOUKH ON PRESIDENTIAL [...] (C) BEGIN SUMMARY. Charge Sison met with &resigned8 FM Salloukh, at his request, on March 14. Salloukh raised concerns about the White House spokesperson,s characterization of the sixteenth postponement of Lebanon,s presidential elections. In return, Salloukh got an earful on our displeasure [...]	2008-03-19 14:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER FR IS LE
08BEIRUT406	LEBANON: PROSPECT OF HIZBALLAH WAR WITH ISRAEL PROMPTS SOME [...] (U) Rumors of an imminent Hizballah-Israeli war have spread throughout various regions of Lebanon, namely southern Lebanon, the Biqa', and the southern suburbs of Beirut. These rumors have led many to prepare themselves for such a war: renewing their passports, stocking up on food, applying [...]	2008-03-19 14:23:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL IS LE
08BEIRUT407	LEBANON: NOMINATIONS FOR MEPI STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM [...] (U) On March 7 and 10, a four-member Embassy panel conducted interviews with short-listed applicants for this summerQs MEPI Student Leaders Program. Ten principal candidates and four alternates were selected based on their qualifications for the program and interview performance. The ten pri [...]	2008-03-19 14:40:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREL KMPI KPAO LE
08BEIRUT408	BEIRUT CORE EAC MEETING MARCH 18, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-03-19 15:30:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC PTER LE
08BEIRUT409	LEBANON: NOMINATIONS FOR MEPI STUDENT LEADERS PROGRAM [...] (U) On March 7 and 10, a four-member Embassy panel conducted interviews with short-listed applicants for this summerQs MEPI Student Leaders Program. Ten principal candidates and four alternates were selected based on their qualifications for the program and interview performance. The ten pri [...]	2008-03-20 09:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KMPI KPAO PREL LE
08BEIRUT410	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER PROPOSES DUAL-HATTING [...] (C) Justice Minister Charles Rizk appealed to the Charge on March 19 to not extend the UNIIIC mandate, set to expire June 15 absent action by the Security Council. He expressed his alarm at what he suspects are preparations by UNIIIC Commissioner and Prosecutor-designate Daniel Bellemare to as [...]	2008-03-20 13:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL PTER SY FR LE
08BEIRUT411	LEBANON: UNIFIL COMMANDER REQUESTS ASSISTANCE FROM [...] (S) In a March 21 introductory meeting with Charge, United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL) Force Commander Graziano discussed a wide range of issues, but focused primarily on the difficulties posed by the continued Israeli occupation of Ghajar village inside Lebanon, the precipitous [...]	2008-03-21 15:18:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR MCAP MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT418	LEBANON: IMF SEES POSITIVE OUTLOOK FOR 2008 DESPITE [...] (SBU) IMF resident representative Edward Gardner told us on March 18 that the outlook for 2008 looks positive even if the political situation remains unresolved, forecasting two to four percent GDP growth, continuing rise in deposit inflows, and a small drop in the debt to GDP ratio. On the fi [...]	2008-03-25 14:01:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT424	LEBANON: IRAQI REFUGEES RECEIVE BADLY NEEDED USG [...] (SBU) The topic of USG assistance to the Iraqi refugee community arose in Poloff's March 18 meeting with Catholic Relief Service's (CRS) Country Director Melinda Burell. Burell said CRS, in conjunction with its local partner Caritas Lebanon, was working with Iraqi refugees by providing medica [...]	2008-03-26 12:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	EAID PGOV PHUM PREF PREL SMIG LE IZ
08BEIRUT425	LEBANON: PARTNERS SUGGEST PRACTICAL STEPS TO MOVE FORWARD [...] (U) On March 18, Emboffs hosted their monthly electoral reform coordination meeting for U.S.-funded NGOs and local civil society partners. The objective of the meeting was to reconcile a range of coordination and strategic communication issues between the various stakeholders and discuss IFESQ [...]	2008-03-26 14:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	EAID PREL KMPI KDEM LE
08BEIRUT435	LEBANON: ADDITIONAL NON-MILITARY SUPPORT TO [...] (C) In response to Department's request for Embassy Beirut's suggestions on how USG can enhance its support for the GOL (ref),we have compiled the following list of additional programs which could be funded to strengthen GOL national institutions. SEPTELS will cover our suggestions for suppo [...]	2008-03-28 11:56:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL UNSC PTER SY IS LE
08BEIRUT436	LEBANON: GOL NEXT STEPS AFTER DECISION TO BOYCOTT [...] (C) According to his top advisor, PM Siniora is striving to win his government Arab recognition that it represents the country as a whole, rather than only the March 14 faction, and that the ongoing political crisis is a result of Syrian interference rather than internal factional disputes. Th [...]	2008-03-28 12:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT437	LEBANON: MARCH 14 BRACING ITSELF FOR POST ARAB [...] (C) The March 14 General Secretariat, still glowing from its successful convention on March 14, is striving to maintain the momentum and gear up for taking tough political decisions in what it views as turbulent times ahead. Although March 14 leaders have not yet reached consensus on whether t [...]	2008-03-28 13:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR PREF MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT438	LEBANON: MP MURR SUPPORTS BERRI'S NATIONAL [...] (C) MP Michel Murr outlined to the Charge on March 27 his support for a renewal of the National Dialogue, which Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri intends to revive should the March 29-30 Arab League summit fail to resolve Lebanon's presidential crisis. Murr was dismissive of March 14 MPs' reject [...]	2008-03-28 13:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT448	LEBANON: MOBILE PRIVATIZATION DELAYED (ECONOMIC WEEK IN [...] (SBU) Senior contacts at the Ministry of Telecommunications (MOT) and the Higher Council for Privatization (HCP) told us on March 28 that mobile privatization will be delayed. The deadlines for submitting bids and for conducting the auction for the sale of Lebanon's two mobile companies expire [...]	2008-03-31 13:42:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT45	LEBANON: CODEL LYNCH MEETING WITH PM SINIORA [...] (C) On January 10, PM Siniora conveyed to CODEL Lynch his gratitude for U.S. economic, political, and military support. He said the January 5 Arab League Foreign Ministers' communique was important, but that the opposition's interpretation of the communique, if implemented, would put handcuf [...]	2008-01-11 15:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KPAL PARM PGOV PREL PTER IS LE SY
08BEIRUT450	LEBANON: FINMIN AZOUR HOPES CONTINUED REFORMS [...] (C) Finance Minister Azour told Charge that the reform agenda for Lebanon, successful so far but facing serious challenges in light of the paralyzed GOL, is the only way to maintain the credibility of the government in the face of Hizballah's political attacks. Keys to success of the reform p [...]	2008-03-31 15:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ENIV PGOV PREL PTER PINR MCAP PINS LE
08BEIRUT451	LEBANON: PM SINIORA GRATEFUL FOR INL ASSISTANCE, [...] (C) PM Fouad Siniora dismissed the March 29-30 Arab League summit in Damascus as a "non-summit," and held out little expectation that the Arab League would find a solution to Lebanon's ongoing political crisis. His government had managed to perform surprisingly well given the unprecedented ch [...]	2008-03-31 15:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT456	LEBANON: ANTI-HIZBALLAH SHIA LEADER CONTINUES [...] (C) In an April 2 meeting, independent Shia leader Ahmad Assad claimed that his Lebanese Options Group (LOG) political party was gaining momentum among the Shia community, and in particular from former supporters of Amal, the party of Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. Assad is appealing primaril [...]	2008-04-02 16:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY LE
08BEIRUT457	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH BLAMES USG FOR SUMMIT BOYCOTT [...] (S) Hizballah denounced the Arab leaders', and in particular Lebanon's, boycott of the March 29-30 Arab League summit in Damascus, and blamed the U.S. for the boycott. Nevertheless, according to media reports and public statements, Hizballah is publicly portraying the summit as a success, prim [...]	2008-04-02 16:03:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT459	LEBANON: DEFMIN MURR ON TRANSFORMING THE LAF TO SUPPORT CT OPERATIONS, UNSCR 1701, CAMPS [...] No summary [...]	2008-04-03 10:43:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	IS KPAL MASS MCAP PARM PINR PTER SY
08BEIRUT46	LEBANON: ACTING FM MITRI ON IRAQI REFUGEES, [...] (C) DCM and Poloff met Acting FM Mitri to deliver U.S. demarches on Iraqi refugees (ref a) and fundraising for the Special Tribunal (ref b) and discuss the January 5-6 Arab League meeting in Cairo which he attended. Regarding the status of Iraqis detained in Lebanese jails, Mitri said the GOL [...]	2008-01-11 16:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	IZ LE PGOV PHUM PREF PREL
08BEIRUT460	LEBANON: MARCH 14 LEADER WANTS UNIFIL THROUGHOUT [...] (C) Dory Chamoun, president of the National Liberal Party and member of the March 14 oalition, believes that the political impasse inLebanon can best be solved by the UN and advocated for a UNIFIL presence "throughout Lebanon." Dismissing any possibility of a united Maronite community in Leban [...]	2008-04-03 12:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINR MARR MOPS SY KPAL IS LE
08BEIRUT464	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER'S PLEA TO BELLEMARE: [...] No summary [...]	2008-04-03 15:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT465	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER'S PLEA TO BELLEMARE: [...] (C). Justice Minister Charles Rizk warned of mounting pressures to release the four generals held in connection with the assassination of former PM Rafiq Hariri. He stressed the need for UNIIIC Commissioner Bellemare to reaffirm former Commissioner Mehlis' recommendation that the GOL detain [...]	2008-04-03 15:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT470	LEBANON: GEAGEA PROPOSES COURTING ARMENIAN TASHNAQ [...] (C) Refreshed after his trip to the U.S., Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea walked back from his previous advocacy for electing a president with a half plus one majority, advocated revamping the cabinet and not simply replacing the two vacancies and promoted a new idea: courting the Armenian [...]	2008-04-04 16:17:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT471	LEBANON: BERRI SENDS UP TRIAL BALLOON ON [...] (C). Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri continues to seek internal and international support for his proposal to relaunch the National Dialogue, framing it as a continuation of the Arab League initiative and the only way to reach a solution to the ongoing political crisis. He criticized LAF comma [...]	2008-04-04 16:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT472	LEBANON: RECONSTRUCTION CONTINUES TO REPAIR 2006 [...] (U) The GOL and some Arab donors continue to pay beneficiaries compensation to rebuild houses destroyed or damaged in the July 2006 war, but the GOL needs additional funds to complete the process. The opposition has continuously attacked the GOL regarding disbursement of compensation, and even [...]	2008-04-07 04:06:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EAID EFIN PREL PGOV PARM MNUC LE
08BEIRUT478	LEBANON: LABOR STRIKES AND NEW TAX ON SYRIAN BORDER AFFECT [...] (U) The Teachers' Union (including public, private and technical school teachers, and Lebanese University professors) held a "warning" strike on April 3 demanding higher wages, citing dramatic increases in the cost of living. Teachers' wages have been unchanged since 1996. Organizers stressed [...]	2008-04-07 12:39:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT479	LEBANON: MARCH 14 SECRETARIAT SEEKS U.S. SUPPORT [...] (C) March 14 Secretary General Fares Suaid outlined current thinking for March 14's next steps in the wake of the Arab League summit. Unified support for a cabinet reshuffle continued to be hampered by individual political aspirations and Christian concerns. However, March 14 needed to be pr [...]	2008-04-07 14:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT48	LEBANON: DEJECTED PATRIARCH REVEALS UNHAPPINESS [...] (C) During the Ambassador's 1/11 farewell call in Bkirke, Maronite Patriarch Sfeir was uncharacteristically open about his distaste for Michel Aoun, describing Aoun's behavior and statements as shameful and harmful. He gave lukewarm endorsement of Michel Sleiman's candidacy as president, wh [...]	2008-01-11 17:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
08BEIRUT481	LEBANON: NASRALLAH'S CALL FOR "OPEN WAR" MORE FOR [...] (C) American University in Beirut (AUB) professor and former United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) public affairs officer Timur Goksel believes Hizballah SYG Hassan Nasrallah,s call for "open war" after the assassination of Imad Mugniyeh is more for internal consumption to boost mor [...]	2008-04-08 09:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINR PROP PTER SY LE
08BEIRUT483	VISIT OF INL ASSISTANT SECRETARY TO LEBANON MARCH 30-31, [...] (U) Summary: During his official visit to Lebanon March 30 to March 31, 2008, Assistant Secretary of State for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL),David T. Johnson reaffirmed the U.S. government commitment to a sovereign, democratic Lebanon, and discussed INL's continuing [...]	2008-04-08 10:12:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PINS PREL PBTS NAS PGOV IS SY LE
08BEIRUT488	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA DELEGATION HOPES TO [...] (C) Independent Shia activist Lokman Slim plans to travel to the U.S. in early May with eight other independent Lebanese Shia activists who represent a broad spectrum of opinions. The delegation's goal is to explain the independent Shia viewpoint to a variety of Washington policy makers and o [...]	2008-04-08 15:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT489	LEBANON: HARIRI OPPOSES BERRI'S NATIONAL DIALOGUE; [...] (S) During an April 7 telephone conversation with the Charge, majority leader Saad Hariri, from Riyadh, said that March 14 "needed to work hard" to stop parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's appeal for a new round of the National Dialogue. Noting that Saudi King Abdullah would be meeting the Egypt [...]	2008-04-08 15:35:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL KDEM SY SA EG LE
08BEIRUT49	LEBANON: MOUSSA MISSION MISSES MARK; PRESIDENTIAL [...] (C) In a 1/12 meeting with the Ambassador, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, while relentlessly chipper, SIPDIS could not point to a single positive development from his shuttle diplomacy among feuding Lebanese politicians. While publicly and privately interpreting the Arab League [...]	2008-01-12 13:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
08BEIRUT490	LEBANON: JUMBLATT CONCERNED ABOUT UNIIIC DELAYS, [...] (S) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt expressed concerns about information he had received that former UNIIIC Commissioner Serge Brammertz failed to act for the past year-and-a-half to act on a key lead discovered by Internal Security Forces Intelligence Officer Wissam Eid, who was assassinated one [...]	2008-04-08 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS SY IS LE
08BEIRUT491	LEBANON: ARMENIAN TASHNAQ PARTY NOT WEDDED TO [...] (C) Armenian Tashnaq party MP Hagop Pakradunian believes the solution to the ongoing political impasse lies outside of Lebanon. While supporting the candidacy of Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel Sleiman, Pakradunian insisted that his election be accompanied by agreement on cabinet [...]	2008-04-09 11:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS IR AR SY
08BEIRUT496	LEBANON: INCREASED HIZBALLAH ACTIVITY IN THE [...] (S) According to the Italian Ambassador to Lebanon, who meets occasionally with Hizballah officials, Hizballah is "off-balance" and has not yet decided how to respond to the February 12 assassination of Imad Mougnieh. Hizballah was moving its training operations to the Bekaa, while still pour [...]	2008-04-10 11:54:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS IR AR SY
08BEIRUT498	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH WAITING FOR MARCH 14 TO SHIFT [...] (S) A Hizballah security official told an interlocutor from the office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon that electoral law is all that remains to be discussed regarding Lebanon's political impasse. The Hizballah official claims the majority and opposition have agreed on Lebanese Arme [...]	2008-04-10 14:16:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PINR IS SY LE
08BEIRUT499	LEBANON: MEA CHAIRMAN FEARS AIRORT COULD FALL INTO [...] (C) The GOL is bidding out the operations and maintenance contract at Beirut International Airport (BIA). The chairman of national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA),which also owns the company that currently has the operations and maintenance contract, says that the Kuwaiti Khurafi group co [...]	2008-04-11 09:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON EAID EFIN PREL PGOV PARM MNUC LE
08BEIRUT50	LEBANON: GEMAYEL ON THE PRESIDENCY AND HIS [...] (C) During the Ambassador's 1/12 farewell call, former president Amine Gemayel dismissed Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa's shuttle diplomacy as incapable of solving Lebanon's presidential impasse: only real pressure on Syria, so that the Syrians see that presidential elections are [...]	2008-01-12 14:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
08BEIRUT502	PARTICIPANTS IN INL'S LEBANON POLICE BASIC CADET TRAINING [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police Basic Cadet Training course, scheduled to begin April 21, 2008. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 200 proposed trainees i [...]	2008-04-11 10:33:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
08BEIRUT504	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA STRESSES NEED TO [...] (C) Former Ambassador Khalil al-Khalil, an anti-Hizballah Shia from Tyre who also opposes Speaker Nabih Berri's Amal Movement, complains that he and other independent Shia have no voice in the government. He appealed for U.S. support in "activating" independent Shia, but stressed that he was n [...]	2008-04-11 14:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINR KDEM SY LE
08BEIRUT505	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH ACKNOWLEDGES TELECOM NETWORK TO [...] (C) Egyptian Ambassador Ahmed al-Bedawi remarked to the Charge on April 10 that Hizballah is very open about all of its operations, including its new fiber optic telecom network. Bedawi also said Hizballah member/resigned Minister of Energy and Water Mohammed Fneish told him he is concerned a [...]	2008-04-11 14:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREF PTER ECPS PINR EG LE SY
08BEIRUT508	LEBANON: CENTRAL BANK FOREIGN ASSETS INCREASE BY EIGHT [...] (U) The Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL) balance sheet reached $34.48 billion at the end of March 2008, compared to $32.3 billion at the end of 2007 -- an increase of 6.7 percent. Assets in foreign currencies increased by eight percent in the first quarter of 2008, and reached $13.39 billion, up [...]	2008-04-14 09:54:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT510	LEBANON: FRANK DISCUSSION AT MARCH 14 POLICY WORKSHOP [...] (U) On April 13, the anniversary of the beginning of Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war, the pro-government March 14 coaltion kicked off its first workshop, one month after its convention. The workshop included two sessions: Reactions to the March 14 political document (reftel),and the Taif Agreem [...]	2008-04-14 12:30:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT515	LEBANON: SHIA LEADER CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE [...] (C) Respected Shia leader Ibrahim Shamseddine rejects Speaker Berri's call for National Dialogue as unconstitutional, and instead calls for cabinet "rehabilitation" to include adding non-Hizballah Shia, followed by an immediate presidential election. Shamseddine, who expressed little interest [...]	2008-04-15 11:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR KPAL MASS IR AR SY
08BEIRUT516	LEBANON: SINIORA'S NEW VISION FOR HOW THE [...] (C) Summary. PM Siniora's chief aide Mohamed Chatah advocates that the international community shift focus from trying to help Lebanon solve its immediate political crisis to a goal of a secure Lebanon based on UNSCR 1701. Based on this conversation and earlier sessions with PM Siniora, we be [...]	2008-04-15 12:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KPAL IS LE SY
08BEIRUT519	LEBANON: AOUN PLAGUED BY INTERNAL DIVISIONS [...] (C) Several recent events indicate possible divisions within Michel Aoun's Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) party and, on a broader scale, a decline in popularity for Aoun's Change and Reform parliamentary bloc, part of the March 8/Aoun opposition. First, Aoun postponed his party's internal elec [...]	2008-04-16 13:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL KDEM SY LE
08BEIRUT520	LEBANON: ON CIVIL WAR ANNIVERSARY, CIVIL SOCIETY [...] (SBU) April 13 marked the 33rd anniversary of the outbreak of the 1975-1990 Lebanese civil war and a number of civil society organizations marked the occasion with public events. Commemorative events have been held in the past, but this year's events are drawing more participants and public a [...]	2008-04-16 14:45:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	EAID PREL PHUM PGOV SY IS LE
08BEIRUT522	LEBANON: SECTION 1207 FUNDING USED FOR DEMINING [...] (U) In FY 2006, the State Department's Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS) received $10 million under Section 1207 of the 2006 National Defense Authorization Act in response to an emergency request for assistance to Lebanon following the July 2006 war between [...]	2008-04-16 15:44:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PARM PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT523	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH GOES FIBER OPTIC [...] (S) Requesting a special meeting with Charge, Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamadeh decried the establishment of a complete fiber optics network by Hizballah throughout Lebanon. The GOL has been sharing this information widely among friends of Lebanon, to include the governments of France, Sau [...]	2008-04-16 16:42:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PTER ECPS PINR LE IR SY
08BEIRUT528	FIRST CLASS OF POLICE OFFICERS TRAINED BY U.S. INSTRUCTORS [...] (U) Summary. The first class of 166 Lebanese Internal Security Forces (ISF) police cadets trained under the USG sponsored Lebanon Police Program graduated on April 15, 2008. The graduation ceremony took place at the ISF Academy located in Warwar, a suburb of Beirut, and featured a sixty piece m [...]	2008-04-18 06:48:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREL NAS PGOV IS SY LE
08BEIRUT533	LEBANON: EGYPTIAN GAS DEAL WILL REDUCE COSTS, [...] (C) Summary: Minister Mohammed Safadi received Charge for her initial courtesy call in his private sector company office, where he also handles the work of two ministries, Public Works and Transport, and Energy and Water. He supports the Megaports project, but wants his port director to be br [...]	2008-04-18 12:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAIR ECON ELTN ENRG EPET EWWT LE
08BEIRUT538	LEBANON: INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY GROUP ASKS USTR TO UPGRADE [...] (U) The International Intellectual Property Alliance (IIPA) asked The United States Trade Representative (USTR) to upgrade Lebanon from the Priority Watch List to the Watch List. The IIPA attributed its recommendation to the fact that anti-piracy efforts by the Lebanese authorities have shown [...]	2008-04-21 11:37:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT540	LEBANON: SHOOTING IN ZAHLE KILLS TWO PHALANGE MEMBERS [...] (U) On April 20, two members of former President Amine Gemayel's Phalange party ("Kataeb") were killed and two others wounded during a shooting incident at a party branch office. During an inauguration ceremony for the new office, two Zahle residents, followers of MP Elie Skaff (who is allied [...]	2008-04-21 14:29:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT541	LEBANON: BERRI, OTHER POLITICIANS STUCK IN PAST [...] (C) According to Greek Orthodox Archbishop Elias Audi, the current political stalemate will be difficult to resolve because the roots of the discourse go back to the 1975-1990 civil war and can not easily be forgotten. He put the blame on the "politicians" thinking of their fiefdoms first, rat [...]	2008-04-21 15:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PHUM PINR IS LE
08BEIRUT542	LEBANON: TOUR OF THE BLUE LINE; UNIFIL COMMANDER'S [...] (C) On April 19, Charge and Defense Attache toured the Blue Line in a UNIFIL helicopter, overflying Sheba'a farms and Ghajar and met at length with UNIFIL Commander Graziano. General Graziano continues to stress that Ghajar is his number one issue, predicting that this issue will lead to arm [...]	2008-04-21 17:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	MARR MASS MCAP PGOV PREL PTER PARM PINR SY
08BEIRUT544	LEBANON: WITH WELCH, MARCH 14 REPORTS ON EFFORTS [...] (C) March 14 Secretary General Fares Suaid hosted an April 17 luncheon for visiting NEA A/S Welch, attended by a strong showing of March 14 representatives. Welch assured the participants that the U.S. supports the immediate election of a president. There was consensus among all of the parti [...]	2008-04-22 13:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL SY LE
08BEIRUT545	LEBANON: WITH WELCH, PATRIARCH URGES THE CHRISTIAN [...] (C) NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch told Maronite Patriarch Sfeir during an April 18 meeting that the Arab League summit successfully exposed Syrian interference in Lebanon and generated "very solid" support among the Arab world for Lebanon. The Christian office in Lebanon, the presidenc [...]	2008-04-22 13:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL SY LE
08BEIRUT546	LEBANON: WITH A/S WELCH, GEAGEA ADVOCATES EARLY [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea expressed his appreciation to NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch during an April 18 meeting for publicly stating that the U.S. opposes "tawteen" (Palestinian resettlement in Lebanon),but urged him to repeat the position clearly and frequently, saying t [...]	2008-04-22 13:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER SY IS KPAL LE
08BEIRUT547	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER TELLS WELCH BELLEMARE [...] (C) Justice Minister Charles Rizk told visiting NEA Assistant David Welch on April 18 that the judiciary, unlike the other branches of the Lebanese government, was still functioning, and that the creation of the Special Tribunal had played a significant role. However, the Tribunal needed to s [...]	2008-04-22 14:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR KJUS MASS IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT548	LEBANON: WITH WELCH, JUMBLATT AND COMPANY DISCUSS [...] (C) U.S. support for Lebanon, the April 22 Friends of Lebanon ministerial, the Special Tribunal, concerns about renewed regional conflict, the upcoming U.S. presidential election, and March 14's next steps dominated NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch's discussion with key March 14 leaders at [...]	2008-04-22 14:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR KJUS MASS IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT549	LEBANON: WELCH TO BERRI: HOLD DIALOGUE IN [...] (C) In an April 17 meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, NEA A/S David Welch discussed the continuing impasse on the presidential election and Berri's proposal for a new national dialogue. Berri described his recent regional tour to garner support for his proposal and said the Arab Lea [...]	2008-04-22 14:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	OVIP PARM PGOV PREL PTER IS LE SY
08BEIRUT550	LEBANON: GEMAYEL TELLS WELCH UNIFIL SHOULD EXPAND [...] (C) In a April 18 meeting, former president Amine Gemayel told visiting NEA A/S David Welch, that the rules of engagement for UNIFIL troops should be changed, and added that he wanted UNIFIL to expand its area of operations (AOE) and its mandate in southern Lebanon. UNIFIL could also be used [...]	2008-04-22 14:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	OVIP PARM PGOV PREL PTER IS LE SY
08BEIRUT551	LEBANON: ARMY COMMANDER WILL EXTEND IF ORDERED BY [...] (C) In an April 18 meeting with NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Michel Sleiman stressed he was intent on retiring by November 21, 2008. Sleiman said his announcement that he would leave his post on August 21 was designed to put pressure on th [...]	2008-04-22 14:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	MASS MCAP PTER PARM PINR KPAL SY AE IS LE
08BEIRUT552	LEBANON: SINIORA WITH WELCH URGES USG SUPPORT FOR [...] (C) In an April 17 meeting with NEA Assistant Secretary David Welch, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora asked for the U.S. and the international community to continue to support the components of the Arab League Initiative (ALI) in sequence, specifically the election of a president, followed by the [...]	2008-04-22 14:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER KPAL SY IS LE
08BEIRUT553	LEBANON: FORMER PM STRESSES JOB CREATION TO [...] (C) Charge Sison discussed ways to develop the northern region of Akkar with former PM Najib Mikati as a means to counter Sunni extremism in the area. Mikati argued for legitimizing the existence of Palestinian refugees in Lebanon via identification and work permits as a means to rid Lebanon [...]	2008-04-22 15:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR KPAL PTER IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT554	LEBANON: ABSENT A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, GEAGEA [...] (C) On April 22 Speaker Nabih Berri postponed the parliamentary session to elect a president for the 18th time, but this time, did not name a date for the next session. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea remains intent on courting independent Shia and the Armenian Tashnaq to join March 14 pri [...]	2008-04-22 16:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT560	LEBANON: SHEIKH RAHAL SAYS MAJORITY OF SHIA ARE [...] (C) Independent Shia activist Lokman Slim, in preparation for May 3-9 visit to Washington by a delegation of moderate Shia, introduced a member of the delegation, Sheikh Maarouf Rahal, to the Charge on April 23. Sheikh Rahal, an advisor to Mufti of Tyre Sayyed Ali al-Amin, has been a practicin [...]	2008-04-23 15:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT561	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER AGAIN PUSHES FOR [...] (C) Justice Minister Charles Rizk reiterated his urgent appeal for UNIIIC Commissioner Daniel Bellemare to assume his role as Prosecutor, clarifying that he was not calling for "dual-hatting." Citing recent intimidation aimed against one of the Lebanese judges working with UNIIIC, Rizk stresse [...]	2008-04-23 16:15:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR KJUS MASS IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT562	LEBANON: GOL SHOWS GREAT INTEREST IN MEGAPORTS [...] (C) The Lebanese government has been supportive to date in responding to the offers under the Department of Energy's Megaports initiative to provide radiological/nuclear materials detection equipment in Lebanon's two largest ports, Beirut and Tripoli. However, GOL bureaucracy and some specif [...]	2008-04-23 16:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID EIND ELTN ENRG EWWT PARM PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT564	LEBANON: AZOUR WORKING WITH IMF ON BENCHMARKS [...] (C) Summary: Finance Minister Azour and his team will be developing benchmarks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for the new Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance (EPCA) program during the IMF staff visit to Beirut the week of April 28. Based on PM Siniora's objectives, Azour will also [...]	2008-04-24 07:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID EINV EFIN ELAB LE
08BEIRUT565	LEBANON: JORDANIAN AMBASSADOR: NEED TO DETACH [...] (C) Jordanian Ambassador to Lebanon H.E. Ziad al Majali stressed the frequency with which his government communicates with regional players, especially Saudi Arabia, on Lebanon. He noted the importance of Jordanian relations with Syria because of their roles in the Israeli-Palestinian peace pr [...]	2008-04-24 07:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER MOPS JO SY LE
08BEIRUT57	LEBANON: UNDERSTANDING MICHEL AOUN'S POPULARITY [...] (C) While his support has dropped since its 2005 peak, Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun remains the most popular Christian political leader in Lebanon. His polling numbers remain high in spite of actions that could have diminished his support, particularly among Lebanese Christians. [...]	2008-01-15 09:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM LE
08BEIRUT570	LEBANON: NEW THINK TANK AIMED AT LINKING [...] (C) Prominent Shia attorney (and Hariri lawyer) Mohamad Matar is establishing a new think tank aimed at linking disparate independent Shia groups in Lebanon and securing more political representation in a system in which Hizballah has a monopoly on the Shia representation. Matar believes Hizb [...]	2008-04-24 16:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR IR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT571	LEBANON: ANTI-HIZBALLAH SHIA FIGURE TALKS UP [...] (C) Independent Shia figure Ahmad Assad argued that former Hizballah Secretary General Subhi Tufayli is "ready" to join forces against Hizballah, but that first he needs to have resolution of criminal charges against him for involvement in the killing of an LAF officer and a French citizen. (No [...]	2008-04-24 16:58:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PGOV PREL PTER PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT572	LEBANON: IMF MISSION TO DISCUSS NEW EPCA PROGRAM; ILLEGAL [...] (SBU) An International Monetary Fund (IMF) delegation is expected to arrive in Beirut on April 29 for a two-week visit to discuss a new Emergency Post-Conflict Assistance (EPCA) program for Lebanon, Finance Minister Jihad Azour told Charge on April 23. The mission will discuss and negotiate wi [...]	2008-04-28 09:13:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT573	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI RETURNS TO LEBANON INTENT ON [...] (S) Back at last from Saudi Arabia, majority leader Saad Hariri appears to have taken up the reins in preparing March 14's coordinated response to Speaker Berri's proposal for a new National Dialogue. Noting that March 14's acceptance will be conditioned on the election of a president on May 1 [...]	2008-04-28 14:39:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PHUM PINR KJUS MASS IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT577	LEBANON: ORGANIZATION OF THE MARONITE CHURCH [...] (U) This report is a general overview of the Maronite community in Lebanon, to provide a brief understanding on who the Maronites are, how the Maronite clergy is structured, and what the responsibilities are of the clergy in Lebanon. A subsequent report will cover the succession to the Patriar [...]	2008-04-29 14:34:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	SOCI SCUL KIRF LE
08BEIRUT578	LEBANON: BERRI REJECTS SAAD'S OVERTURES [...] (C) Speaker Berri rebuffed March 14 leader Saad Hariri's attempt to respond to his call for National Dialogue, referring him instead to Free Patriotic Movement Michel Aoun as the opposition's negotiator. March 14 quickly condemned Berri's move as evidence the opposition is not serious about e [...]	2008-04-29 16:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR KJUS MASS IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT579	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA SEEK TO COUNTER [...] (C) In an April 28 session at independent Shia NGO Hayya Bina four independent Shia figures met with the Charge to discuss efforts to counter Hizballah's influence in Lebanon. The interlocutors support the ideals of March 14, but they are critical of the political leadership which has mismanage [...]	2008-04-29 16:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR EAID OEXC OVIP PROP SY
08BEIRUT581	LEBANON: BANKERS VALUE U.S. ASSISTANCE TO LEBANON [...] (SBU) Senior officials from a cross-section of Lebanese banks told Charge that USG financial assistance, especially where it shows confidence in the banking system, is critical. OPIC loans, managed by Citibank, of $108 in early 2007 and $153 in 2008, are popular with the banks and the borrower [...]	2008-04-30 11:36:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	EAID ECON EFIN ENIV PGOV SY SA LE
08BEIRUT586	LEBANON: JUMBLATT ON POSSIBLE NEW UNSCR, NATIONAL [...] (C) March 14 leader Walid Jumblatt questioned the utility of a new UN Security Council resolution on Lebanon if it does not address the border issue with Syria and if it does not contain strong language. He noted that the GOL had not yet agreed on whether an open session on the latest UNSCR 1559 re [...]	2008-05-01 12:17:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL KJUS UNGA SY LE
08BEIRUT60	BEIRUT EAC MEETING ON JANUARY 15, 2008 [...] (SBU) On January 15, 2008, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) at 1700 hours to discuss today's explosion that hit a Diplomatic vehicle injuring a U.S. Embassy Lebanese driver. The Ambassador, DCM, AID, RSO, POL, GRPO, DAO, MGMT, PAO, CONS attended. Beirut [...]	2008-01-15 17:40:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC LE
08BEIRUT600	LEBANON: MP MURR'S INSIGHT ON BERRI, ELECTIONS [...] (C) MP Michel Murr reported that he is still trying to convince Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to meet one-on-one with majority leader Saad Hariri, adding that Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa is also working on this. SIPDIS According to Murr, Berri is intentionally delaying meeting [...]	2008-05-02 16:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL SY LE
08BEIRUT601	LEBANON: ARAB LEAGUE SYG: "BACK TO SQUARE ONE" [...] (C) Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa, in Beirut to attend the Arab Economic Forum, told the Charge on May 2 that although there is hope, "we are back to square one" on breaking the political impasse. In recapping his meetings with Lebanon's political leaders, Moussa noted that Free Pa [...]	2008-05-02 17:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL SY LE
08BEIRUT608	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA FIGURES PROMOTE WAYS TO [...] (C) Sayyed Ali al-Amin, Shia mufti of Tyre, remains highly critical of Hizballah, listing examples of its widespread control over state institutions and the media. He said the best way to counter Hizballah is through empowering moderate Shia clerics and through the provision of basic services, [...]	2008-05-05 13:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PHUM SY LE
08BEIRUT609	LEBANON: PRESSURE TO RAISE MINIMUM WAGE AND MAY 7 STRIKE; [...] (U) Sources in the Finance Ministry expect the Lebanese cabinet on 05/05 to approve an increase in the minimum monthly salary (currently $200/month) of $100-130, of which part will be transportation allowance, according to moderate anti-Syrian An-Nahar. An-Nahar indicated that the GOL will als [...]	2008-05-05 13:51:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT615	LEBANON: MAY 7 GENERAL STRIKE UPDATE - NO CLEAR [...] (C) There have been calls for a general strike on May 7 for several weeks over concern about increasing prices. The cabinet, in a marathon ten-hour session, increased the minimum wage by 50 percent, and took other steps to combat the rising cost of living. Hizballah and Amal are expected to s [...]	2008-05-06 13:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINS PREL PTER EINV MCAP LE
08BEIRUT618	LEBANON: TEN-HOUR CABINET MEETING ON HIZBALLAH'S [...] (C) Acting Foreign Minister Tareq Mitri briefed the Charge on the previous night's ten-hour marathon Cabinet meeting. Since the Cabinet has not had a quorum for the last two weeks, the 267-item agenda took five hours to work through, including a lengthy discussion on the merits of a new United [...]	2008-05-06 17:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL UNGA SA SY LE
08BEIRUT623	LEBANON: CIVIL SOCIETY DOUBTS ELECTORAL REFORM LAW [...] (C) Embassy Beirut's civil society partners on electoral reform agreed that the introduction of the Boutros draft law into parliament on March 8 was an important move, but not necessarily a meaningful one. March 8 MP Ghassan Mukhaiber publicly stated that his introduction of the bill had not [...]	2008-05-07 14:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM LE
08BEIRUT625	LEBANON: SHIA NGO HEAD TALKS ABOUT OPERATING IN [...] (C) On May 6, the Charge met with Ali al Amine, an independent Shia who heads Shoun Janoubiyeh, an NGO which publishes an independent magazine covering events of interest to the people of Southern Lebanon. Amin said that small arms proliferation continues to be a major problem in south Lebano [...]	2008-05-07 17:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR EAID OEXC OVIP PROP SY
08BEIRUT627	LEBANON: MARCH 14 DECLARES BEIRUT AIRPORT BELONGS [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: With the road to Beirut International Airport still blocked by Hizballah tents and barricades, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt urged Arab and international support for Lebanon. Jumblatt and March 14 colleague Saad Hariri believe the May 8 UNSC discussion on UNSCR 1559 implementat [...]	2008-05-07 20:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR SA IR USUN LE
08BEIRUT63	BEIRUT EAC MEETING ON JANUARY 16, 2008 [...] (S/NF) On January 16, 2008, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) at 0900 hours to discuss the January 15 explosion possibly targeting a US Embassy armored suburban that caused minor injuries to the two bodyguards in the vehicle and three civilian deaths. The [...]	2008-01-16 12:39:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC LE
08BEIRUT630	LEBANON: MITRI AND SINIORA STILL LEERY ABOUT [...] (C) The Charge spoke with Acting Foreign Minister Tariq Mitri twice May 8 to urge him to ask the Lebanese Mission to the UN to propose a public session at the May 8 UNSC briefing on UNSCR 1559. Mitri said at 1330 local time that he and Prime Minister Siniora had "no objection" in principle to [...]	2008-05-08 11:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR SY IR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT631	LEBANON: BERRI PESSIMISTIC ON IMMINENT COMPROMISE; [...] (C) On May 8, the Charge urged Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in a morning phone call before senior Shia cleric Sheikh Qabalan was to convene the Higher Islamic Shia Council, to use his influence with Qabalan to present a moderate stance in his scheduled press conference. Berri cited senior [...]	2008-05-08 13:15:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PINR SA IR USUN LE
08BEIRUT632	LEBANON: MEETING WITH MINDEF MURR [...] (C) In a May 8 meeting, Defense Minister Elias Murr explained how the current crisis in Lebanon developed, focusing on the Cabinet's May 5 decision to remove the Beirut International Airport head of security, Lebanese Army Brigadier General Wafiq Choucair, who is a Shia officer. Murr explained [...]	2008-05-08 14:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT634	LEBANON: MAY 8 RUND-UP: BEIRUT REMAINS TENSE [...] (C) The situation on the ground in Beirut remains tense. Beirut International Airport (BIA) has resumed some operations, halted since demonstrators blocked roads early May 7, while the main road to BIA and the road to Damascus, have been closed. Sunni-Shia tension continues to rise and severa [...]	2008-05-08 19:16:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR SA IR USUN LE

08BEIRUT635	LEBANON: BEIRUT UPDATE AS OF 1045 MAY 9 [...] (C) As of 1045 on May 9, the situation remains tense (Ref A) with fighting between Saad Hariri's Future Movement supporters and Hizballah-Amal Movement supporters, especially in southern Beirut. We are seeing a series of successful positional takeovers of Future positions by Hizballah, which [...]	2008-05-09 07:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT636	LEBANON: DISCUSSIONS WITH LAF COMMANDER SLEIMAN, [...] (C) Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Michel Sleiman told the Defense Attache that the LAF cannot continue to contain the situation and that he believes civil war has begun. Meanwhile, Justice Minister Charles Rizk is questioning why Hizballah is handing over its takeovers to the army and said t [...]	2008-05-09 08:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR SA IR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT637	LEBANON: DISCUSSIONS WITH SAAD HARIRI, TELECOM [...] (C) Between 1100 and 1200 on May 9, the Charge spoke to March 14 leader Saad Hariri and Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamadeh. Saad and Hamadeh both described the situation as "Iran having taken over." Saad told the Charge that Lebanon's democratic forces are at stake and that the U.S. [...]	2008-05-09 09:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR SA IR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT639	LEBANON: ECONOMY TEETERING BUT NOT DOWN YET [...] (C) The economy is moving slowly, with banks officially reporting no problems, but branches closed in some places and cash hard to find. GOL staff cannot get to work, but like stock exchange employees, they are trying to find ways to work around the closures. Port activity is suspended, and [...]	2008-05-09 12:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EINV PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT640	LEBANON: DISCUSSIONS WITH PM SINIORA, LF LEADER [...] (C) Prime Minister Fouad Siniora told the Charge at 1440 on May 9 that Beirut is undergoing a "coup d'etat" by Hizballah and would welcome a strong condemnation from the U.S. on Iran, Syria, and Hizballah. He expressed his appreciation for USG and Arab League foreign ministers' support. He a [...]	2008-05-09 12:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR SA IR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT641	LEBANON: SLEIMAN SAYS ARMY DOING ITS BEST TO [...] (C) Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel Sleiman said the LAF is doing its best to prevent militia activity, while expressing concern for the safety of the Lebanese people. March 14/Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt, from his residence in Clemenceau, told the Charge at [...]	2008-05-09 16:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR SA IR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT642	LEBANON: GEAGEA PROPOSES ARAB PEACEKEEPERS; A [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, in a surprise visit to the Embassy Friday night (May 9),stressed the importance of strengthening Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, Lebanese Armed Forces Commander Michel Sleiman, and the Siniora government. He mentioned the idea of an Arab peacekeeping fo [...]	2008-05-09 20:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC EAIR CASC SA IR
08BEIRUT645	BEIRUT EAC MEETING MAY 10, 2008 [...] (C) At 1000 on May 10, 2008, CDA Sison convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC). Present were A/DCM, SpecAsst, CONS, DAO, ODC, PD, RAO, RSO, and MGMT. There is continued denial of access to the Beirut International Airport (BIA). The EAC decided to maintain a restriction on [...]	2008-05-10 09:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	CASC PTER MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT646	LEBANON: SINIORA TO GO ON AIR AT 1400 [...] (C) Prime Minister Fouad Siniora will go on air at 1400 local time to address the nation. His view on a Saudi-proposed Arab peacekeeping contingent, according to a PM aide, is "favorable only if feasible." The British Ambassador said the EU ambassadors met to discuss emergency preparedness; [...]	2008-05-10 10:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC CASC UNSC EAIR SA
08BEIRUT647	LEBANON: GOL WANTS TO REDUCE ITS MANPADS STOCKPILE [...] (S/NF) In a March 26 meeting, DATT informed the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) officials of the appointment of Ambassador Bloomfield as the Special Envoy for MANPADS Threat Reduction. GOL officials also expressed great interest in relinquishing MANPADS within their possession during a March 3-7 [...]	2008-05-10 17:30:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	MARR MASS MCAP MOS PARM PINR PINS LE
08BEIRUT648	LEBANON: SINIORA TURNS CABINET DECISIONS OVER TO [...] (C) Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, in his televised speech on May 10, criticized Hizballah for disregarding the will of the Lebanese people and called on the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to fulfill its duty of ensuring the security of Lebanon. Siniora also announced that the Cabinet's decisions [...]	2008-05-10 19:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT649	MGLB01: CONTACT INFORMATION [...] (SBU) In reponse to reftel para 4a, following is the contact information for Country Team members: Michele Sison ------------- CDA Office 961-4-544-260 4200 Mobile 961-3-533-900 Office STE 961-4-543-600 4444 Home 961-4-544-260 4259 Home ST [...]	2008-05-10 20:07:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	AEMR ASE CASCC KFLO MARR PREL PINR AMGT LE
08BEIRUT650	LEBANON: MARCH 14 ANALYZES SINIORA'S SPEECH AND [...] (C) According to March 14 supporters, Prime Minister Siniora's speech was on target and he projected a confident image. Hizballah reaction, predictably, was negative: Siniora had criticized the Lebanese Armed Forces' performance and proposed ideas from Future Movement leader Saad Hariri that [...]	2008-05-10 20:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC CASC IR LE
08BEIRUT651	BEIRUT EAC MEETING MAY 11, 2008 [...] (C) At noon on May 11, 2008, Embassy Beirut's Emergency Action Committee (EAC met). Present were A/DCM, MGMT, SpecAsst, CONS, DAO, ODC, PD, RAO, RSO. Beirut International Airport remains inaccessible with roads blocked. EAC agreed to maintain personal moves to area near the compound and [...]	2008-05-11 16:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	CASC LE MOPS PTER SY
08BEIRUT652	LEBANON: MARCH 14 LEADERS APPEAL FOR STRONGER USG [...] (C) On May 11, Phalange leader and former President Amine Gemayel, Social Affairs Minister Nayla Mouawad, and Telecommunications Minister Marwan Hamadeh impressed upon the Charge the gravity of the situation and pressed her for stronger U.S. support for March 14. Believing that a Hizballah vi [...]	2008-05-11 21:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT653	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER RIZK WANTS TO MAINTAIN [...] (C) Justice Minister Rizk told the Charge on May 11 that he had not anticipated such a strong reaction from Hizballah to the Cabinet's May 5 decisions to transfer the head of airport security and to declare Hizballah's fiber optics network illegal. Rizk criticized the relationship between the [...]	2008-05-11 22:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT655	BEIRUT EAC MEETING MAY 11, 2008 (1600 EST) [...] (C) At 2300 local time (1600 EST) on May 11, 2008, CDA Sison convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee to brief on her leadership discussions throughout the day and dispel some of the day's rumors. She met with the Lebanese Armed Forces Commander twice, the Prime Minster, the Defens [...]	2008-05-11 22:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	CASC PTER MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT661	LEBANON: ARMY COMMANDER SAYS HE WILL PROTECT THE [...] (C/NF) In two meetings on Sunday, May 11, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Sleiman explained that he had not meant to embarrass the Prime Minister with his comments on GOL cabinet decisions, that reports of massive army resignations were not true, and that the Army would "defend until th [...]	2008-05-12 16:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	MASS MCAP PTER PARM PINR KPAL SY AE IS LE
08BEIRUT662	LEBANON: SAMIR GEAGEA LOOKING TOWARDS NEXT STEPS [...] (C) In a late night, Sunday, May 11 meeting, Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea told Charge that the USG must not waiver in its support for March 14, that Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Sleiman was weak, and that the LAF had failed to protect the people. Geagea suggested that the A [...]	2008-05-12 16:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT663	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI: WHAT IS THE U.S. WAITING FOR? [...] (C) On May 12, Future Movement and majority leader Saad Hariri and advisors Nader Hariri and Ghattas Khoury implored the Charge for stronger U.S. support within the next 24 hours, warning that U.S. help was needed "in hours, not days!" Saad suggested the U.S. fly a plane over Syria or deploy [...]	2008-05-12 16:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT664	LEBANON: ONCE AGAIN BERRI CLAIMS CREDIT [...] (C) Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told the Charge on May 12 that he had facilitated last night's ceasefire to stop fighting in the Chouf between Walid Jumblatt's Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) and Hizballah. (Jumblatt later confirmed this, septel.) Berri added that the four kidnapped PSP [...]	2008-05-12 20:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT665	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA CLERIC SAYS HIZBALLAH'S [...] (C) Despite the current violence, moderate Shia cleric Sheikh Mohammad Ali Al-Hajj (Para 17 for bio) traveled to the Embassy on May 12 to keep his previously scheduled appointment with the Charge to discuss the independent Shia movement in Lebanon. Al-Hajj criticized the timing of the Cabinet [...]	2008-05-12 20:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM KDEM SCUL LE
08BEIRUT669	LEBANON: GEAGEA DROPS BY AGAIN [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, in a May 12 evening drop-by with Minister of Tourism Joseph Sarkis to the Embassy, said that Prime Minister Fouad Siniora was doing "excellently." He said that March 14 leaders Saad Hariri and Walid Jumblatt should stop pressuring Siniora to convene a [...]	2008-05-12 21:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT670	LEBANON: WITH BEIRUT AIRPORT BLOCKED, NORTHERN [...] (C) Summary: With the access routes to Beirut International Airport (BIA) blocked by Hizballah barricades and no flights operating since May 7, Minister of Transport Safadi said the northern airport, Kleyate, is operational during daylight hours. The Kleyate airport needs upgrades, such as ai [...]	2008-05-12 22:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAIR EFIN PTER PINR ASEC UNSC SA IR LE
08BEIRUT677	LEBANON: WALID JUMBLATT WANTS TO COMPROMISE WITH [...] (C) In a May 12 meeting, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt recounted the difficulties of fighting in the Chouf areas the previous evening. The main point Jumblatt impressed upon the Charg was that it is time to accept the recent defeat by Hizballah, make a deal, and move on to the next stage. Howeve [...]	2008-05-13 15:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR UNSC IR LE
08BEIRUT680	LEBANON: GENERAL RIFI SAYS ISF IS DOING ITS JOB [...] (C) Director General of Internal Security Forces (ISF) General Ashraf Rifi reported on the tensions throughout Lebanon, expressing concern for the fighting in his hometown of Tripoli. He confirmed that the ISF is doing a good job fulfilling its duty of community policing and maintaining law a [...]	2008-05-13 18:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT681	LEBANON: MINDEF MURR MEETING ON 11 MAY 2008 [...] (C) In a May 11 meeting, Defense Minister Elias Murr told Charge that Hizballah fighters were moving into his neighborhood to take up positions around Michel Aoun's residence. Murr thinks that the incidents of 8-10 May prove that Army Commander Sleiman and Army Intelligence Chief Georges Khou [...]	2008-05-13 21:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT686	LEBANON: AS BACKUP, KLEYATE AIRPORT REQUIRES US [...] (C) Summary: USG support will be required to make the northern Kleyate Airport viable for commercial flights. Request DOS and DOD/OSD feedback on possibility of either Paris III funds or Section 1206 or Section 1210 of the 2006 National Defence Authorization Act funding. With the Beirut Inter [...]	2008-05-14 15:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAIR EFIN PTER PINR MASS ASEC UNSC SA IR LE
08BEIRUT687	LEBANON: WITH CENTCOM ACTING COMMANDER, DEFMIN [...] (C) Acting CENTCOM Commander and CENTCOM J5 Policy and Planning Director Major General Allardice, in a May 13 visit to Beirut, met with Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Elias Murr to discuss support for the LAF. There has been a shift in Murr's thinking since we last saw him three d [...]	2008-05-14 21:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT688	LEBANON: ARMY COMMANDER DESCRIBES CHALLENGES AND [...] (C) In a 14 May meeting, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander LTG Sleiman told visiting Acting CENTCOM Commander LTG Dempsey that Lebanon is in a "civil war" that requires a political solution. Sleiman outlined for General Dempsey the difficulties of the current tactical situation on the grou [...]	2008-05-14 21:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	MASS MCAP PTER PARM PINR KPAL SY AE IS LE
08BEIRUT690	LEBANON: CABINET REVOKES CONTROVERSIAL DECISIONS [...] (U) On May 14, the Cabinet revoked its two contentious decisions on transferring the head of airport security after discovering Hizballah-installed monitoring cameras and declaring Hizballah's fiber optics network illegal. The decisions, which sparked street violence between Hizballah fighter [...]	2008-05-15 11:12:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT693	LEBANON: FACEBOOK - YOUTH GO ONLINE TO OPPOSE [...] Summary: Facebook, a social networking site, is one online medium Lebanese youth have used to react to the political instability and violence plaguing the country since May 7. Many have made their opinions public by posting comments on their profiles, changing their profile pictures to patrioti [...]	2008-05-15 12:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PINR OEXC SCUL AINT KPAO LE
08BEIRUT694	LEBANON: NOW LEBANON NEWS PORTAL SAYS BUSINESS IS [...] (C) To learn more about the on-line media phenomenon providing fast-breaking updates during the recent violence, Poloffs met with NOWLebanon.com staff writer Ben Ryan in the organization's Beirut offices on May 13. Ryan said NOWLebanon had recently received a 150 percent increase in hits on [...]	2008-05-15 13:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT695	LEBANON: NEED FOR REALISTIC POST-PILOT PHASE [...] (C) The strategic implications of Lebanese border security came into sharp focus recently. On May 5, the Charge visited the Northern Border Pilot Project (NBPP) Command Center in Tripoli and the Aarida border crossing station. On May 6, she attended a lunch organized by the UN to discuss the [...]	2008-05-15 13:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER KPAL SY IS LE
08BEIRUT696	LEBANON: GOL REQUESTS FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO ATTEND [...] (SBU) PolOff delivered reftel demarche to Elie Mekhael, Secretary General of the Council for Children at the Ministry of Social Affairs (MSA) on May 7. Mekhael said he was very interested in attending the UNESCO Conference on the Counterradicalization of Youth being held in Bahrain June 15-17 [...]	2008-05-15 16:30:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	OEXC PGOV PREL PTER SOCI UNESCO LE
08BEIRUT697	LEBANON: AOUN WILL GO TO DOHA; INSISTS ON [...] (C) Free Patriotic Movement leader General Michel Aoun confirmed he will attend the May 16 National Dialogue meeting in Doha, although he expressed his discontent with having all 14 political leaders attend the Dialogue. Aoun argued that a national unity government would restore calm to the co [...]	2008-05-15 19:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR KJUS MASS IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT698	LEBANON: JUMBLATT WANTS TO BE READY FOR THE "NEXT [...] (C) March 14/Progressive Socialist Party (PSP) leader Walid Jumblatt told us on May 15 that he wants to prepare his Druze PSP fighters by secretly supplying them with weapons, in order to be ready for the "next round" of fighting with Hizballah. He originally planned to delay going to Doha by [...]	2008-05-15 20:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT700	LEBANON: GEMAYEL, DUBIOUS BUT READY, FOR DOHA [...] (C) Former President and Phalange leader Amine Gemayel declared on May 15 that Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun was obstructing the Arab League's efforts to put out a statement concluding its delegation's trip to Beirut, presumably because he still harbors presidential aspirations. [...]	2008-05-15 20:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT701	LEBANON: SAMIR GEAGEA GOING TO DOHA, NO TO 10-10-10 [...] (C) In a late night, Thursday, May 15 meeting, Lebanese Forces (LF) leader Samir Geagea told Charge that he is concerned that deals are being made under the table at this time with regards to the next Lebanese government and that Sa'ad Hariri is wavering on the March 14 agenda. Geagea specific [...]	2008-05-15 22:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT702	LEBANON: SAMIR GEAGEA GOING TO DOHA, NO TO 10-10-10 [...] No summary [...]	2008-05-15 22:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT703	LEBANON: SAMIR GEAGEA GOING TO DOHA, NO TO 10-10-10 [...] No summary [...]	2008-05-15 22:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT704	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI: LOW EXPECTATIONS FOR DOHA, [...] (C) Future Movement leader Saad Hariri confirmed the death of top Hizballah military leader General Abu al-Fadl in a May 15 meeting with the Charge. Political leaders were preparing to meet in Doha on May 16 to relaunch the National Dialogue, though both enthusiasm and expectations for the tal [...]	2008-05-15 22:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PTER PHUM PINR KJUS MASS IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT709	BEIRUT EAC MEETING MAY 16, 2008 (1600 EST) [...] (C) At 1730 local time (1030 EST) on May 16, 2008, CDA Sison convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee to discuss the current situation and to adopt a series of "reverse tripwires" which will be used to consider if and when the Embassy Beirut Logistical Support Missions (EBLSM) from [...]	2008-05-16 16:52:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	CASC ASEC PTER MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT710	LEBANON: KEY INDEPENDENT SHIA CLERIC "FIRED" FROM [...] (C) In what may seen as a difficult blow to the independent Shia movement, Lebanon's Higher Shia Council (HSC) decided to replace Sayyed Ali Al-Amine, the Mufti of South Lebanon and a vocal critic of Hizballah (Ref A),with Sheikh Hassan Abdullah, a member of Speaker Berri's Amal party. Al-Am [...]	2008-05-16 17:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KDEM PINR PHUM SCUL LE
08BEIRUT711	LEBANON: WHAT DOES HIZBALLAH HAVE IN STORE FOR [...] (C) This is part one of a three-part series of cables looking at where Lebanon is headed after violence erupted following the Siniora government's May 5 decisions to confront Hizballah (Ref A). This message (part one) deals with Hizballah's intentions now that it has withdrawn its militants fr [...]	2008-05-16 18:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT713	LEBANON: TRIPOLI MP: WHO WILL DEFEND TRIPOLI -- [...] (C) Pro-March 14 Tripoli MP Mosbah Ahdab and prominent Sunni leaders from Tripoli conveyed their deep concern to us on May 16 that if the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) does not protect the Sunnis in Tripoli, some moderate Future Movement supporters may turn to Sunni extremist groups for protecti [...]	2008-05-16 20:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT714	LEBANON: TRIPOLI MINISTER OF PARLIAMENT WARNS OF [...] (C) In a May 16 meeting, Sunni Member of Parliament Dr. Moustapha Allouch told Charge that the threat of Sunni extremism is on the rise in Tripoli since the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) failed to protect the Sunnis of Beirut during the Hizballah takeover of west Beirut on May 8 and 9. While th [...]	2008-05-16 20:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT715	LEBANON: FORMER PM OMAR KARAMI: OLD DOG WITH NO [...] (C) In a May 16 meeting, Former Lebanese Prime Minister and Syrian puppet Omar Karami regaled us with his knowledge of nothing. In his most polite and soft-spoken way, he played down the significance of the Syrian Socialist National Party (SSNP),while giving faint praise to the "resistance." [...]	2008-05-16 21:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT717	BEIRUT CORE EAC MEETING MAY 18, 2008 (1930 EST) [...] (C) At 1930 local time (1230 EST) on May 18, 2008, CDA Sison convened a meeting of the Core Emergency Action Committee to discuss the current situation and review the "reverse tripwires" reported in reftel which will be used to consider if and when the Embassy Beirut Logistical Support Mission [...]	2008-05-18 17:11:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	CASC ASEC PTER MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT722	LEBANON: ECONOMY DEMONSTRATES RESILIENCE (ECONOMIC WEEK IN [...] (U) Following the endorsement of the Arab Ministerial Committee agreement by all political leaders on May 15, all roads that were blocked since May 7 immediately reopened, including the road leading to Beirut International Airport (BIA) and the Masna (Biqa') border crossing; national and intern [...]	2008-05-19 13:01:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT723	LEBANON: CIVIL SOCIETY DEMAND A VOICE IN [...] (C) While the Lebanese leaders meet in Doha to discuss political issues, including electoral reform, Lebanese civil society organizations feel left out and ignored. Many of them, who have been working on these issues since 2005, are disgusted with reports that Doha talks have been focused only [...]	2008-05-19 14:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM LE
08BEIRUT724	LEBANON: PETITION FOR CIVIL PEACEFUL RESISTANCE AND [...] (U) On May 18, a group of 327 civil society activists, politicians, intellectual and media figures signed and publicly released a petition in which they accused Hizballah of attempting to seize full authority in Lebanon and linking the country to the Gaza-Damascus-Tehran axis by destroying the [...]	2008-05-19 14:40:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER LE
08BEIRUT726	LEBANON: DRUZE MAYOR RECOUNTS FIGHTING HIZBALLAH [...] (C) The Druze Mayor of Aley, Wajdi Mrad, recounted the recent fighting between his fighters (allied with Walid Jumblatt's Progressive Socialist Party) and Hizballah. Mrad, who suffered a bullet ricochet himself, told us that many of his townsmen were ready to fight the "intruders" in the mou [...]	2008-05-19 18:16:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR MCAP SA IR LE
08BEIRUT727	LEBANON: ZAHLE LEADERS ARGUE NEW ELECTORAL LAW [...] (C) In a May 19 luncheon with Zahle politicians and prominent figures, the Charge heard arguments for why a new electoral law, and in particular passing the Boutros Commission law, is tantamount, even more important than electing a president, because it could redistribute the votes in a way t [...]	2008-05-19 18:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT730	BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF MAY 20, 2008 [...] (SBU/NF) At 1645 hours on May 20, 2008, CDA convened a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC). Present were A/DCM, CON, DAO, LEGATT, MGMT, PD, Special Assistant, RAO and RSO. Embassy has met all of the initial reverse tripwires for standing down Embassy Beirut Logistical Support Mis [...]	2008-05-20 19:00:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC PTER
08BEIRUT731	LEBANON: BEIRUT COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE LOW [...] (C) In a May 19 meeting with the Mayor of Beirut and 16 of the city's Municipal Council members, the Charge listened to the concerns of the councillors and their constituents. Several of them appealed for greater U.S. support, and called for a resolution of the Shebaa Farms issue. Many said t [...]	2008-05-20 19:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID LE
08BEIRUT732	LEBANON: FORMER PM MIKATI EXPECTS CONTINUED STATUS [...] (C) Former Prime Minister and prominent Sunni businessman Najib Mikati reported to Charge May 19 evening that he heard Syrian President Bashar Assad had "ordered" Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to "finalize an agreement" in Doha. Mikati explained that the Qataris are feeling pressure to succee [...]	2008-05-20 19:53:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT733	LEBANON: AGREEMENT REACHED IN DOHA [...] (C) At 0230 local time, Lebanese political leaders participating in the National Dialogue in Doha presided by Qatari PM and FM Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim and the Arab League reached a compromise on the distribution of the 19 parliamentarian seats in Beirut, paving the way for a full-fledged agree [...]	2008-05-21 11:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PHUM LE
08BEIRUT739	LEBANON: DRUZE LEADER ARSLAN READYING FOR THE NEW [...] (C) Druze leader and opposition-aligned former minister and MP Talal Arslan, while avoiding specifics, predicted to the Charge on May 21 that the new president (presumably Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel Sleiman) will likely choose the Minister of Interior, and that the next LAF C [...]	2008-05-21 16:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY IR LE
08BEIRUT746	LEBANON: RESIGNED MINSTER OF HEALTH CONTINUES [...] (C) "Resigned" yet still-active Minister of Health (MOH) Mohammed Khalifeh described the reforms he has undertaken at the Ministry since assuming office in 2005. Although he resigned in November 2006 when five Shia ministers left the Siniora cabinet, he told Charge that he continues to push [...]	2008-05-22 14:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR ECON EFIN EAID LE
08BEIRUT747	LEBANON: STOCKS SOAR ON NEWS OF POLITICAL SOLUTION [...] (SBU) Prices of Lebanese stocks soared on the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) on May 21 and 22 after Lebanese political leaders reached an agreement in Doha. Real estate consortium Solidere and some bank shares reached the exchange-mandated percentage limits on how much share prices may increase. [...]	2008-05-22 15:31:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT748	LEBANON: GEMAYEL: U.S. NEEDS TO COUNTER SYRIAN [...] (C) Former president and Kataeb (Phalange) leader Amine Gemayel expressed to the Charge on May 22 his disappointment with the agreement reached in Doha. He credited himself for the agreement's omission of an endorsement of Hizballah's legitimacy as a resistance movement. He is pleased that th [...]	2008-05-22 17:07:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SA LE
08BEIRUT749	LEBANON: JUMBLATT SATISFIED WITH DOHA AGREEMENT [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt is satisfied with the agreement reached in Doha, which included language on Hizballah's arms that was "not bad." He predicted Future Movement leader Saad Hariri would become the next prime minister. "Out," according to Jumblatt, were Defense Minister Elias Mur [...]	2008-05-22 17:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT750	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA SAY DOHA HAS A DOWNSIDE [...] (C) Shortly after returning from their protracted visit to Washington, three members of the independent Shia delegation organized by Lokman Slim told the Charge that the Doha agreement has serious, negative, and long-term consequences for the independent Shia movement. According to Slim, the [...]	2008-05-22 18:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KDEM PINR PHUM SCUL LE
08BEIRUT754	LEBANON: A CONFIDENT AOUN BELIEVES OPPOSITION WILL [...] (C) A confident and cheerful Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun told the Charge on May 23 that the Finance Ministry was most important cabinet seat for the opposition in the upcoming cabinet formation, followed by Interior and Defense. The other ministries were less important, in the [...]	2008-05-23 14:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT757	LEBANON: SPEAKER BERRI PLEASED WITH DOHA AGREEMENT [...] (C) Speaker Nabih Berri is pleased with the agreement reached at Doha and credits himself with ensuring its success when Arab League representatives appeared to have hit a wall. He explained that the issue of whether a constitutional amendment was needed to elect Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) C [...]	2008-05-23 17:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT758	GEN. SLEIMAN LOOKS AHEAD AT PRESIDENCY [...] (C) SUMMARY: Charge met one-on-one with General Michel Sleiman, President-designate and Commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, to thank him for the close relationship the Embassy has enjoyed with the LAF under his command and to share with him the news of Codel Rahall's travel for Sunday's P [...]	2008-05-23 21:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL MCAP PTER PINR LE
08BEIRUT759	LEBANON: GEAGEA HOPES SINIORA, AND NOT SAAD [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea believes that current PM Fouad Siniora should stay on as the new PM when the government is formed following the election of a new Lebanese president on May 25. Majority leader and PM front-runner candidate Saad Hariri, he argued, would be more valuable [...]	2008-05-24 15:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SA IR SY LE
08BEIRUT760	LEBANON: ELIAS MURR WANTS TO REMAIN MINISTER OF [...] (C) In a May 24 meeting, Defense Minister Elias Murr told Charge that he wanted to be the Minister of Defense in the next Cabinet. Murr rejects the idea of a Hizballah veto over his reappointment as MinDef and threatened President-Designate Sleiman last night, after Murr's return from Geneva, [...]	2008-05-24 17:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT761	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI NOT YET DECIDED ON PRIME [...] (C) A somber and defeatist-sounding March 14 leader Saad Hariri did not appear to have decided whether he would become prime minister in the next cabinet. Citing the election of a president as the only victory emerging from Doha, he complained about the lack of response from the international [...]	2008-05-24 17:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT762	LEBANON: CODEL RAHALL: URGING SINIORA TO STAY ON [...] (C) In a May 25 meeting with CODEL Rahall, PM Siniora defended March 14's acceptance of the Doha Agreement. Siniora said the USG can do more to help Lebanon and urged the USG to persuade Israel to relinquish control of Sheba'a Farms. Representatives Ray Lahood and Darrell Issa praised Sinior [...]	2008-05-26 13:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR LE IS IR
08BEIRUT763	LEBANON: CODEL RAHALL: URGING SINIORA TO STAY ON [...] No summary [...]	2008-05-26 13:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR LE IS IR
08BEIRUT764	LEBANON: CODEL RAHALL MEETING WITH [...] (C) In a May 25 meeting with CODEL Rahall a few hours before the Parliamentary vote on the Presidency, Lebanese President-Designate Sleiman said that Lebanon's problems can only be solved through dialogue. Sleiman thanked the delegation for their steadfast support of the Lebanese Armed Forces [...]	2008-05-26 13:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER PREF MCAP MARR EAIR IR LE
08BEIRUT765	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI WARNS CODEL RAHALL OF [...] (C) Hours before the parliamentary election of former Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel Sleiman as president, Saad Hariri, leader of the parliamentary majority, thanked visiting CODEL Rahall for continuing U.S. Congressional support for the Lebanese security forces. Repeatedly warni [...]	2008-05-26 13:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT766	LEBANON: PARLIAMENT ELECTS MICHEL SLEIMAN AS [...] (C) After 19 previous sessions were canceled, the Lebanese Parliament finally succeeded in electing former Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel Sleiman as president, ending the presidential vacuum that had gripped Lebanon for the past six months. In what many viewed as a stronger than [...]	2008-05-26 14:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT767	BEIRUT EAC MEETING MAY 26 - RECOMMEND STANDING [...] (C) At 1800 local time (1030 EST) on May 26, 2008, CDA Sison agreed with core EAC members (DCM, RAO, DAO, CONS, MGMT, RSO and SpecAsst) to recommend standing down the Embassy Beirut Logistical Support Missions (EBLSM) from Cyprus. The swearing-in of President Michel Sleiman on May 25 proceede [...]	2008-05-26 14:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	CASC ASEC PTER MOPS LE SY
08BEIRUT77	LEBANON: BERRI CITES SYRIAN-SAUDI RELATIONSHIP AS [...] (C) In his last meeting with the mbassador, a pessimistic Parliament Speaker Nabi Berri cited better relations between Syria and audi Arabia as the key to resolving Lebanon's poitical crisis. He continued to insist on a 10-10-0 cabinet formation, and stressed that a meeting etween majority le [...]	2008-01-18 14:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT770	LEBANON: NASRALLAH EXTENDS HAND FOR PARTNERSHIP, BUT [...] (U) During a ceremony held in the Beirut southern suburbs to mark the eighth anniversary of the 2000 Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, Hizballah SYG Nasrallah delivered a televised speech in which he extended to the GOL the hand for partnership and cooperation, but at the same time just [...]	2008-05-27 12:14:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER PINR LE
08BEIRUT771	LEBANON: ISRAELITE COMMUNAL COUNCIL BOARD OBTAINS GOL'S [...] No summary [...]	2008-05-27 12:14:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT772	LEBANON: STOCKS SOAR/INVESTMENTS PICK UP FOLLOWING [...] (SBU) Prices of Lebanese stocks soared on the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) on May 21 and 22 after Lebanese political leaders reached an agreement in Doha. Real estate consortium Solidere and some bank shares reached the BSE cap on daily price fluctuations. The market saw some profit-taking on M [...]	2008-05-27 12:47:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT773	LEBANON: SIDON LEADERS HOPEFUL WITH NEW PRESIDENT; [...] (C) In a May 26 visit to the predominately Sunni, southern city of Sidon, the Charge heard from independent MP and philanthropist Bahia Hariri (Rafiq's sister),acting Sunni Mufti Salim Soussan, and members of the Sidon Chamber of Commerce. All of the interlocutors expressed hope for a new er [...]	2008-05-27 13:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR PREF UNSC LE
08BEIRUT774	LEBANON: SIDON LEADERS HOPEFUL WITH NEW PRESIDENT; [...] (C) In a May 26 visit to the predominately Sunni, southern city of Sidon, the Charge heard from independent MP and philanthropist Bahia Hariri (Rafiq's sister),acting Sunni Mufti Salim Soussan, and members of the Sidon Chamber of Commerce. All of the interlocutors expressed hope for a new er [...]	2008-05-27 13:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR PREF UNSC LE
08BEIRUT78	LEBANON: AL-AKHBAR JOURNALIST ON ELECTION [...] (C) Political commentator Nicola Nassif, who writes for pro-Hizballah Al-Akhbar, believes Arab League SYG Amr Moussa's shuttle diplomacy in Beirut is a waste of time and that the presidential election impasse suits all parties. No one really wants Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel [...]	2008-01-18 15:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT780	LEBANON: MARCH 14 SELECTS FOUAD SINIORA AS PRIME [...] (C) Shortly before March 14 announced on May 27 that Fouad Siniora was its candidate for prime minister, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt shared ongoing deliberations affecting majority leader Saad Hariri's decision whether to take the job himself. On cabinet formation, Jumblatt argued that March [...]	2008-05-28 06:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT786	LEBANON: ANTI-HIZBALLAH FIGURE PUSHES FOR [...] (C) Prominent businessman and head of the Nabatieh Chamber of Commerce, AmCit Abdallah Bitar, recounted threats and harassment he received from Hizballah because of his recent trip to the U.S with Ahmad al Assad. Bitar returned home to Nabatieh in southern Lebanon May 7 after Hizballah launche [...]	2008-05-28 13:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT787	LEBANON: PATRIARCH SFEIR SEES SLEIMAN'S ELECTION [...] (C) After returning from three weeks overseas, during which Lebanon weathered dramatic events of Hizballah-led fighters in the streets of west Beirut and the election of Michel Sleiman as President, Patriarch Sfeir seemed cautiously upbeat about the political outlook in Lebanon. Sfeir believes [...]	2008-05-28 16:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PHUM LE
08BEIRUT788	LEBANON: TRIPOLI MP WANTS CABINET POST AND SAYS [...] (C) Stopping by for a chat with the Charge minutes before his formal meeting with President Sleiman to cast his vote for Prime Minister, pro-March 14 independent Member of Parliament Mosbah Ahdab told the Charge that he wanted to be seriously considered for a cabinet seat in the new government [...]	2008-05-28 16:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINR SY LE
08BEIRUT789	LEBANON: MARCH 14'S DIVISION OF LABOR FOR WINNING [...] (C) Following March 14's nomination of Fouad Siniora as prime minister in the next cabinet, March 14 Secretariat SYG Fares Suaid envisions a division of labor over the next 10 months to ensure its success in the 2009 parliamentary elections. PM Siniora reportedly told March 14 leaders that hi [...]	2008-05-28 16:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT790	LEBANON: GEAGEA WONDERS IF NEW CABINET WILL BE [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, pleased that Fouad Siniora will likely be re-appointed as PM, cast doubt to the Charge on May 28 that a new cabinet would be formed. Unconcerned, Geagea explained that a caretaker cabinet composed of all of the resigned ministers, headed by Siniora, is [...]	2008-05-28 17:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT795	LEBANON: WITH PM DECISION ACCEPTED, SAAD HARIRI [...] (C) Majority leader Saad Hariri appears to have accepted March 14's nomination of Fouad Siniora as prime minister, but expects lengthy and difficult negotiations over cabinet formation. Focusing now on winning the 2009 parliamentary elections, Saad suggested several ways the U.S. could help, [...]	2008-05-29 15:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT796	LEBANON: AMBASSADOR'S FUND FOR REFUGGES NOMINATION [...] Post recommends using the PRM's Ambassador's Fund for Refugees to fund a summer program for refugees and local children living in Lebanon sponsored by the Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center (Caritas). The estimated total cost of the summer program is $20,000 and would provide positive experience [...]	2008-05-29 16:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF LE
08BEIRUT797	LEBANON: UNSCOL CONCERN ABOUT IMPACT ON TRIBUNAL [...] (C) The office of the UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon in Beirut is concerned that opposition members of the new Lebanese cabinet may seek to impede the UN SYG's effort to establish the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, says the UNSCOL chief of staff. The new UN Special Representative, Johan V [...]	2008-05-29 16:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PTER PREF UNSC LE SY
08BEIRUT798	LEBANON: GEMAYEL: U.S. CAN RESTORE GOL LEGITIMACY [...] (C) Head of Kataeb (Phalange) party and former President Amine Gemayel believes the U.S. can restore legitimacy to the Lebanese government by shifting its endorsement from "the Siniora government" to a focus on newly-elected President Michel Sleiman and the vision outlined in his May 25 maiden [...]	2008-05-29 16:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC IS SY LE
08BEIRUT799	LEBANON: PM-DESIGNATE SINIORA BEGINS CABINET [...] (C) Following President Sleiman's May 28 nomination of PM Siniora to head the next government, Siniora will begin the difficult process of cabinet formation. The slight margin of votes in his favor is sure to encourage the opposition, which accuses him of being the "American" and not a consens [...]	2008-05-29 16:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT80	LEBANON: FM SALLOUKH CORDIAL IN FIRST MEETING [...] (C) The Ambassador paid a farewell call to Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh on January 18, his first official visit to Salloukh in over a year. Salloukh is among the Shia ministers who resigned from the Siniora government in November 2006. Salloukh condemned the January 15, 2008 bombing that [...]	2008-01-18 16:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT800	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN: DAY FOUR OF HIS [...] (C) In a May 29 meeting, new President Sleiman acknowledged that he believed Lebanon would have to accept the results of democracy and elections. A national consensus would be necessary in order for him to govern effectively, he stated. Responding to the invitation extended by POTUS during t [...]	2008-05-29 18:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR MCAP MARR IR LE
08BEIRUT807	LEBANON: DILUTE HIZBALLAH'S INFLUENCE WITH [...] (C) "Daily Star" editor-in-chief and influential Lebanese Shia figure Jamil Mroue told the Charge that he advised newly-elected President Michel Sleiman to take immediate advantage of Emirati and Qatari economic and technological assistance to improve the daily lives of Lebanese. Mroue, who h [...]	2008-05-30 12:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL PTER UNSC QA AE LE
08BEIRUT808	LEBANON: CARETAKER MINISTER NAYLA MOUAWAD STRESSES [...] (C) Caretaker Minister of Social Affairs Nayla Mouawad, who hopes for a seat in the next cabinet, expressed concerns about the implications of regional developments for Lebanon. Praising President Sleiman's May 25 acceptance speech, particularly its past-tense reference to the "resistance," sh [...]	2008-05-30 13:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID LE
08BEIRUT809	LEBANON: BEIRUT STOCK EXCHANGE 101: PRESIDENT [...] (C) President of the Beirut Stock Exchange Dr. Fadi Khalaf explained that although by law investors cannot hold more than ten percent of any company's shares, secrecy laws prevent disclosure of who buys and sells. Rumors are that shares are held by front-men or institutions for unnamed inves [...]	2008-05-30 13:43:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	CASC EINV EFIN ELAB PGOV PINR LE
08BEIRUT81	LEBANON: AMR MOUSSA BROKERS INCONCLUSIVE [...] (C) On 1/17, Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa finally got his wish: Pestered by Moussa, Saad Hariri met at last with Michel Aoun, talking for more three hours. Hariri brought Amine Gemayel with him to undermine Aoun's inevitable claims that such a meeting affirmed his status as Leba [...]	2008-01-18 17:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY EG

08BEIRUT810	LEBANON: TELECOM BENCHMARK VITAL FOR GOL REFORM [...] (C) Both Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Chairman Dr. Kamal Shehadi, and Ziad Hayek, Chairman of the Higher Council for Privatization urged the USG to keep the Paris III benchmark related to the sale of the mobile telecom licenses in order to keep pressure on the GOL to achieve promise [...]	2008-05-30 13:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID EINV EAIR EFIN ELAB LE
08BEIRUT812	LEBANON: BRITISH, DANISH READY TO TERMINATE BORDER [...] (C) At a May 30 donor coordination meeting, British and Danish reps said their missions are fed up with German mismanagement and willful disregard for donor wishes. Both countries are on the verge of terminating their role in the Northern Border Pilot Project (NBPP) when the pilot phase ends [...]	2008-05-30 17:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER KPAL SY IS LE
08BEIRUT819	LEBANON: STOCK MARKET BEGINS CORRECTION PHASE, TOURIST [...] (SBU) The prices of listed shares on the Beirut Stock Exchange (BSE) started to drop the beginning of the week of May 26, due to technical factors and some profit taking, BSE president Dr. Fadi Khalaf told us on May 28. Khalaf explained that the market is in "a correction phase," after the sub [...]	2008-06-02 15:51:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT82	LEBANON: PRESIDENT'S TRIP: OPPOSITION CRITICAL OF [...] (SBU) The Lebanese opposition's reaction to President Bush's January 10-16 trip to the Middle East was predictable, focusing on U.S. policy toward Israel and Iran, and denouncing alleged U.S. schemes to politically and economically control the region. Commentary on the visit was harsher than [...]	2008-01-18 17:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT820	LEBANON: HOW CAN THE GOL COEXIST WITH HIZBALLAH? [...] No summary [...]	2008-06-02 17:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR ASEC UNSC EAIR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT821	LEBANON: ISRAELITE COMMUNAL COUNCIL BOARD OBTAINS GOL'S [...] (U) On May 15, the Israelite Communal Council obtained the Ministry of Interior's (MOI) official recognition of its newly elected board. The Board was elected on February 28 for a six-year term, but the MOI had delayed giving the Council its validation. Due to the difficulties in obtaining th [...]	2008-06-02 18:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PHUM PREL SOCI KIRF LE
08BEIRUT822	LEBANON: CARETAKER JUSTICE MINISTER RIZK LOBBYING [...] (C) Justice Minister Charles Rizk impressed upon the Charge in a June 2 meeting the importance of him staying on as Justice Minister, for the benefit of the Special Tribunal. Rizk fears the ministry is being politicized, as March 14 politicians are jockeying for representation in the new cabi [...]	2008-06-02 18:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID ENRG UNSC LE
08BEIRUT836	LEBANON: GEMAYEL PROPOSES TO S/P GORDON HOW U.S. [...] (C) Former President and Kataeb (Phalange) leader Amine Gemayel proposed to visiting Policy Planning Director David Gordon tangible ways through which the U.S. could strengthen March 14 moderates, including visible support in the form of public visits, training for young leaders, and conflict [...]	2008-06-04 15:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC EAID LE IR SY
08BEIRUT837	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER RIZK WITH S/P GORDON: [...] (C) David Gordon, Director of Policy Planning, met with Acting Justice Minister Charles Rizk in his home on June 3. Rizk said that although the Tribunal should be above politics, in reality, it will likely play an important strategic role before the 2009 parliamentary elections. He would like [...]	2008-06-04 15:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR KDEM UNSC EAID LE SY IR
08BEIRUT838	LEBANON: JUMBLATT AND S/P GORDON: EMPOWERING [...] (C) In a discussion on how the U.S. can support a sovereign, independent, and stable Lebanon, Policy Planning Director David Gordon and Druze leader Walid Jumblatt agreed that empowering moderates and building a regional network of alternative voices were important long-term strategies. In the [...]	2008-06-04 16:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC EAID SY IR LE
08BEIRUT839	LEBANON: MARCH 14 SECRETARIAT WITH S/P GORDON: LOOKING [...] (SBU) Summary: Middle East Regional developments and the 2009 election in Lebanon were foremost in the minds of March 14 Secretariat members who hosted a dinner for Policy Planning Director David Gordon during his June 2-3 visit to Lebanon. Discouraged after the May events and the May 21 Doha [...]	2008-06-04 16:26:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PREL PTER PINR EAID UNSC LE SY IR
08BEIRUT84	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER RECOUNTS MEETING WITH [...] No summary [...]	2008-01-19 08:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT840	LEBANON: GEAGEA TELLS S/P GORDON MAINTAINING MARCH [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea told Policy Planning Director David Gordon that the momentum is now with the March 14-led majority after the selection of PM Siniora over the opposition's objections. According to Geagea, for the majority to capitalize on this momentum, Siniora needs to [...]	2008-06-04 17:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC EAID SY IR LE
08BEIRUT841	LEBANON: HARIRI WITH S/P GORDON WARNS AGAINST THE [...] (C) Meeting with visiting Director of Policy Planning David Gordon on June 3, majority leader Saad Hariri stressed that Iran, with help from Syria, is taking over Lebanon. He added that it is imperative that the U.S. formulate a strong, coherent policy on Syria that stresses sticks as much as [...]	2008-06-04 17:43:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID UNSC LE SY IR
08BEIRUT846	LEBANON: SLEIMAN FOCUSES ON CABINET FORMATION AND [...] (C) On May 31, President Michel Sleiman met with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman in Baabda Palace and expressed his appreciation for the USG's support of Lebanon and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). On the political front, he told us he wants to select the Minister of Inte [...]	2008-06-05 16:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MCAP PGOV PTER KPAL SY IS LE
08BEIRUT847	LEBANON: SINIORA FOCUSED ON SHEBAA FARMS AND NAHR [...] (C) In a May 31 meeting with Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman, Prime Minister-designate Fouad Siniora was frank, blunt,and used strident language about the need to focs on a solution for Shebaa Farms. Siniora said hat he has raised this issue with high-level USG officials f [...]	2008-06-05 16:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MCAP PTER PINR PREF IR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT848	LEBANON: WITH USDP EDELMAN, ACTING LAF COMMANDER [...] (C) Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman assured Acting Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander MG Shawki al-Masri of the U.S.'s commitment to assisting the LAF. Expressing his appreciation, Masri said timing of the assistance is "very critical". Noting that the LAF is assuming so [...]	2008-06-05 16:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR MARR MCAPS MOPS UNSC LE
08BEIRUT849	LEBANON: MURR TELLS USDP EDELMAN HE EXPECTS TO [...] (C) Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman expressed to Defense Minister Elias Murr the U.S. commitment to assisting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF). Murr reported that he understood from President Michel Sleiman that Sleiman would appoint him to stay on as Defense Minister in the [...]	2008-06-05 16:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MCAPS PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT85	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER RECOUNTS MEETING WITH [...] (S) Deputy PM and Defense Minister Elias Murr advocated separation of the presidential election from cabinet formation in his discussions with visiting Arab League SYG Amr Moussa, but held little hope that Damascus, Moussa's next stop, would accept the idea. The Syrians, Murr believed, were f [...]	2008-01-20 12:19:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT850	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI TELLS USDP EDELMAN THAT A [...] (C) Parliamentary Majority leader Saad Hariri told visiting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Eric Edelman that a strong Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) can defeat Hizballah. Saad believes that U.S. military assistance to train and equip the LAF, funded in part by friendly Arab states, is Leb [...]	2008-06-05 16:45:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MCAPS PTER PINR MOPS UNSC IR LE
08BEIRUT851	COM CONCURS WITH SECTION 1206 FY 08 TRANCHE FOUR [...] (S) CHIEF OF MISSION FULLY SUPPORTS THE FY 08 SECTION 1206 (TRANCHE FOUR,4) PROPOSALS AS SUBMITTED BY USCENTCOM. THIS PROPOSAL ADDRESSES THE LEBANESE ARMED FORCES' (LAF'S) CAPABILITY TO CONDUCT MILITARY OPERATIONS IN URBAN TERRAIN (MOUT). IT REINFORCES THE MISSION'S STRATEGIC GOALS OF COUNTERT [...]	2008-06-05 16:51:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PARM PTER PM LE PREL MARR MOPS
08BEIRUT852	LEBANON: CARETAKER TELECOM MINISTER: 2009 [...] (C) Caretaker Minister of Telecommunications Marwan Hamadeh warned that the unity of Lebanon is at stake as people arm themselves against continuing violence. He admitted that March 14 was facing a difficult period, but was optimistic it could still win the 2009 parliamentary elections. Hama [...]	2008-06-05 17:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID LE
08BEIRUT855	Lebanon: Media Reaction, June 6, 2008 [...] No summary [...]	2008-06-06 10:18:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT858	LEBANON: MOBILE TELECOM PRIVATIZATION ADVOCATES [...] (C) The Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) and the SYG of the Higher Council for Privatization (HPC),both advocates for telecom privatization in Lebanon, strongly recommend retaining the Paris III benchmark of sale of the mobile telecom licenses. Arguing that "poli [...]	2008-06-06 17:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID EINV EAIR EFIN ELAB LE
08BEIRUT859	LEBANON: MP MURR BLAMES AOUN FOR THE DISPUTES OVER [...] (C) Independent MP Michel Murr blamed the disputes around the cabinet formation on Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun, saying that Aoun is displeased with the ministerial portfolios offered to him and is intentionally demanding ministries he cannot get in order to challenge Michel Slei [...]	2008-06-06 18:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT86	AOUN'S KIDNEY STONE AND AMR MOUSSA'S PLANS: [...] (C) Arab League Secretary General Amr Moussa's plans for a second Aoun-Hariri meeting collapsed under the weight of Michel Aoun's kidney stone. Nevertheless, in a 1/20 meeting with the Ambassador, Moussa, describing the Lebanese protagonists as still "at Square One," claimed forward movemen [...]	2008-01-20 14:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KDEM LE SY
08BEIRUT860	LEBANON: FINANCE MINISTRY SHARES POSSIBLE [...] (C) Discussions between the GOL and the International Monetary Fund on possible new benchmarks are proceeding slowly. The Ministry of Finance has submitted to us a list of possible triggers for disbursement of U.S. assistance, some of which are already complete. The list does not include one [...]	2008-06-06 18:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID EINV EAIR EFIN ELAB LE
08BEIRUT861	LEBANON: LABOR CONFEDERATION IN HIZBALLAH'S GRIP (ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) According to a long-time employee at the General Labor Confederation (GLC),Hizballah has been exerting almost full control over the GLC for the last three years. The GLC has totally ignored labor demands, and has been transformed into a political tool which Hizballah uses against the GO [...]	2008-06-09 05:10:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT865	LEBANON: MARCH 14 SECURITY MOST IMPORTANT TO [...] (C) Linking success in the 2009 parliamentary elections to March 14's ability to "protect its people," caretaker Social Affairs Minister Nayla Mouawad and her son Michel Mouawad proposed that March 14 implement a security strategy. This would include developing a force within the Internal Secu [...]	2008-06-09 14:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC EG LE
08BEIRUT871	LEBANON: DUTCH MAY END THEIR ASSISTANCE TO THE LAF [...] (C) International donor country representatives working with Lebanon's security sector met on June 9 to review donor contributions to Lebanon's security agencies. Early in the meeting, the Dutch Charge d'Affaires noted her embassy's disappointment in the performance of GOL security agencies d [...]	2008-06-10 16:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MASS PGOV PINR PREL UNSC LE NE
08BEIRUT884	LEBANON: CABINET FORMATION PROGRESSING; AOUN [...] (C) On day 16 of cabinet consultations, political leaders continue their horsetrading over ministerial seats and most contacts from both the March 14 majority and the March 8/Aoun opposition tell us they are hopeful that the cabinet will be formed relatively quickly. PM-designate Fouad Siniora [...]	2008-06-12 18:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT889	LEBANON: ELECTORAL REFORM NEEDED NOW, POLITICIANS [...] (U) Lebanese politicians and civil society representatives came together for the first time to discuss their support for electoral reform in Lebanon at a June 11 conference cosponsored by the GOL and UNDP. Caretaker Justice Minister Charles Rizk read remarks from President Michel Sleiman, in [...]	2008-06-13 11:24:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	EAID KDEM LE PGOV PHUM
08BEIRUT894	LEBANON: HOW WOULD HIZBALLAH REACT TO A [...] (C) A resolution of the Sheba'a Farms issue is a necessary but not sufficient step toward disarming Hizballah. Hizballah has responded to recent increased international attention on Sheba'a Farms by insisting that only complete Israeli withdrawal from "all of the occupied lands" would satisfy [...]	2008-06-13 17:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC IR IS LE
08BEIRUT895	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI CONFIDENT MARCH 14 WILL [...] (C) Parliamentary Majority leader Saad Hariri stated with confidence on June 13 that President Michel Sleiman would appoint acceptable candidates to the Defense and Interior Ministries, that March 14 would retain the Finance and Justice Ministries, and that the opposition would choose the Fore [...]	2008-06-13 18:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT896	LEBANON: SEVERE POWER CUTS AND INCREASED GAS AND [...] (U) It is expected that power outages will be reduced in frequency after Finance Minister Azour approved opening $140 million Letters of Credit for fuel imports for national power utility Electricite du Liban (EDL). Azour indicated that EDL is using power cuts to put pressure on the GOL and Tr [...]	2008-06-16 05:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT897	LEBANON: PARTICIPATION IN THE FAO/WHO CODEX ALIMENTARIUS [...] (SBU) The entity that represents Lebanon at the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission is the Lebanese Standards Institution, known by the acronym LIBNOR. Currently, political parties in Lebanon are negotiating formation of a new cabinet. Given that travel expenses to attend the commission me [...]	2008-06-16 06:58:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	EAGR ECON ETRD TBIO KPAO
08BEIRUT903	LEBANON: DOD VISITORS AND TRAINING TEAM LODGING [...] (S) The current Department of State Threat Level for Lebanon is critical,. All U.S. government visitors, including training missions, are required to lodge at the U.S Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon for Force Protection purposes and use Embassy Bodyguards and Heavily Armored Vehicles (HAV) for a [...]	2008-06-17 17:34:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	MARR MOPS LE
08BEIRUT907	LEBANON: U.S. NGOS READY TO ASSIST LEBANON WITH [...] (C) In a June 17 meeting with the Charge, Embassy Beirut's U.S.-based civil society partners on electoral reform presented their plans on their activities leading up to the 2009 parliamentary elections. They will divide the work among them to cover tasks such as providing technical assistanc [...]	2008-06-18 17:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID KDEM LE PGOV PHUM
08BEIRUT908	LEBANON: POTENTIAL SHIA CABINET MEMBER STRESSES [...] (C) Respected Shia leader Ibrahim Shamseddine, rumored to be a possible March 14 candidate for a position in the next cabinet, stressed his political independence in a June 17 meeting with the Charge. Shamseddine welcomed the Secretary's statement stressing the need to resolve Sheba'a Farms, [...]	2008-06-18 19:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PTER PINR IR AR SY IS LE
08BEIRUT910	LEBANON: MP INDEPENDENT MICHEL MURR CALLS 2009 [...] (C) Charge, accompanied by S/P staff member Jared Cohen and Polstaff, met with MP Michel Murr at his residence in Rabieh on June 19. Murr applauded the Secretary,s June 16 remarks on Sheba,a Farms and called for rapid implementation of her commitment. Murr also stressed the need for March 14 [...]	2008-06-19 18:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINR SA IR LE
08BEIRUT912	LEBANON: CHARGE'S TRIP TO NABATIEH TO VISIT USG [...] (C) On June 18, the Charge, visiting State Department Policy Planning staff member, and EmbOffs visited five sites of which the Embassy sponsors development, social assistance, and education projects in Nabatieh in southern Lebanon. The traveling party also attended a luncheon at the home of [...]	2008-06-19 18:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR PREL PTER UNSC AID LE
08BEIRUT914	Lebanon: Special Media Reaction: Secretary Rice's [...] No summary [...]	2008-06-20 15:07:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
08BEIRUT918	LEBANON: DEPOSED TYRE SHIA MUFTI PROPOSES FORMING [...] (C) On June 19, Charge and visiting S/P advisor met deposed Shia Mufti of Tyre Sayyed Ali al-Amin, who remains in Beirut after Hizballah drove him out of his position during the May clashes. Al-Amin described the lack of support from Iraqi Shia, whom he describes as afraid to confront Iranian [...]	2008-06-20 18:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PTER EAID PINR IQ IR LE
08BEIRUT919	LEBANON: INDEPENDENT SHIA FIGURES DISCUSS HOW TO [...] (C) On June 19, the Charge and visiting S/P staff member Jared Cohen met with a series of independent Shia, including activist Lokman Slim, journalist Ali Alamine, and political figure Ahmad Assad (ref A covers June 19 meeting with deposed Shia Mutfi at Tyre Syed Ali al-Amine). Slim proposed [...]	2008-06-20 19:07:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PTER PINR EAID LE IQ IR SY
08BEIRUT921	LEBANON: CENTRAL BANK FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS REACH RECORD [...] (U) The Central Bank of Lebanon (CBL) mid-June balance sheet showed that CBL foreign currency assets rose by about $188.15 million from end May, reaching a record high $14.66 billion. This is mostly attributed to increased commercial banks' deposits with the CBL, as well as CBL intervention in [...]	2008-06-23 11:29:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT929	LEBANON: FORMER U.S. AMBASSADOR SWANEE HUNT ENCOURAGES [...] (SBU) In a visit to Beirut, former U.S. Ambassador and Harvard University John F. Kennedy school professor, Swane Hunt, met with a cross-section of talented andsuccessful Lebanese women active in business, civil society and politics. Although she recognized the importance of the current role [...]	2008-06-25 14:10:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PHUM PGOV SOCI LE
08BEIRUT931	LEBANON: OPPOSITION REACTION TO NABATIEH TRIP AND [...] (C) Pro-opposition media have seized on the Charge's June 18 visit to Nabatieh in southern Lebanon (Ref A) to step up criticism over U.S. policy in the region. The heart of the criticism seems to be a concerted effort by Hizballah and the opposition to sound an alarm against U.S. relationship [...]	2008-06-25 16:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT932	LEBANON: EC HIGHLY CRITICAL OF GERMAN-LED LEBANON [...] (C) On June 25, a UK Embassy contact in Beirut provided emboff with information on European Commission (EC) Commissioner Ferrero-Waldner's planned statements that day to German Foreign Minister Steinmeier concerning the German-led Northern Border Pilot Project (NBPP) in Lebanon (refs). Waldne [...]	2008-06-25 17:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID PBTS EC GE IS LE SY
08BEIRUT933	LEBANON: AOUN HAMPERING CABINET FORMATION [...] (C) The cabinet formation process, in its fifth week of negotiations, is stalled primarily due to Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun,s insistence on getting one of the four sovereign, or key, ministries (Defense, Interior, Finance, Foreign Affairs) for his own bloc. Aoun blames the d [...]	2008-06-25 17:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL LE
08BEIRUT935	Lebanon: Leahy Vetting For Participants in INL's Lebanon [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police Basic Cadet Training course, scheduled to begin July 7, 2008. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 201 proposed trainees inc [...]	2008-06-26 14:12:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
08BEIRUT936	LEBANON: ONE MONTH LATER, HOW CAN THE U.S. SUPPORT [...] (C) One month since he became president, the optimism and celebration that followed President Sleiman's election seem to have faded. The Lebanese political scene has returned to its all too familiar picture of squabbling leaders unable to resolve their differences, this time on cabinet format [...]	2008-06-26 18:00:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
08BEIRUT94	LEBANON: TIME TO REVIEW USG INVOLVEMENT IN [...] (C) The German-led Northern Border Pilot Project (NBPP) has been plagued with coordination and implementation problems for months. Despite repeated requests and suggestions from other donor country representatives, the German leadership in Beirut and Berlin (reftels A and B) remain convinced [...]	2008-01-22 15:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL MASS MCAP SY IS LE
08BEIRUT942	LEBANON: PM'S AIDE ON CABINET, VIENNA PLEDGES, [...] (C) PM Siniora's senior aide Mohamed Chatah said Michel Aoun has agreed to withdraw his demand for a sovereign ministry in the new cabinet, but in return wants the public works portfolio as well as the telecommunications portfolio that Siniora has already offered him. March 14 is favorably di [...]	2008-06-27 18:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV MCAP PINR PREF PREL PTER LE KU QA SA
08BEIRUT944	LEBANON: INCREASE IN FLOUR SUBSIDIES FORCE BAKERIES TO [...] (U) Following a unilateral decision by the Union of Bakeries on June 25 to increase the price of Arabic flat bread -- without consulting the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET) -- from $1 to $1.3, the union retracted its decision on June 26, after the Ministry decided to further increase its s [...]	2008-06-30 04:58:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT948	LEBANON: APPARENT LULL IN CABINET FORMATION [...] (C) Although there was an uptick in optimism on cabinet formation late in the week of June 23-27, by Monday June 30 all sides seem to be getting ready for a lull in negotiations. Speaker Berri, claiming frustration, is leaving for a conference in Quebec. March 14 has made a tactical withdra [...]	2008-06-30 16:43:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
08BEIRUT949	LEBANON: SAUDIS REPORTEDLY ARMING SUNNI SALAFISTS [...] (C) Tripoli MP Mosbah Ahdab expressed deep concern to the Charge on June 30 that Saudi Arabic has started arming Sunni extremist Salafists in northern Lebanon. Ahdab alleged that the Saudis are trying "a new strategy" because they are disappointed with the violence that took place in May and [...]	2008-06-30 20:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER PINR SA SY LE
08BEIRUT952	LEBANON: SENIOR COORDINATOR FOLEY HEARS OF [...] (C) In a June 26 visit to Beirut, Senior Coordinator for Iraqi Refugee Issues James Foley learned from the head of the agency responsible for immigration control, Surete Generale Director Wafiq Jezzini, that the Surete Generale has suspended its practice of detaining Iraqi refugees living in L [...]	2008-07-01 09:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREF PHUM PTER IQ LE
08BEIRUT953	LEBANON: ARMY MAKES HUMANITARIAN DEMINING A [...] (C) Summary. Charge and Office of Defense Cooperation Chief visited three Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) sites on 30 June, including the Lebanese Mine Action Center (LMAC),the LAF Engineer Regiment, and the Mine Detecting Dog unit. The purpose of these visits was to publicly demonstrate the scope [...]	2008-07-01 12:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	LE MARR MAS MCAP MOPS PGOV PHSA PM
08BEIRUT959	LEBANON: SAAD HARIRI REFUTES SAUDI ARMING OF [...] (C) Majority leader Saad Hariri reassured the Charge on July 1 that neither his Future Party nor the Saudis are arming the Sunni Salafists, who are fighting the Alawites in northern Lebanon, as has been rumored (Ref A). The fighting in the north could continue for months to obstruct the spring [...]	2008-07-02 12:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR KPAL SY SA LY AG LE
08BEIRUT96	LEBANON: SINIORA URGES PRESSURE ON SYRIANS, [...] (S) In the Ambassador's January 22 farewell call, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora shared concerns that Hizballah may be planning some sort of action against Israel as a way to improve its image domestically and within the Arab League. Siniora also asked the Ambassador to carry two messages back t [...]	2008-01-23 11:26:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER PARM SY IS LE
08BEIRUT962	LEBANON: GEAGEA SAYS HIZBALLAH AND SYRIA DO NOT [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea argued that the fighting in the north was ignited by the May clashes, stemming from decades of tension, and is perpetuated by the lack of response from the Lebanese Armed Forces and Internal Security Forces. Countering the notion that Syria and Hizballa [...]	2008-07-02 16:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR MCAP SY LE
08BEIRUT963	LEBANON: JUMBLATT REPORTS SAUDIS FOCUSED ON [...] (C) Recounting his recent trip to Saudi Arabia, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt told the Charge on July 2 that the Saudis are focused on restructuring Saad Hariri's Future Movement and on bolstering the Sunnis in anticipation of the 2009 parliamentary elections. Jumblatt expressed his concern tha [...]	2008-07-02 19:04:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SA IS LE
08BEIRUT970	LEBANON: SLEIMAN OPTIMISTIC ABOUT CABINET [...] (C) On July 3, President Michel Sleiman told the Charge he was optimistic that the cabinet would be named before he travels to Paris on July 12th. "I knew this would take some time. It is important for us to have a dialogue and solve these issues on our own." Sleiman predicts that low-level [...]	2008-07-03 13:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PTER PREF KPAL SY IS LE
08BEIRUT973	LEBANON: SYRIA NOT IN A RUSH TO PROVIDE LEBANON WITH [...] (SBU) Advisor to Acting Minister of Energy and Water (MEW) Mohammed Safadi, Raymond Ghajar, told us on July 3 that Lebanon will not receive Egyptian natural gas to run the Beddawi power plant (northern Lebanon) as anticipated in June/July because the infrastructure between Syria and Lebanon's n [...]	2008-07-03 14:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT974	LEBANON TERRORISM FINANCE: DESIGNATION OF MEMBERS OF ABU [...] No summary [...]	2008-07-03 14:33:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	KFTN EFIN PTER PREL PGOV LE
08BEIRUT975	LEBANON: PATIENT SINIORA WANTS ACTION FROM [...] No summary [...]	2008-07-03 15:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR EAID UNSC KPAL IS LE
08BEIRUT983	LEBANON: ON CABINET, PROGRESS WITH AOUN BUT NOT [...] (C) There was significant progress on cabinet formation July 5-6, when the majority and the opposition reached an agreement on the portfolio distribution. Contacts from both sides told us on Saturday, July 5 there might be cabinet agreement by the end of the day. However, the optimism faded [...]	2008-07-07 15:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE
08BEIRUT984	LEBANON: ELECTORAL REFORM--WHAT'S FEASIBLE BY 2009? [...] (U) UN and EU electoral assessment teams held a meeting for the donor community on June 27. The UN team argued that only "feasible" reforms should be promoted for the time being, and the rest should wait until the 2013 elections. According to Craig Jenness, a UN electoral assistance expert, [...]	2008-07-07 16:10:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID KDEM PGOV PHUM UNSC LE
08BEIRUT994	LEBANON: FAMILY FEUD: MARCH 14 STRUGGLING ON [...] (C) Saad Hariri is back in Lebanon and March 14 is working on resolving its internal disagreements over the division of cabinet seats, but hard feelings are making it difficult. Hariri has been engaged in discussions with other March 14 leaders Samir Geagea, Walid Jumblatt, and PM-designate [...]	2008-07-09 15:21:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR FR LE SY
08BEIRUT996	LEBANON: DETERMINED UNIIIC COMMISSIONER MAKING [...] (S) UNIIIC Commissioner Daniel Bellemare told emboffs on July 9 that he sees no wavering of French support for UNIIIC and the Special Tribunal, asked for USG support in the Special Tribunal Management Committee and positive USG responses to his requests for assistance. Ever the careful prose [...]	2008-07-09 16:00:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	KJUS PGOV PINR PREL PTER UNSC FR GB LE
08SECTION01F03BEIRUT1568	LEBANON: HARIRI TELLS A/S HOOK HE MET NASRALLAH [...] (S) Majority Leader Saad Hariri stressed to Assistant Secretary of State for International Organization Affairs Brian Hook the importance of building Lebanese state institutions and improving the Lebanese economy to counter Hizballah's influence. He said the calmer political situation followi [...]	2008-11-03 14:57:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PGOV PREL PTER UNSC ECON LE SY
08SECTON01OF02BEIRUT896	LEBANON: SEVERE POWER CUTS AND INCREASED GAS AND [...] (U) It is expected that power outages will be reduced in frequency after Finance Minister Azour approved opening $140 million Letters of Credit for fuel imports for national power utility Electricite du Liban (EDL). Azour indicated that EDL is using power cuts to put pressure on the GOL and Tr [...]	2008-06-16 05:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRT96	LEBANON: SINIORA URGES U.S. TO ENCOURAGE SYRIA TO [...] No summary [...]	2009-01-23 18:18:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT100	LEBANON: HOARDING OF GASOIL CAUSES SHORTAGES (ECONOMIC WEEK [...] (SBU) Minister of Energy and Water (MEW) Alain Tabourian publicly said on January 21 that the gasoil shortage will drop with the arrival of three tankers in the next two days. A senior MEW source told us the GOL has been distributing about 12 million liters of gasoil daily to the market, while [...]	2009-01-26 16:07:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1000	HARIRI PUTS FORTH CABINET PROPOSAL, OPPOSITION [...] (C) Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri on September 6 presented a 30-member cabinet proposal to President Sleiman without further consultation with the opposition. The plan, which did not meet the opposition Free Patriotic Movement's (FPM) demands for the ministry of the interior, the minist [...]	2009-09-08 16:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINS KDEM LE
09BEIRUT1001	LEBANON TO VOTE AS NORMAL IN UPCOMING UNGA [...] (C) As requested in reftel, poloff delivered points on the UN General Assembly (UNGA) to Majdi Ramadan, U.S. desk officer at the Lebanese MFA. Because government formation is ongoing, Ramadan predicted that Lebanon would likely not take any initiatives during the UNGA except competing for a r [...]	2009-09-09 13:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PARM UNGA UNSC LE
09BEIRUT1002	ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO [...] No summary [...]	2009-09-09 13:59:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL AL LE
09BEIRUT1005	HARIRI WITHDRAWS AS PM-DESIGNATE AND BLAMES THE [...] (C) Saad Hariri withdrew as prime minister-designate on September 10 and announced that he was stepping down in the interests of the nation to break the cycle that prevented his forming a national unity government. Caretaker PM Fouad Siniora told us the move is an attempt to relaunch negotiat [...]	2009-09-10 16:35:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINS KDEM LE
09BEIRUT1006	LEBANESE MADOFF LOSES $1.6 BILLION IN INVESTOR FUNDS [...] (U) Local and international media have reported extensively on the case of Salah Ezzedine, dubbed the Lebanese Bernard Madoff, after he declared bankruptcy and gave himself up to the authorities. Reports noted that Ezzedine may have lost as much as $1.6 billion in investor money, mainly due to [...]	2009-09-11 06:03:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EIND EINT ETRD KFLU SENV LE
09BEIRUT1007	QATARI OFFER TO BREAK LEBANESE LOGJAM ROUNDLY [...] (C) Late September 10 after Saad Hariri's withdrawal as prime minister-designate (reftel),reports spread rapidly that Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassem bin Jaber al Thani had offered to host the Lebanese for another Doha conference to resolve their issues. Some contacts, thinki [...]	2009-09-11 10:50:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINS KDEM LE QA
09BEIRUT1008	COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT OF FY 2010 1206 REQUEST [...] (U) Embassy Beirut fully supports the FY10 section 1206 proposal as submitted by the Office of Defense Cooperation ODC) Lebanon. This proposal, which addresses Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),Special Operations Forces (SOF),Counter Terrorism (CT) and Weapons Support, reinforces the mission's st [...]	2009-09-14 05:25:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	MCAP MASS LE
09BEIRUT101	LEBANON: JUSTICE MINISTER CONFIDENT SPECIAL [...] (C) Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar informed the Ambassador that he expected the four Lebanese judges on the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) to spend approximately two weeks in The Hague in March to approve the procedural code for the Tribunal. He also believed the four generals, currently [...]	2009-01-26 17:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC KCRM KJUS KTIP SOCI
09BEIRUT1012	SCENESETTER FOR S/E GEORGE MITCHELL'S SEPTEMBER 16 [...] (C) Embassy Beirut welcomes your September 16 visit. Your meeting with President Sleiman will reinforce the message that we value his views and that we recognize that Lebanon has its own issues and agenda in the context of a comprehensive Middle East Peace. Lebanese interest in the progress [...]	2009-09-14 14:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE
09BEIRUT1021	HARIRI ROUND 2: WHO STANDS WHERE, AND WHY [...] (C) Although Saad Hariri has, for the second time, won majority support as prime minister-designate, Lebanon's government formation process is expected to remain protracted as political tensions escalate. Hariri and the opposition have traded accusations of blame since the failure of the firs [...]	2009-09-16 13:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINS KDEM LE
09BEIRUT1022	UNIFIL COMMMANDER ON SEPTEMBER 11 ROCKET ATTACK [...] (C) Forces from the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL),cooperating with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),responded quickly by increasing patrols following the launch of rockets from Lebanon into Israel on September 11, according to UNIFIL Commander Gen. Claudio Graziano. Graziano confirmed [...]	2009-09-16 14:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER MOPS KPKO MCAP UNAUS IS LE
09BEIRUT1023	IMF MISSION IN BEIRUT EVALUATES SECOND QUARTER [...] (SBU) On September 10, Domenico Fanizza, International Monetary Fund (IMF) Division Chief for Middle East and Central Asia, met with caretaker Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah to discuss macroeconomic performance in the second quarter of 2009. Fanizza is leading an Emergency Post-Conflict Assis [...]	2009-09-16 14:42:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EPET ETRD PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1041	ENGAGING THE LEBANESE DIASPORA [...] The Lebanese diaspora is a large and diverse global community with an estimated population of at least twelve million, three times that of Lebanon itself. The bulk of the diaspora is centered in the Western hemisphere, with the largest population in Latin America. The remittances from this s [...]	2009-09-23 14:29:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	BEXP BTIO EAID EINV OEXC PGOV PHUM PREL SCUL
09BEIRUT1042	LEBANON RECEIVES $298 MILLION IN IMF SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHTS [...] (SBU) Lebanon received the equivalent of $298 million in foreign currency reserves through the allocation of Special Drawing Rights (SDR) as part of a new International Monetary Fund (IMF) program aimed at boosting country reserves to combat the world economic crisis. As a result, Lebanon's ne [...]	2009-09-24 05:22:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	BTIO ECON EFIN EINT PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1043	LEBANESE RELIGIOUS LEADERS PESSIMISTIC ON PROGRESS [...] (C) SUMMARY: During a mid-September round of calls by the Ambassador, Lebanese religious leaders expressed pessimism about political progress and ruled out deconfessionalization of Lebanon's political system. Sunni Mufti Qabbani accused Hizballah of undermining the state, and his Shia counter [...]	2009-09-24 05:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINS KDEM SCUL KISL LE VT
09BEIRUT1044	A RECIPE FOR STALEMATE: THE INHERENT WEAKNESSES OF [...] (C) As Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri returns to his task of forming a government, many Lebanese are asking themselves whether any resulting cabinet will be truly able to address Lebanon's many challenges. Both sides of the political divide agree that the current political system preclu [...]	2009-09-24 05:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINS KDEM LE
09BEIRUT1045	LAF COMMANDER KAHWAJI CONFIDENT OF MURR'S [...] (C) SUMMARY: Caretaker Defense Minister Elias Murr will be re-appointed to the same position in the next cabinet, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Jean Kahwaji told visiting LTG William Webster and the Ambassador on September 18. Kahwaji continued to be concerned that the current delay [...]	2009-09-24 05:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER PGOV PINR MOPS MARR KPKO MCAP IS LE
09BEIRUT1051	DEFMIN MURR ON GOVERNMENT FORMATION [...] (C) Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri has no new strategy to form the government since his renomination on September 16, caretaker Defense Minister Elias Murr told the Ambassador September 23. Murr said he advised Hariri to make President Michel Sleiman a "real partner" in the government f [...]	2009-09-24 15:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV KDEM KPKO MARR PINR PINS SY IT SP LE
09BEIRUT1053	ISRAELI COOPERATION IMPROVING, SAYS LEBANESE [...] (S) In recent trilateral meetings between the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),UNIFIL, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF),the Israeli side was more cooperative and a new element of trust between the parties was present, BGen Abdulruhman Shehaitly, GOL Coordinator to UNIFIL told visiting Special [...]	2009-09-25 05:47:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PBTS KPKO MARR PREL PGOV LE IS
09BEIRUT1058	GEMAYEL PREDICTS NEW GOVERNMENT WILL BE A [...] (C) SUMMARY: Lebanon's government formation crisis is the result of external interference but should not be solved through additional meddling, Kataeb party leader and former Lebanese President Amine Gemayel told the Ambassador. Although he discounted most formulas currently under discussion [...]	2009-09-25 14:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM LE
09BEIRUT1059	HARIRI KICKS OFF CABINET CONSULTATIONS WITH [...] (C) SUMMARY: The unexpected visit of Syrian President al-Asad to Saudi Arabia and his meeting with Saudi King Abdullah was a "positive development," Nader Hariri, advisor to Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, said September 25. MP Marwan Hamadeh observed that Saad Hariri is focused on aski [...]	2009-09-25 14:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM PINS LE
09BEIRUT106	LEBANON: MIKATI EXPECTS TO RUN WITH HARIRI [...] (C) In a January 26 meeting with the Ambassador, Former Prime Minister Najib Mikati said his talks with Saad Hariri on an electoral alliance in Tripoli were going well, and he expected he and Hariri would run jointly in the upcoming parliamentary elections. He believed the National Dialogue w [...]	2009-01-27 15:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE IR SY SA
09BEIRUT1066	GOL NOT LIKELY TO MAKE STATEMENTS ABOUT IRAN'S [...] No summary [...]	2009-09-29 12:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PARM KNNP MNUC LE IR
09BEIRUT107	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN FIRMLY SUPPORTS ARAB [...] (C) President Michel Sleiman reiterated his support for the Arab Peace Initiative (API) in a January 27 meeting with the Ambassador. He speculated that, although the Arab League was divided in its position on the API, the Kuwaitis and the Saudis could easily persuade some Arab League members t [...]	2009-01-27 15:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC KPAL IS LE SY
09BEIRUT1079	SLEIMAN SEEKS TO PROVIDE EXIT TO A CORNERED HARIRI [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Sleiman's confidants report that the is taking controversial positions in the press in an attempt to open an escape hatch for Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri in the stalled cabinet negotiations. Abi Assi defended the president against recent press attacks and floa [...]	2009-10-01 14:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM LE
09BEIRUT108	LEBANON: DEFENSE MINISTER MURR SAYS MARCH 14 [...] (C) In a January 26 meeting with the Ambassador, Defense Minister Elias Murr stressed his "purely UNSCR 1701" agenda for his planned January 28 visit to Damascus. He again expressed concern about the lack of March 14 organization for the upcoming parliamentary elections and said he continues t [...]	2009-01-27 15:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV MCAP PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY

09BEIRUT1081	ATMOSPHERE POSITIVE, CABINET NEGOTIATIONS STILL [...] (C) Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's conclusion of the second round of consultations on October 1 was accompanied by positive expectations that a cabinet could be formed soon. However, in separate meetings the same day, caretaker Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, caretaker Finance Minister [...]	2009-10-02 10:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM LE SY SA IR EG
09BEIRUT1087	INVALIDATION OF ZAHLE ELECTIONS COULD DISADVANTAGE [...] (C) Reports are circulating of the possible invalidation of the election of three members of parliament from the Zahle district. Should the Constitutional Council approve the pending petitions, the majority would lose likely lose ground and opposition-aligned former Zahle MP Elie Skaff would [...]	2009-10-05 15:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM LE
09BEIRUT1088	HARIRI AWAITS REGIONAL EVENTS BEFORE NEGOTIATING [...] (C) SUMMARY: Lebanon's political atmosphere appears improved following a week of talks with parliamentary blocs, but progress still awaits the expected Saudi-Syria rapprochement, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri told the Ambassador on October 2. Hariri reported that he had sought to draw [...]	2009-10-05 15:08:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL PINS SY SA LE
09BEIRUT109	LEBANON: UNIIIC COMMISSIONER ON THE FOUR GENERALS, REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL SYRIA-LINKED INFORMATION [...] (S/NF) UNIIIC Commissioner Daniel Bellemare explained to the Ambassador in a January 26 meeting the issues surrounding the release or transfer to The Hague of the four generals currently in Lebanese custody in connection with former PM Rafiq Hariri's assassination. According to Bellemare, the [...]	2009-01-27 16:16:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
09BEIRUT110	LEBANON: NATIONAL "DIALOGUE" ACTUALLY [...] (C) Former president and Kataeb leader Amine Gemayel told the Ambassador the January 26 National Dialogue session was another opportunity to hear "very important monologues." Gemayel said his attempts in the session to push Hizballah representative MP Mohammad Raad to reveal Hizballah's "true [...]	2009-01-27 16:28:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR LE SY
09BEIRUT1104	NAHR AL-BARID REMAINS CALM AWAITING DECISION ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: UN Relief and Works Agency Director (UNRWA) Salvatore Lombardo and Ambassador Khalil Makkawi, Director of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Committee (LPDC),remain cautiously optimistic that the State Shura Council will decide on October 13 to permit resumption of reconstruction [...]	2009-10-07 13:07:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREF PGOV KPAL PHUM JO IS LE UN
09BEIRUT1107	INCREASED BANK DEPOSITS: BLESSING OR CURSE? (ECONOMIC WEEK [...] (U) As Lebanon reports a $14 billion increase in bank deposits in the first eight months of 2009, prominent local economists have publicly characterized increased deposits as a double-edged sword for local banks. Head of Research at Byblos Bank Nassib Ghobril noted that since depositors contin [...]	2009-10-08 07:55:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON ECPS EFIN EIND PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1108	LEBANON GEARS UP FOR UNSC SEAT [...] (C) SUMMARY: Lebanon, which expects to be elected to the Asia group's non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council on October 15, will decide its positions on UNSC issues through consultation among the president's office, the prime minister's office, and the foreign ministry. Its votes will [...]	2009-10-08 12:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV UNSC AL LE IR
09BEIRUT1109	NEW INDEPENDENT SHIA CLERICAL GATHERING HAS [...] (C) The newly launched Shia Independent Clerical Gathering (ICG) celebrated several significant benchmarks within its first month, such as hosting a successful iftar during Ramadan and gaining the "moral backing" of Shia parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri, independent Shia political activist Lo [...]	2009-10-08 13:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PHUM PINR SCUL PTER LE
09BEIRUT111	LEBANON: ASSESSMENT OF UN HUMAN RIGHTS' FIELD [...] (SBU) This is a response to reftel requesting Post's assessment of the efficacy of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) field office in Beirut. 2. (SBU) According to Fateh Azzam, regional representative for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR),the Be [...]	2009-01-27 16:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1117	HARIRI SUMMONS SUNNI POWER, BUT REVEALS [...] (C) Lebanese contacts from across the political spectrum perceive Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's emphasis on the constitutional authorities of the prime minister as a strong defense of "Sunni power." However, Hariri's redesignation without support from either of the country's Shia par [...]	2009-10-09 13:56:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR KDEM SOCI LE
09BEIRUT1118	IMF PROPOSES INCLUDING REMITTANCES IN GDP CALCULATIONS [...] (U) An IMF working paper has suggested adding remittances to Lebanese GDP as a way to create a more accurate representation of debt sustainability. With gross remittance inflows to Lebanon estimated at around 20% percent of GDP in 2008 (making the country one of the largest recipients of remit [...]	2009-10-13 07:21:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	ECON EFIN KFLU PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1130	THE SPECIAL TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON AS POLITICAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL) is still a political football, with opposition-aligned figures striving to discredit it and the majority pledging its support for the STL's mission of bringing to justice those responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafik [...]	2009-10-14 14:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KJUS UNSC PTER PREL SOCI PINR LE SY
09BEIRUT1131	MAJORITY AND OPPOSITION AGREE GOVERNMENT TO FORM [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Lebanese cabinet could be formed within days, sources from the majority and minority agree, though all note that several imporant details remain unresolved. In the wake of the Syrian-Saudi summit last week, negotiations have progressed considerably and the opposition has back [...]	2009-10-14 15:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM LE
09BEIRUT114	LEBANON: 2008 INL END USE MONITORING REPORT [...] (U) The 2008 End Use Monitoring Report for INL programs in Lebanon, formatted as directed by Reftel, follows: PROCEDURES A. Inventory Management EUM Program coordinator: Virginia Sher Ramadan, +961-04/542600 ext. 4368, ramadanvs@state.gov Inventory System: Post records the distributio [...]	2009-01-28 11:57:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	SNAR AFIN
09BEIRUT1147	LEBANON CALLS FOR INTER-ARAB COOPERATION ON INTELLECTUAL [...] (SBU) Lebanon hosted the Fifth Regional Coordination Meeting industrial property and copyright officers in Arab countries on October 12-14, in Beirut. The workshop was organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and the Arab League, in cooperation with the Lebanese ministr [...]	2009-10-19 13:40:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EINV PGOV SOCI LE
09BEIRUT1148	PARTNERING FOR GLOBAL HUNGER AND FOOD SECURITY: [...] No summary [...]	2009-10-19 14:16:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	EAGR EAID ETRD LE
09BEIRUT1149	UPBEAT HARIRI SAYS CABINET NEGOTIATIONS REACH [...] (C) SUMMARY: On October 16, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri was optimistic that the week ahead would be "decisive" for cabinet formation. Discussions over the telecommunications portfolio with Christian opposition figure Michel Aoun continued, however, and Hariri suggested that he might [...]	2009-10-19 14:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR EFIN EAID PTER MARR MOPPS LE
09BEIRUT1152	COUNTRY TEAM ASSESSMENT OF FY 2010 1206 REQUEST [...] (SBU) Embassy Beirut fully supports the FY10 section 1206 proposal as submitted by the Office of Defense Cooperation ODC) Lebanon. This proposal, which addresses Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),special operations forces (SOF),counter-terrorism (CT) and weapons support, reinforces the mission's [...]	2009-10-20 14:30:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	MCAP MASS LE
09BEIRUT1153	RECENT SECURITY INCIDENTS IN SOUTH LEBANON REMAIN [...] (C) SUMMARY: Security incidents in southern Lebanon have dominated the press for the last week, obscured by a haze of rumors, contradictory information and propaganda. On the evening of October 12, a mysterious incident occurred in or near the house of an alleged Hizballah official in the vi [...]	2009-10-20 16:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER MOPS KPKO UNSC LE
09BEIRUT1155	LEBANESE PARTICIPATION IN THE 2009 G-8 BMENA FORUM [...] No summary [...]	2009-10-21 15:03:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	OPDC PREL ECON KPAO KDEM KMPI LE
09BEIRUT116	LEBANON: RESPONSE REGARDING UN EFFORTS TO COMBAT [...] (SBU) Post found no public or media reports about TIP or SEA involving UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) personnel in Lebanon. Similarly, UNIFIL officials told us that there were no cases or reports of TIP or SEA involving UNIFIL personnel in 2008. UNIFIL staff officers continue to receive [...]	2009-01-28 13:43:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	CD CT KPKO MO PREL SU WI UN PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1164	UNSCOL CHIEF OF STAFF UNDERSCORES UNIFIL'S [...] (C) SUMMARY: UNIFIL was not hindered in its investigation of the October 12 Tayr Felsayh incident, UN Special Coordinator on Lebanon (UNSCOL) Chief of Staff Jack Christofides asserted on October 21. He also said that the upcoming UNSCR 1701 report to the UN Security Council would reflect "cl [...]	2009-10-22 12:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER PINR MOPS UN KPKO IS LE
09BEIRUT1169	HARIRI DESCRIBES CHALLENGES FACING LEBANESE ARMED [...] (C) SUMMARY: Although the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) had made "impressive" progress, it still requires training and equipment in order to undermine non-state actors, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri told visiting DASD Colin Kahl and delegation on October 22. Kahl pushed for development [...]	2009-10-23 15:40:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL MARR PTER MOPS KPKO MCAP UNSC IS LE SY
09BEIRUT117	LEBANON: TALKING TO SYRIA IS A REDLINE FOR JUMBLATT [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt lamented to the Ambassador in a January 28 meeting that the March 14 alliance was still struggling to agree on which candidates will run in each district. Insisting that his relationship with Druze rival Talal Arslan was "good," Jumblatt revealed that Arslan had [...]	2009-01-28 16:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
09BEIRUT1175	LEBANON PROGRESSING ON UN MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS [...] (U) Lebanon has made substantial progress towards achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDGs),according to a recent report by the UN Development Program (UNDP). The report highlighted improvements in the areas of education, reduction of child and mother mortality rates, gender equali [...]	2009-10-26 15:32:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EINV PGOV SOCI LE
09BEIRUT1176	LAF OFFICERS DESCRIBE CHALLENGES IN SOUTH LEBANON [...] (C) SUMMARY: A formal strategy paper would be a critical tool to maintain Congressional support for the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),DASD Colin Kahl explained to LAF commander General Jean Kahwagi on October 22. Kahwagi portrayed the October 12 Tayr Felsayh incident as perplexing, but reporte [...]	2009-10-27 08:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL MARR PTER MOPS KPKO MCAP UNSC IS LE
09BEIRUT118	LEBANON: UNIFIL URGES COMMITMENT TO ENHANCED [...] (C) UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Commander General Claudio Graziano hosted an ambassadorial-level briefing for all UNIFIL contributing countries January 27 to update UNIFIL's bilateral partners on UNIFIL capabilities, a timeline of recent events, and lessons learned in the aftermath o [...]	2009-01-28 18:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE IS
09BEIRUT1180	ROCKET FROM LEBANON HITS NORTHERN ISRAEL [...] (C) Summary: On the evening of October 27, one Katyusha rocket was launched from Lebanon into an uninhabited region near the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona, and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) promptly retaliated with an artillery barrage into an uninhabited area. There were no reports of inj [...]	2009-10-28 13:43:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER PINR MOPS MCAP KPKO UN IS LE
09BEIRUT1181	LEBANON REQUESTS ICAO VOTE IN EXCHANGE FOR IMO AND [...] (C) We delivered ref A demarche regarding the International Maritime Organization (IMO) on September 30 and ref B demarche on the UN International Civil Service Commission (ICSC) (ref B) on October 23 to both MFA Americas desk officer Reina Charbel and Acting Director General of the MFA Depart [...]	2009-10-28 15:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	AORC APER KJUS KUNR PHSA PREL UNGA
09BEIRUT1182	DEMARCHE RESPONSE: ENFORCING THE WEAPONS-FREE ZONE [...] (C) Summary: In response to Ref A demarche detailing U.S. concerns on GOL enforcement of a weapons-free zone in south Lebanon, Caretaker Minister of Defense Elias Murr, Advisor to President Sleiman Naji Abi Assi, and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Jean Kahwagi acknowledged the negative [...]	2009-10-28 15:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER MARR MOPS KPKO UNSC LE IS
09BEIRUT1183	BERRI CHARACTERIZES GOVERNMENT DELAY AS "SILLY" [...] (C) Summary: Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri characterized the ongoing delay in cabinet formation as "silly" in an October 28 meeting with the Ambassador. He claimed that the negotiations between Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri and Christian opposition leader Michel Aoun had devolved i [...]	2009-10-28 16:58:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV EAID KDEM OREP PREL PTER SY EG LE
09BEIRUT1186	HEADS OR TAILS? GOERNMENT OR NO GOVERNMENT? [...] (C) SUMMARY: The positive atmosphere engendered by the Syrian-Saudi rapprochement in mid-October is dissipating as negotiations about the details of cabinet formation drag on, sources say. Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's allies are beginning to question the wisdom of his negotiating t [...]	2009-10-30 14:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	LE PGOV PINS PREL
09BEIRUT1188	HEADS OR TAILS? GOVERNMENT OR NO GOVERNMENT? [...] (C) SUMMARY: The positive atmosphere engendered by the Syrian-Saudi rapprochement in mid-October is dissipating as negotiations about the details of cabinet formation drag on, sources say. Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri's allies are beginning to question the wisdom of his negotiating t [...]	2009-10-30 14:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINS SY LE
09BEIRUT1194	SCENESETTER FOR CODEL PRICE'S NOVEMBER 9-10 VISIT [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The U.S. Mission in Beirut welcomes your November 9-10 visit. Your visit is the first by a U.S. Congressional delegation to Lebanon since the June 7 parliamentary elections. Your meetings with President Michel Sleiman, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, caretaker PM Fouad S [...]	2009-11-02 13:09:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	OREP PREL PGOV KDEM EAID UNSC PTER MARR LE
09BEIRUT1195	DANGERS OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON THE BIG SCREEN (ECONOMIC WEEK [...] (SBU) On October 24, an Lebanese environmental NGO, the League of Independent Activists (IndyAct),hosted a screening of the drama documentary, "The Age of Stupid," highlighting the dangers of climate change, in collaboration with the British Embassy, the American Lebanese Chamber of Commerce, [...]	2009-11-03 06:03:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	EAIR ECIN ECON EFIN PGOV SENV LE
09BEIRUT1197	RUMORS OF CABINET FORMATION PREMATURE [...] (C) Reports in the Lebanese press that a cabinet would be announced on November 3 appear to have been premature. On November 3, Nader Hariri, advisor to Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri, told us that the PM-designate undertook expedited negotiations with Michel Aoun, head of the Change an [...]	2009-11-03 15:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM PINS LE SY
09BEIRUT1199	2009 INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM REPORT [...] (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel demarche and report to MFA Americas Desk Officer Reina Charbel on October 26. Charbel advised that the report would be shared with relevant GOL offices and said that the GOL remains committed to the principles of religious freedom and tolerance. 2. (SBU) React [...]	2009-11-04 10:02:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PHUM PGOV OPRC KIRF KPAO LE
09BEIRUT1200	LEBANON TO SUPPORT GOLDSTONE RESOLUTION [...] No summary [...]	2009-11-04 10:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PHUM PTER KPAL IS LE
09BEIRUT1201	ISF POLICE STATION OPENED IN NAHR AL-BARID CAMP [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Lebanese government intends to begin policing inside Palestinian refugee camps for the first time since 1969, starting with the Nahr al-Barid camp, thanks to a USG pledge to fund the construction of a police station and train the Internal Security Forces (ISF) in community pol [...]	2009-11-04 13:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREF PREL PGOV PTER KPAL LE
09BEIRUT1205	LEBANON: 2009-2010 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS CONTROL STRATEGY [...] (SBU) Lebanon is not a major illicit drug producing or drug-transit country. The Lebanese government reported ongoing cannabis cultivation in 2009, and increased drug use particularly among the young, due to greater availability and reduced price of most drugs sold in Lebanon. During 2009, L [...]	2009-11-06 12:04:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	SNAR NAS LE
09BEIRUT1206	ANOTHER WAVE OF OPTIMISM ON CABINET FORMATION [...] (C) In the wake of a flurry of activity, including a visit by caretaker Telecommunications Minister Gebran Bassil to Damascus, the Lebanese political class seems convinced once again that a new cabinet will be formed in the next few days. Nader Hariri, advisor to Prime Minister-designate Saad [...]	2009-11-06 15:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM PINS LE SY
09BEIRUT1207	REFUGEES FACE ARBITRARY DETENTION AND A BROKEN [...] (C) SUMMARY: Iraqi Christians form a rapidly growing proportion of Lebanon's refugee population, according to UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) representatives in Beirut. Iraqis are registering more quickly with the UNHCR, but they face bureaucratic obstacles to processing them for r [...]	2009-11-06 15:16:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREF PHUM PGOV SOCI SMIG EAID IZ LE
09BEIRUT1210	HARIRI PUTTING FINAL TOUCHES ON CABINET FORMATION [...] (U) The last holdout in the opposition, Change and Reform bloc head Michel Aoun, has assented to Prime Minister-designate Hariri's cabinet formation proposal. Following a meeting of the opposition leaders on November 6, Aoun announced on November 9 that his bloc would be represented by Charbel [...]	2009-11-09 14:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM PINS LE
09BEIRUT1214	NEW LEBANESE CABINET ANNOUNCED [...] (C) SUMMARY: After nearly five months of negotiations, Prime Minister-designate Saad Hariri formed a cabinet on November 9. The cabinet held its initial meeting on November 10 and selected the committee that will negotiate the ministerial statement, which must be approved by parliament within [...]	2009-11-10 17:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
09BEIRUT1220	EU PROVIDES MORE THAN 43 MILLION EUROS TO PROMOTE REFORM [...] (SBU) The European Commission (EC) announced that it will provide Lebanon with 43 million euros in grant assistance under its 2009 Annual Action Plan, most of it to be spent on economic reform. Out of this, 8 million euros will go to support Paris III reforms, including supporting Lebanon's WT [...]	2009-11-13 07:13:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EIND PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1225	KATAEB AND MARCH 14 SECRETARIAT COMPLAIN OF NEGLECT [...] (C) SUMMARY: Saad Hariri provoked a crisis in the Kataeb party by allotting it the social affairs ministry instead of the education ministry, Kataeb Vice President Salim el Sayegh told us. Kataeb will remain in the majority but not in the March 14 secretariat, he added. El Sayegh alleged tha [...]	2009-11-16 16:24:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM PINS LE SY SA
09BEIRUT1226	BORDER CONTROL PLAN STILL LACKING SAY DONORS [...] (C) SUMMARY: UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Michael Williams reviewed with international donors on November 4 the very limited progress on border management since their last meeting in June, and attributed it primarily to the lack of a Lebanese government. Noting that border man [...]	2009-11-16 16:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PBTS SY LE
09BEIRUT1229	ECONOMIC REFORM PROSPECTS IN LEBANON'S NEW [...] (C) SUMMARY: While some worried that the long and contentious government formation process would result in an ineffectual cabinet, the new ministers include a surprising number of relatively apolitical technocrats. With regard to the USG's key economic reform priorities in Lebanon (ref A),Em [...]	2009-11-17 07:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON EFIN EIND ECPS ENRG PGOV KCOR LE
09BEIRUT1230	LEBANESE RESPONSE ON COUNTRY-SPECIFIC HUMAN RIGHTS [...] (C) Charge delivered points in reftels to presidential diplomatic advisor Naji Abi Assi on November 16, asking for Lebanese support in opposing the no-action motion on Iran. Abi Assi indicated that he would bring the U.S. demarche to the attention of Lebanese Permrep Nawaf Salam, but implied t [...]	2009-11-17 15:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PREL UNGA LE
09BEIRUT1231	NEW MINISTERIAL STATEMENT LIKELY TO BE RETREAD OF [...] (C) Ministers working on the committee drafting the new ministerial statement tell us that the final document will most likely resemble the text of the previous statement, accepted in 2008 following the Doha agreement. "There is a kind of understanding among all parties to use the same formul [...]	2009-11-17 16:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PGOV KDEM PINS LE SY SA
09BEIRUT1235	2009 TIP INTERIM ASSESSMENT: LEBANON [...] (U) Summary: This 2009 TIP Interim Assessment for Lebanon is submitted in response to action request in reftel. The Government of Lebanon (GOL) made limited progress in addressing trafficking in persons (TIP) issues, partially because of parliamentary inaction before the June 2009 elections a [...]	2009-11-18 10:18:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KCRM KTIP KWMN PGOV PHUM SMIG LE
09BEIRUT1237	LEBANON HOSTS MAJOR ITU CONFERENCE (ECONOMIC WEEK IN [...] (U) Less than three years after its establishment, Lebanon's Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) hosted the International Telecommunications Union's Global Symposium for Regulators in Beirut November 9-11. U.S. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Julius Genachowski and U.S. Co [...]	2009-11-18 13:10:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN ACOA PTER PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1238	THE "LEBANONIZATION" OF HIZBALLAH [...] (C) SUMMARY: Hizballah, generally regarded as the "cleanest" of Lebanon's political parties, has been forced to defend itself in the aftermath of the financial collapse of Shia tycoon Salah Ezzedine, most of whose investors came from Hizballah-dominated communities. The Ezzedine scandal was a [...]	2009-11-18 15:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV SOCI KISL KCOR KDEM PTER LE
09BEIRUT1239	UNIFIL WANTS TO APPLY GHAJAR MODEL TO SHEBAA FARMS [...] (C) SUMMARY: July's explosion of a Hizballah arms depot in Khirbet Selim raised questions about the Lebanese Armed Forces' (LAF) attitude, but the LAF has applied the lessons learned from the incident, according to UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) Director of Political and Civil Affairs Mi [...]	2009-11-19 07:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL MARR PTER MOPS KPKO MCAP UNSC PBTS LE IS
09BEIRUT124	LEBANON: AOUN SETTING THE STAGE TO CHALLENGE [...] (C) In a January 28 meeting with the Ambassador, Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Michel Aoun complained that Sunni Future Movement leader Saad Hariri planned to pay to fly in expatriate Christian voters to vote against Aoun in the June parliamentary elections. Aoun dismissed the idea tha [...]	2009-01-29 15:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV EFIN LE SY
09BEIRUT1242	LEBANON UNPREPARED TO ADDRESS SHEBAA WATER ISSUES [...] (C) SUMMARY: Lebanese government officials argue that Israel's insistence on retaining the disputed Shebaa Farms stems not from border security concerns but from interest in water rights. Lebanese contacts opine that, given water shortages in the region and increasing worries that global war [...]	2009-11-19 15:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	SENV PREL ECON PBTS PGOV LE IS
09BEIRUT1243	MARKING THE BLUE LINE: SLOW BUT STEADY PROGRESS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: The UN Interim Force in Lebanon's (UNIFIL) 121-kilometer Blue Line (BL) marking program is moving along, albeit slowly, with 25 of the proposed 198 markers now in place. UNIFIL officials maintain that despite the slow pace, the demarcation prevents inadvertent violations of UN [...]	2009-11-20 06:01:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PBTS PTER PINR MOPS KPKO UNSC IS LE
09BEIRUT1247	GOVERNMENT LEADERS EMPHASIZE ECONOMIC REFORM WITH [...] (SBU) Summary: On November 10, Prime Minister Saad Hariri, President Michel Sleiman, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, and former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora separately told visiting Codel Price that they welcomed U.S. congressional support to the Lebanese parliament and noted the multitude [...]	2009-11-24 11:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PGOV KDEM EAID PTER OREP LE
09BEIRUT1249	EDUCATION LEADS TO DEMOCRACY, MPS TELL CODEL PRICE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Lebanese parliamentarians from all sides of the political spectrum told visiting Codel Price November 10 and 11 that they welcomed the United States Congress' support for the Lebanese parliament. They suggested that technical assistance, particularly through a staff resource cen [...]	2009-11-24 11:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PGOV KDEM EAID PTER OREP LE
09BEIRUT125	LEBANON: GEAGEA SEES "MONKEYNESS" HURTING ELECTION [...] (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea reported to the Ambassador in a January 29 meeting that the Syrians were "anxious" about Lebanon's June 7 parliamentary elections, and may be making assassination plans (including against himself) or violence by proxy in order to sway the elections to the [...]	2009-01-29 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC KPAL IS SY LE
09BEIRUT1250	MONITORING OF 2009 G/TIP FUND GRANTED TO [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: On October 28, emboffs conducted a site visit with G/TIP visitor Rachel Yousey to the Caritas Safe House, which is part of the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and Caritas Lebanon Migrant Center's "Protection and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking" USG-fund [...]	2009-11-25 16:18:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PHUM KTIP KWMN KCRM LE
09BEIRUT1251	PM HARIRI PLEDGES ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL PROSPERITY [...] (U) PM Saad Hariri, speaking at the 2009 Annual Arab Banking Conference November 19 in Beirut, noted that his recently formed cabinet was not only a national unity cabinet politically but also a "social and economic development unity cabinet" that reflected the ambitions of the Lebanese. He st [...]	2009-11-25 16:25:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EINT SENV PGOV LE
09BEIRUT126	LEBANON: BORDER SECURITY WORK STALLED, SAYS [...] (C) On January 29, Minister of Interior Ziad Baroud told the Ambassador that internal Government of Lebanon (GOL) discussions on border security had effectively stalled. The Prime Minister had taken this on personally and is the only who can move the complex issue forward. Turning to election [...]	2009-01-30 09:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID PGOV PTER PINR KTIP PBTS MOPS LE IS SY
09BEIRUT1260	H1N1 IN LEBANON DECLARED AN EPIDEMIC (ECONOMIC WEEK IN [...] (U) Minister of Public Health Mohammad Khalifeh announced November 25 that Lebanon had moved to the epidemic stage of H1N1, as test results showed that 80% of people with the flu were carrying the H1N1 strain. However, he reiterated that the virus was not fatal, noting that most patients were [...]	2009-12-01 07:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PHUM SOCI PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1261	EMBASSY BEIRUT NOMINEES FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL [...] (U) Post nominated the following ten individuals for the Presidential Entrepreneurship Summit: - Mr. Fawaz Hamidi, General Manager, Business Incubation Association Tripoli and Northern Lebanon (BIAT); - Mr. Nicolas Rouhana, Business Development & Communication Director, Berytech Technologic [...]	2009-12-01 07:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	ECON EAID PREL SOCI LE
09BEIRUT1267	HIZBALLAH UNVEILS ITS NEW MANIFESTO [...] (C) SUMMARY: Hizballah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah delivered a seminal speech on November 30 that detailed Hizballah's vision for Lebanon and the future of "the resistance." The last time Hizballah produced such a statement was nearly a quarter century ago, in February 1985. The new m [...]	2009-12-03 07:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PTER PREL KISL IS LE
09BEIRUT1271	CABINET STATEMENT SIGNED, HARIRI FACES BUMPY ROAD [...] (C) SUMMARY: The new Lebanese cabinet finally settled on its ministerial statement -- a policy roadmap -- on December 2, but the second-guessing about how Prime Minister Saad Hariri reached that point is already well underway. Embassy interlocutors argue that Hariri made several missteps durin [...]	2009-12-03 18:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR KDEM KISL LE
09BEIRUT1277	LEBANESE REACTION TO ISRAELI SETTLEMENT MORATORIUM [...] (C) SUMMARY: Presidential advisor Naji Abi Assi welcomed details about Israel's recently announced settlement moratorium and the U.S. reaction to it. Abi Assi also told Charge on December 1 that Palestinian Authority President Abu Mazen was scheduled to visit Beirut on December 7. He opined [...]	2009-12-04 15:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV KPAL KWBG UNSC ENRG LE IS
09BEIRUT1280	MINISTERIAL STATEMENT GOES PUBLIC [...] (SBU) The Lebanese Arabic-language daily newspaper An-Nahar printed today the full Arabic text of the ministerial statement text that will be debated by parliament beginning December 8. Following is the Embassy's informal translation of Articles 5-8, which deal with UN Security Council Resolu [...]	2009-12-04 16:36:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL KDEM PTER UNSC LE IS
09BEIRUT1285	GOL REFINANCES $500 MILLION IN EUROBONDS (ECONOMIC WEEK IN [...] (SBU) On December 3, the GOL successfully issued $500 million in Eurobonds to replace an equal value of maturing Eurobonds. The issue consisted of two tranches: a five-year $250 million bond at a 5.875% coupon and a 15-year $250 million bond at a 7% coupon. Both issues were over-subscribed an [...]	2009-12-08 08:04:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1286	DEMARCHE RESPONSE: LEBANON NOTIFIED OF CENTCOM 2010 GULF [...] Post notified Minister of Telecommunications Charbel Nahas and Chairman of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) Dr. Kamal Shehadi on December 3 that the 2010 Gulf Region Communications Conference (GRCC) will be held inAmman, Jordan, on February 21-23, 2010, and requsted that they s [...]	2009-12-08 08:23:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECIN ECPS PGOV EINT PREL LE
09BEIRUT1289	PROPOSAL FOR EXCHANGE OF NOTES ON STATUS OF U.S. [...] (C) SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUEST: For over a year, U.S. military engagement activities in Lebanon have been expanding rapidly in number and scope. In addition to the growing list of short-term engagements, in early 2010 the Embassy's Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) will inaugurate a compreh [...]	2009-12-09 17:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	MARR MOPS PREL OPDC LE
09BEIRUT129	LEBANON: WITH CODEL SMITH, D.M MURR SAYS SYRIA [...] (C) CODEL Smith, accompanied by Ambassador and PolEconOff met with Defense Minister Elias Murr at his residence January 30. CODEL members were House Armed Service Committee members Adam Smith (D-WA),Susan Davis (D-CA),Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ),Glynn Nye (D-VA),Frank Kravotil (D-MD); C.A. [...]	2009-02-02 07:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT1290	MARCH 14'S WINTER OF DISCONTENT [...] (C) SUMMARY: Disillusionment among March 14 Christians is expanding. March 14 Secretary General Fares Souaid recently expressed deep concern about the direction of the movement, fearing Syrian pressure on March 14 leader and Prime Minister Saad Hariri would lead to its disbandment. Publicly [...]	2009-12-09 18:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM SA SY LE
09BEIRUT1298	LEBANON LOOKS TO TURN "GREEN," ACTION AWAITS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Coinciding with the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, popular efforts on environmental issues in Lebanon have received significant local media attention and the newly-formed Lebanese government seems to have taken notice of the public push. Prime Minister Saad Hariri wi [...]	2009-12-10 17:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	ECON ENRG SENV PGOV PREL LE
09BEIRUT1299	LEBANESE PRESIDENT SLEIMAN'S VISIT TO WASHINGTON [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Michel Sleiman and his delegation look forward to their discussions with President Obama and other U.S. officials during their December 12-16 visit to Washington. President Sleiman -- who will be accompanied by Defense Minister Elias El Murr, Foreign Minister Ali Al Cha [...]	2009-12-10 19:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR KDEM UNSC OVIP LE
09BEIRUT130	LEBANON: SLEIMAN TELLS CODEL SMITH USG SHOULD DEAL [...] (C) In a January 30 meeting with CODEL Smith, President Michel Sleiman urged the U.S. to find a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Solving the conflict, he said, would benefit Lebanon greatly because of the significant Palestinian refugee population in Lebanon. Lebanon's relations [...]	2009-02-02 08:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR LE SY IS
09BEIRUT1305	HARIRI'S CABINET WINS HISTORIC VOTE OF CONFIDENCE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Prime Minister Saad Hariri's cabinet and its ministerial statement won an overwhelming vote of confidence from the Lebanese parliament late on December 10. In the final vote 122 out of 128 MPs voted to support the new government, six months after elections brought the parliament [...]	2009-12-11 16:59:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV KDEM PINR KISL LE
09BEIRUT1318	HARIRI'S DAMASCUS TRIP COMPLICATED BY SYRIAN [...] (C) SUMMARY: Lebanese Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar confirmed on December 10 that the GOL had received "warrants" for 23 former and current Lebanese officials and journalists to appear before the Syrian judiciary. The warrants were issued in connection with a case brought in a Syrian court b [...]	2009-12-14 16:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR KJUS LE SY
09BEIRUT1319	ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVISTS TARGET COPENHAGEN (ECONOMIC WEEK IN [...] (SBU) A group of Lebanese parliamentarians, Lebanese NGOs, and the local UNDP office issued the "Beirut call to Copenhagen" calling on world leaders to approve an "ambitious, binding and fair agreement in Copenhagen" to face the dangers of climate change (reftel). The head of local environment [...]	2009-12-15 05:35:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN SENV SCOM PGOV LE
09BEIRUT133	LEBANON: LEBANON MEETS USG BENCHMARK FOR PARIS III SUPPORT [...] (SBU) On January 23, the cabinet passed a gas excise floor of LL 470 (approximately 31 cents) per liter, uncapping the price of gas at the pump and tying it to international oil prices, senior staffer at the Ministry of Finance (MOF) Zeina Kassem told EconOff January 29. In line with this de [...]	2009-02-02 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1334	SYRIAN ALLIES SEEK "CANCELLATION" OF UNSCR 1559 [...] (C) SUMMARY: Syria's allies in Lebanon have launched a campaign for the "cancellation" of UN Security Council resolution 1559. Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri claimed to the Ambassador that following the Syrian withdrawal from Lebanon and the election of Michel Sleiman as president, there i [...]	2009-12-21 16:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER UNSC PBTS KPAL LE IS SY
09BEIRUT1336	DEFMIN MURR PLANS SHAKE-UP IN SOUTH LEBANON [...] (C) Summary: President Obama's message to Lebanese President Michel Sleiman on the importance of UNSCR 1701 was loud and clear, Defense Minister Murr told the Ambassador and visiting Special Coordinator for Regional Affairs Frederic Hof on December 18. Murr reported he would underscore this m [...]	2009-12-22 15:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER UNSC PBTS KPAL LE IS
09BEIRUT134	LEBANON: LAF COMMANDER TELLS CODEL SMITH [...] (C) Highlighting the fight against Islamic extremists, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi told Codel Smith that the LAF had "changed the game" in its fight against terrorism in Lebanon by taking a more offensive approach. Kahwagi stressed that Islamic extremists had ga [...]	2009-02-02 16:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
09BEIRUT1347	LAF AND UNSCOL DESCRIBE PREPARATIONS FOR GHAJAR [...] (C) Summary: Preparations for the handover of Ghajar village were very sensitive to the GOL, General Abdulruhman Shehaitly, LAF representative to the tripartite, reported, and the LAF planned to deploy a unit of four in the village, along with UNIFIL forces, after its return from Israeli contr [...]	2009-12-23 16:00:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL UNSC PBTS MARR KPKO LE IS
09BEIRUT135	Lebanon -- The Daily Star is Back [...] Summary: English-language Lebanese newspaper The Daily Star returned to publication on February 2, after having been closed since January 14 in a dispute over unpaid loans with the Standard Chartered Bank. End Summary. 2. The publisher of the Daily Star, Jamil Mroue, told Arab nationalis [...]	2009-02-03 06:45:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT1351	HARIRI'S DAMASCUS VISIT HERALDS NEW "PERSONAL [...] (C) Summary: Prior to his December 19-20 visit to Damascus, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri told the Ambassador that he "must go to Damascus to better relations," and he cast the visit as "a new form of achieving sovereignty and independence." Following the visit, the PM's chief of staff [...]	2009-12-28 12:54:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PTER UNSC PBTS PINR KPAL LE SY
09BEIRUT1353	MENAFATF NOVEMBER 2009 BEIRUT LEBANON PLENARY [...] (SBU) Summary: The Middle East and North Africa Financial Action Task Force (MENAFATF) held a plenary session (MENAFATF X) and working group meetings from November 8-12 at the Riviera Hotel in Beirut. Treasury Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes Director for Global Affairs Brian Grant he [...]	2009-12-28 15:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	EFIN ECON PTER PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1354	REQUEST FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING FOR ODC MILITARY [...] (U) In accordance with provisions of the Leahy Act and Foreign Assistance Act, we have carefully reviewed the human rights record of the following candidates. We found no evidence of gross human rights violations for these individuals. 2. (U) The following Lebanese Armed Forces personnel a [...]	2009-12-29 06:24:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	MOPS PMIL PHUM LE
09BEIRUT1355	RENEWED GOL COMMITMENT TO WTO ACCESSION IN 2010 (ECONOMIC [...] (SBU) Assistant U.S. Trade Representative Christopher Wilson briefed GOL officials and parliamentarians on the status of Lebanon's WTO negotiations during a one-day visit to Beirut December 17. Wilson said the USG sees a real opportunity for Lebanon, with a new cabinet in place, to move towar [...]	2009-12-29 06:45:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN EWWT SENV PGOV LE
09BEIRUT1358	PM HARIRI URGES INCREASED MILITARY AID [...] (S) Summary: The U.S. must fully support the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enable it to implement UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri told the Ambassador and visiting Special Coordinator for Regional Affairs Frederic Hof on December 18. Lebanon wo [...]	2009-12-29 13:16:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET	PREL PTER UNSC PBTS KPAL MARR MASS IS LE
09BEIRUT1359	GEAGEA COMPLAINS OF MARCH 14 ISOLATION [...] (C) Summary: Syria is pushing hard to annul UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1559, and the U.S. should publicly reiterate its support for all resolutions relating to Lebanon, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea told the Ambassador. Geagea also complained that Saudi Arabia was pushing Pr [...]	2009-12-29 16:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV SY UNSC SA LE
09BEIRUT1366	SCENESETTER FOR THE VISIT OF PRESIDENTIAL SCIENCE [...] (SBU) Embassy Beirut welcomes your visit to Lebanon, which will offer a unique opportunity to highlight the importance of scientific issues, from climate change to communications policy, at the highest levels of the GOL while raising general awareness among the public at large. Although Leban [...]	2009-12-31 08:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON ESTH EINT PGOV KGHG KIPR TSPL LE
09BEIRUT1367	LEBANON: 2009 COUNTRY REPORT ON TERRORISM [...] While the threat of terrorist activity kept Lebanese security agencies on high alert throughout the year, 2009 was characterized by increased governmental efforts to disrupt suspected terror cells before they could act. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF),in particular, were credited with the cap [...]	2009-12-31 09:40:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PTER ASEC EFIN KCRM KHLS PINS PREL AEMR LE SY
09BEIRUT137	LEBANON: NOMINATIONS FOR FY-09 MEPI STUDENT LEADERS [...] (U) On January 23 and 26, a four-member post panel conducted interviews with short listed applicants for this summer's MEPI Student Leaders Program. Due to the large number of applications received this year by highly qualified Lebanese and Palestinian applicants (born and residing in Lebanon) [...]	2009-02-03 13:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	KMPI KPAO PREL LE
09BEIRUT139	LEBANON: SAUDI AMBASSADOR ON SYRIA, HIZBALLAH, SAAD [...] (C) Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon Abdulaziz Khoja told the Ambassador that Saudi King Abdullah's outreach to Syrian President Bashar Asad was necessary to limit Iran's influence in the Arab world. Bashar, for his part, is playing all sides off each other, but that strategy would only be viable [...]	2009-02-03 16:55:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY IS IR
09BEIRUT140	LEBANON: MARONITE CHRISTIAN MP HARB ASSAILS UNITY [...] (C) In a February 2 meeting with the Ambassador, Maronite Christian MP Boutros Harb acknowledged security threats against him serious enough to warrant a self-imposed confinement at home. He cautioned that Free Patriotic Movement leader (FPM) Michel Aoun "courts emotion" as a populist candida [...]	2009-02-03 18:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
09BEIRUT141	LEBANON: CHATAH FRUSTRATED WITH BUDGET IMPASSE IN [...] (C) In a February 2 meeting with the Ambassador, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah said he would formally ask the IMF to certify the GOL's fulfillment of the USG gas excise subsidy benchmark, and hoped the USG would use its USD 50 milion disbursement to pay off Central Bank of Lebano Eurobond [...]	2009-02-04 16:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	EAID ECON EFIN PGOV PREL PTER MCAP LE SY IS
09BEIRUT143	Media Ethics in the Lebanese Media [...] No summary [...]	2009-02-05 06:46:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE

09BEIRUT147	Lebanon: Murr TV (MTV) To Resume Broadcasting [...] (U) Summary: MTV announced it will resume broadcast on March 31, 2009, seven years after its coerced closure. Michel El Murr, the CEO, denied that the Lebanese Forces "or any other foreign or domestic party" was behind the reopening. March 14 contacts, however, have been pushing for the reop [...]	2009-02-05 14:48:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT148	LEBANON: MICHEL MURR ON THE INDEPENDENTS [...] (C) In a February 4 meeting, MP and self-styled independent list kingmaker Michel Murr told the Ambassador that he, and not his son, Defense Minister Elias Murr, would run for a seat in the Metn district in the June parliamentary elections. Murr appeared confident about his list's chances in [...]	2009-02-05 15:13:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT153	LEBANON: SPEAKER BERRI ON WIRETAPPING, BUDGETARY [...] (C) Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri told the Ambassador that applying existing laws was the "easy solution" to the current fiery disputes over wiretapping and the budget for the Council of the South. However, he was not optimistic that this would occur. On the parliamentary elections, Berri [...]	2009-02-06 15:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
09BEIRUT154	LEBANON: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: TRIPOLI [...] (SBU) This is the first in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) Tripoli, once a vibrant and vital economic hub, is one of seven electoral districts in the North Lebanon administrative a [...]	2009-02-06 15:52:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT155	LEBANON: RELATIONS WITH SYRIA: COSMETIC CHANGES [...] (C) Six months after the August 13-14 summit in Damascus between President Michel Sleiman and Syrian President Bashar Asad (Ref H),there has been little substantive progress, from the Lebanese point of view, on any of the key bilateral issues: exchange of Ambassadors, border security coopera [...]	2009-02-10 09:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PTER PINR SY LE
09BEIRUT157	LEBANON: ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF COMMITS TO MORE [...] (C) Dennis Hadrick, Program Manager in the Department of State Office of Weapons Removal and Abatement (WRA),received a verbal commitment from LAF Chief of Staff, Major General Shawki al-Masri, that the LAF will destroy 10 more Man Portable Air-Defense System (MANPADS) missiles stored in a LA [...]	2009-02-10 15:46:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
09BEIRUT158	LEBANON: BUDGET DELAYED BY DISPUTE OVER COUNCIL FOR THE [...] (SBU) On January 29, the cabinet postponed discussions of the 2009 budget draft for ten days until the return of President Sleiman from an official visit to Bahrain and the UAE. This should allow time for politicians to resolve the issue of the budget allotment to the Council for the South, wh [...]	2009-02-10 16:30:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT159	LEBANON: PALIAMENTARY ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: THE CHOUF [...] (SBU) This is the second in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) The Chouf is one of six electoral districts in the Mount Lebanon administrative area. There are eight parliamentary sea [...]	2009-02-10 16:40:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT161	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH LIKELY TO REMAIN ON THE [...] (C) The recent Gaza conflict again brought to the fore the question of under what regional and domestic circumstances Hizballah would use force against Israel. In addition, the first anniversary of the February 12, 2008 assassination of former Hizballah military official Imad Mugniyeh raises t [...]	2009-02-11 08:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS KPAL
09BEIRUT169	LEBANON: PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: THE METN [...] (U) This is the third in a series of snapshots we are producing on key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) The Metn is one of six electoral districts in the Mount Lebanon administrative area. There are eight parliamentary seats in [...]	2009-02-12 15:26:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV LE
09BEIRUT170	LEBANON: GAZA CONFLICT EXPOSES CHALLENGES FOR [...] (C) Hizballah successfully used the Gaza conflict to reinforce its own standing by talking tough against Israel but not drawing Lebanon into a second, and probably unpopular, war (reftel). However, the conflict exposed several challenges Hizballah faces, as it seeks to consolidate its strengt [...]	2009-02-12 15:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS KPAL
09BEIRUT172	LEBANON: FINMIN CHATAH CALLS LEBANESE GOVERNMENT [...] (C) In a February 11 meeting with visiting USAID Special Assistant for the Middle East George Laudato, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah called the current Lebanese government "dysfunctional," and expressed exasperation with the lack of progress on political and economic reform. He saw little [...]	2009-02-13 13:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV ECON EFIN LE
09BEIRUT177	LEBANON: UNSCOL OPTIMISTIC ISRAEL WILL WITHDRAW [...] (C) UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Michael Williams returned from consultations in Israel pleased with the thorough discussions he had, he told the Ambassador February 10. Williams was hopeful Israel would withdraw from Ghajar prior to the Lebanese parliamentary elections on June [...]	2009-02-13 17:56:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	PREL PGOV PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY IS
09BEIRUT178	CODEL KERRY VISIT TO LEBANON: KEY MESSAGES [...] (SBU) Senator Kerry, welcome to Lebanon. Your visit provides an excellent opportunity to reinforce our message of strong, continued bipartisan U.S. support for a sovereign Lebanon. You are the first Senator to visit since President Obama took office and your visit comes a few days after the [...]	2009-02-13 18:02:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PREL PGOV UNSC LE SY
09BEIRUT179	LEBANON: SINIORA -- WE WILL COMPLY QUICKLY WITH [...] (C) Prime Minister Siniora on February 12 expressed GOL intentions to comply quickly to all requests that may come from the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, including the transfer to the Hague of the four incarcerated generals, if the STL requests it. In a meeting with the Ambassador, visiting U [...]	2009-02-17 07:25:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT182	Lebanon: Media Reaction - February 17, 2009 [...] No summary [...]	2009-02-17 11:39:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT184	LEBANON: FINMIN SAYS IMF PLEASED WITH LEBANON'S GROWTH IN [...] (SBU) In a February 11 meeting with the USAID Administrator's Special Assistant for the Middle East George Laudato and the Ambassador, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah said a recent IMF delegation, led by IMF Deputy Managing Director Murilo Portugal, was pleased with Lebanon's growth in 2008, e [...]	2009-02-17 14:43:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT185	LEBANON: ARMENIAN TASHNAQ PARTY WANTS ITS OWN [...] (C) In a February 15 meeting with visiting Senate Foreign Relations Committee staff member Perry Cammack and the Ambassador, Armenian Tashnaq party leaders stressed that their primary goal was the establishment of an independent Armenian bloc in parliament, an objective which would be facilita [...]	2009-02-17 16:22:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE SY IS SA
09BEIRUT186	LEBANON: HARIRI ON MARCH 14 ELECTION PREPARATIONS, [...] (C) Future Movement leader MP Saad Hariri -- receiving the Ambassador on February 13, the eve of the fourth anniversary of the assassination of his father, former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri -- claimed that the March 8 opposition was working to discredit investigative information on his father [...]	2009-02-17 17:30:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV UNSC LE SY
09BEIRUT188	LEBANON: TWO SHIA MINISTERS DISCUSS SLEIMAN'S [...] (C) Shia Ministers of Administrative Reform Ibrahim Shamseddine (independent) and Health Mohammad Khalifeh (Nabih Berri's Amal) were mildly critical of President Sleiman during separate meetings February 11 and 12. Both claimed Sleiman had "lost an opportunity" to set a clear vision for the g [...]	2009-02-18 10:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV LE
09BEIRUT190	Lebanon: Power Struggle Over LBCI [...] (U) Summary: Long standing problems between the Chairman of the Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International (LBCI),Pierre El Daher, and the Lebanese Forces Party escalated over the last two weeks. The result was that CEO Pierre El Daher blamed Lebanese security forces of failing to car [...]	2009-02-18 12:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT195	LEBANON: ELECTION OBSERVERS DECREE MOVING AHEAD; [...] (C) In a February 18 meeting hosted by the UN, Minister of Interior Ziyad Baroud reported he had sent the draft decree to invite international observers to monitor the June 2009 parliamentary elections to the Cabinet to be placed on the agenda for the February 26 session. Earlier, in a Febru [...]	2009-02-19 16:01:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PREL KDEM PINS LE
09BEIRUT196	LEBANON: MICHAEL WILLIAMS SAYS SYRIANS "COCKY" [...] (C) UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams, UNSCOL Chief of Staff Jack Christofides, and UNSCOL Poloff Rami Shehadeh February 17 provided the Ambassador and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Staff Member Perry Cammack with a readout of Williams' February 12 trip to Damascus. Will [...]	2009-02-19 16:19:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT197	LEBANON: HARIRI TELLS SENATOR KERRY ON-TIME [...] (C) Saad Hariri told visiting U.S. Senator and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee John Kerry that it was most important for Lebanon's parliamentary elections to occur as scheduled June 7. Meeting with the Senator on February 18, Hariri was confident his March 14 coalition could [...]	2009-02-19 16:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER LE SY IR IS
09BEIRUT198	LEBANON: SENATOR KERRY ENGAGES PRESIDENT SLEIMAN [...] (C) In a February 18 meeting with visiting Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Senator John Kerry, President Michel Sleiman called upon Kerry to "take care of the Lebanese people," to support Arab reconciliation, and to press Israel to accept the Arab Initiative for Palestinian-Israeli [...]	2009-02-19 16:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
09BEIRUT199	LEBANON: MARCH 2 SHARM EL-SHEIKH CONFERENCE, GOL [...] (SBU) DCM delivered Ref A demarche to PM Fouad Siniora's assistant, Rola Noureddine, on February 18. Noureddine had no substantive response. 2. (SBU) Per Ref B, Lebanon continues to provide assistance to Gaza. Ambassador Khalil Mekkawi, President of the Lebanese-Palestinian Dialogue Commi [...]	2009-02-20 10:33:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS IS KPAL
09BEIRUT20	LEBANON: LEAHY VETTING FOR PARTICIPANTS IN INL'S LEBANON [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police Supervisory Training course, scheduled to begin January 2009. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 32 proposed trainees incl [...]	2009-01-07 08:54:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
09BEIRUT200	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: SIDON [...] (U) This is the fourth in a series of snapshots we are producing on key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) South Lebanon is divided into two "muhafazas" (administrative areas): Nabatieh and South Lebanon. The heavily Sunni city [...]	2009-02-20 10:42:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT201	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: WEST BEKAA-RASHAYA [...] (U) This is the sixth in a series of snapshots we are producing on key electoral districts ("quda") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) West Bekaa-Rashaya is the agricultural heartland of Lebanon. No single confessional group dominates this district, which l [...]	2009-02-20 10:54:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT203	LEBANON: SENATOR KERRY AND PM SINIORA DISCUSS [...] (C) In a February 18 luncheon with Senator John Kerry, Prime Minister Fouad Siniora expressed Lebanon's desire for engagement with Syria, and support for U.S. engagement, on the condition that Syria recognize Lebanon's sovereignty and deliver on previous promises. He assessed that the Iranian [...]	2009-02-20 15:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV LE IR SY IS WE
09BEIRUT204	LEBANON: LAF COMMANDER WITH STAFFDEL CAMMACK ON [...] (C) Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander General Jean Kahwagi told visiting Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer Perry Cammack that he was "very satisfied" with the military-to-military relationship with the U.S. At the same time, he lamented the slowness with which U.S. equipment assi [...]	2009-02-20 15:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL MCAP PTER PINR MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT205	LEBANON: AOUN'S ALLIES DEFEND HIS VISION, PLEAD [...] (C) In a series of meetings with the Embassy in recent weeks, opposition Christian MPs from Michel Aoun's Change and Reform parliamentary bloc were calm, focused, and confident about their prospects in the June parliamentary elections. They rejected the concept of "independent" or "centrist" c [...]	2009-02-20 16:06:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PINR LE
09BEIRUT207	LEBANON: AOUN WITH STAFFDEL CAMMACK -- WE'LL SEEK [...] (C) Opposition Free Patriotic Movement (FPM) leader Michel Aoun told visiting Senate Foreign Relations Committee staffer Perry Cammack that he believed the bilateral relationship between Lebanon and Syria was on the right path. However, finding a resolution to other regional issues, including [...]	2009-02-23 09:31:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER LE SY
09BEIRUT209	LEBANON: LOW EXPECTATIONS FOR NEXT WTO WORKING PARTY [...] (SBU) On February 20, Lama Oueijan, Senior Advisor to the Minister of Economy and Trade, told EconOff that Lebanon has no new offers to bring to Geneva on goods (as budget considerations prevent lifting tariffs) or services (where lawyers groups resist opening up legal services) during the upco [...]	2009-02-23 14:19:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT21	LEBANON: LEAHY VETTING FOR PARTICIPANTS IN INL'S LEBANON [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police Basic Cadet Training courses 6 and 7, scheduled to begin January 2009. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 314 proposed tra [...]	2009-01-07 09:14:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
09BEIRUT210	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: MINNIEH-DINNIEH [...] (SBU) This is the sixth in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) Minnieh-Dinnieh, an impoverished and overwhelmingly Sunni district, is one of the seven electoral districts in the North [...]	2009-02-23 15:51:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT214	Lebanon: Media Reaction - February 24, 2009 [...] No summary [...]	2009-02-24 11:59:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT222	LEBANON: TOOLS OF PATRONAGE: LEBANON'S "COUNCILS [...] (C) The four "Majalis and Sanadeeq" (Councils and Funds) under the Lebanese Prime Minister's office are widely known to be the epitome of patronage in Lebanese administration. This cable takes a closer look at the function of the Council for the South (CFS),the Fund for the Displaced (FFD),t [...]	2009-02-24 16:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV ECON EFIN KCOR LE
09BEIRUT229	LEBANON: PALIAMENTARY ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: ALEY [...] (SBU) This is the seventh in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) Aley is one of six electoral districts in the Mount Lebanon administrative area. There are five parliamentary seats in [...]	2009-02-26 14:20:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PTER PINR LE
09BEIRUT230	LEBANON: SLEIMAN PLEASED ABOUT CT COOPERATION, [...] No summary [...]	2009-02-26 15:07:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT231	LEBANON: SLEIMAN PLEASED BY CT COOPERATION, US [...] (C) President Sleiman discussed recent US-Lebanese cooperation on counter terrorism and was pleased that the U.S. had approved the provision of Raven UAVs to the Lebanese Armed Forces. Embassy renews our suggestion that, if possible, Sleiman be invited to Washington before the June 7 Lebanese [...]	2009-02-26 15:29:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT232	LEBANON: PM SINIORA ON GAZA, GHAJAR [...] (C) During a February 25 meeting with the Ambassador, PM Siniora shared his plans to attend the March 2 Sharm el Sheikh Gaza reconstruction conference. In addition to meeting with other regional leaders on Gaza, Siniora said he also hoped to present the GOL's experiences in Nahr al-Barid Pale [...]	2009-02-26 16:34:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC KPAL LE
09BEIRUT233	LEBANON: MARCH 14 LOOKING STRONGER; OPTIMISTIC [...] (C) Following the very successful February 14 rally commemorating former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri's assassination, March 14 leaders have expressed confidence about March 14's prospects for winning the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. The widely attended February 14 rally, a major succ [...]	2009-02-26 17:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT234	LEBANON: SOME "INDEPENDENT" SHIA CONTACTS [...] (C) A number of "independent" Shia contacts have shared with us their exasperation with majority leader Saad Hariri's March 14 coalition. They say that the non-Hizballah Shia community was one of the initial supporters of the principles of March 14 -- Lebanese independence and sovereignty -- b [...]	2009-02-26 18:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR LE IZ
09BEIRUT235	LEBANON: DEFMIN MURR SIGNS LETTERS OF AGREEMENT [...] (C) Defense Minister Elias Murr told the Ambassador in a February 26 meeting that he had signed all seven pending Letters of Agreement needed to ensure the timely delivery of several items of U.S. military assistance before the June 7 parliamentary elections. Murr expressed appreciation for c [...]	2009-02-26 18:27:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS AE LE
09BEIRUT239	LEBANON: 2009 SPECIAL 301 REVIEW [...] (SBU) In 2008, political and security instability in Lebanon continued to stand in the way of the ratification of pending IPR-related legislation. Most of Lebanon's IP legislation is TRIPS-compliant, with the exception of what relates to pharmaceuticals and undisclosed information. However, a [...]	2009-02-27 16:32:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN KIPR PGOV LE
09BEIRUT24	LEBANON: 2008 COUNTRY REPORT ON TERRORISM [...] Since 2005 there have been numerous assassinations and assassination attempts of prominent Lebanese figures, including former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri. The attacks targeted Lebanese political and military figures and journalists, many of whom were critical of Syrian interference in Lebanon. [...]	2009-01-07 15:47:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	ASEC PTER LE
09BEIRUT240	LEBANON: THREE SUSPECTS RELEASED FOUR DAYS BEFORE [...] (C) Examining Magistrate Saqr Saqr released on bail three suspects in the Hariri assassination case on February 25. They had been incarcerated since late 2005 and early 2006. All three could still be charged and prosecuted by the Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL),scheduled to begin March Â [...]	2009-02-27 17:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
09BEIRUT242	Lebanon: Media Reaction - March 2, 2009 [...] No summary [...]	2009-03-02 10:53:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT245	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: ZAHLE [...] (SBU) This is the eighth in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) Zahle is a confessionally diverse district with a population that is 60 percent Christian, 25 percent Sunni and 14 perce [...]	2009-03-02 14:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE
09BEIRUT247	LEBANON: BODY THAT DECIDES ELECTORAL DISPUTES OFF [...] (SBU) After a contentious battle in parliament to nominate five members to the ten-member Constitutional Court, cabinet ministers -- expecting a similar battle -- have thus far avoided discussions to name the Court's remaining five members. As the June 7 election draws closer, the absence of [...]	2009-03-02 15:59:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT249	LEBANON: POSITIVE ATMOSPHERE AT WTO WORKING PARTY, BUT [...] (SBU) On March 1, Zouha Sakr, head of the MEPI-funded WTO accession project at the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET),told EconOff Lebanon's February 27 working party meeting in Geneva had gone reasonably well, considering Lebanon had little new information to report. She described the comm [...]	2009-03-03 07:12:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT25	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH NOT INCLINED TO STRIKE ISRAEL [...] (C) Could the current confrontation between Israel and Hamas in Gaza motivate Hizballah to provoke a second conflict against Israel on the Israeli-Lebanese border? The consensus of several observers we have spoken to in recent days is no. Domestically, Hizballah benefits from its current stron [...]	2009-01-07 17:26:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR SY LE
09BEIRUT251	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: BEIRUT [...] (SBU) This is the ninth in a series of snapshots we are producing for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) Beirut, with three districts and a total of 19 seats, 18 currently held by March 14 MPs, has the status of a "muhafaza" [...]	2009-03-03 15:39:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PTER PINR LE
09BEIRUT255	Lebanon: Media Reaction - March 4, 2009 [...] No summary [...]	2009-03-04 11:14:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT258	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: KESERWAN [...] (SBU) This is the tenth in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (C) Keserwan is the symbolic capital of the Maronites in Lebanon. Its population is 90 percent Maronite (and 98 percent Christ [...]	2009-03-04 15:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE
09BEIRUT262	LEBANON: WA'AD -- EXAMPLE OF HIZBALLAH'S [...] (C) The U.S. Government,s January 6 decision to designate Hizballah's Wa'ad construction company was met with muted reaction in Lebanon, likely because of the similar designation in 2007 of Hizballah's construction company Jihad el-Bina as well as the local media's preoccupation in early Janua [...]	2009-03-05 14:17:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT263	LEBANON: NEW MOU WITH TRIBUNAL PROSECUTOR MAY BE [...] (C) Justice Minister Ibrahim Najjar said that the Special Tribunal for Lebanon's (STL) Prosecutor asked for an MOU with the GOL so that he could continue his investigation in Lebanon. Najjar, a March 14 minister but not known as a political figure, presented the draft MOU in the February 26 [...]	2009-03-05 14:57:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC KJUS SY LE
09BEIRUT264	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: BAABDA [...] (SBU) This is the eleventh in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) Baabda, the home of the Presidential Palace, is one of the most confessionally diverse districts in Lebanon. Christian [...]	2009-03-05 15:10:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PGOV PTER PINR LE
09BEIRUT266	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SLEIMAN OFFERS NEA ACTING A/S [...] (C) In a March 6 meeting at Baabda Palace with President Michel Sleiman, NEA Acting A/S Feltman and NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Dan Shapiro stressed the Obama Administration's urgency for action on regional issues. They asked Sleiman his views on dealing with Syri [...]	2009-03-08 09:36:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER UNSC MARR MOPS IS IR SY LE
09BEIRUT267	LEBANON: FM SALLOUKH AND NEA ACTING A/S FELTMAN [...] (C) Lebanese Foreign Minister Fawzi Salloukh told visiting Near Eastern Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Daniel Shapiro, and the Ambassador that support for Lebanon's sovereignty and independence was most important for [...]	2009-03-08 09:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT268	LEBANON: HARIRI TO NEA A A/S FELTMAN AND NSC [...] (C) On March 5, Saad Hariri told visiting NEA Acting A/S Feltman and NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Shapiro that if the June 2009 parliamentary elections were held on time, he was certain that his March 14 coalition would win. Asked why, Hariri pointed to March 14 can [...]	2009-03-08 09:39:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER LE SY IR IS
09BEIRUT269	LEBANON: PM SINIORA WARNS NEA ACTING A/S FELTMAN [...] (C) Lebanese Prime Minister Fouad Siniora cautioned visiting Near Eastern Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Daniel Shapiro, and the Ambassador against U.S. engagement with Syria without conditions. He believed Syria wo [...]	2009-03-08 09:41:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER UNSC LE SY IS IR
09BEIRUT270	LEBANON: GEMAYEL PROPOSES TO NEA ACTING A/S [...] (C) On March 6, former President Amine Gemayel described to visiting NEA Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman and NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Dan Shapiro the influence Iran and Syria, through its proxy Hizballah, wield in Lebanon. A A/S Feltman assured Gemaye [...]	2009-03-08 09:44:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER UNSC MARR MOPS IS LE SY
09BEIRUT271	LEBANON: UNSCOL WILLIAMS WITH FELTMAN,SHAPIRO ON [...] (C) On March 6, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) Michael Williams provided a briefing for visiting Acting A/S of State for Near East Affairs Jeffrey Feltman and NSC Senior Director for Middle East and North Africa Dan Shapiro. Referring to his upcoming meeting with the Security Cou [...]	2009-03-08 18:09:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER LE SY IR IS
09BEIRUT272	LEBANON: IMF SAYS GOL MET 2008 TARGETS BUT 2009 WILL BE [...] (SBU) On March 3, IMF Resident Rep Edward Gardner told EconOff the GOL could have implemented more reforms, even in the difficult political context, but instead used politics as an excuse for delay. "They constantly say the situation is too bad, but the reality is that it is always bad," he si [...]	2009-03-10 10:48:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT273	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: KOURA [...] No summary [...]	2009-03-10 13:54:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT274	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: KOURA [...] (U) This is the twelfth in a series of snapshots we are producing on key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (SBU) Koura, with a population that is 65 percent Greek Orthodox and 85 percent Christian, is expected to be the site of tough [...]	2009-03-10 13:55:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PREL PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT277	LEBANON: SHIA AND SUNNI MUFTIS WITH AA/S FELTMAN [...] (C) In separate meetings March 8, Lebanese Shia Mufti and head of the Higher Shia Council Sheikh Abdel-Amir Qabalan and Sunni Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Rashid Qabbani told visiting Near Eastern Affairs Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and No [...]	2009-03-11 16:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER LE SY IS IR
09BEIRUT278	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH AND AOUN ARE CONCERNS, [...] (C) In a March 8 meeting with Greek Orthodox Archbishop Ilias Audi, NEA Acting A/S Feltman, NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Dan Shapiro, and the Ambassador heard Audi express his wish for an independent and sovereign Lebanon, but also his significant doubts about the f [...]	2009-03-11 16:02:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT279	LEBANON: GEAGEA STATES CONCERN ABOUT VIOLENCE TO [...] (C) One day after meetings with top Syrian officials in Damascus, NEA Acting A/S Feltman and NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Shapiro returned to Beirut on March 8 to continue meetings with top Lebanese religious and political leaders. In a meeting with March 14 and Le [...]	2009-03-11 16:03:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT28	LEBANON: CALM AFTER ROCKETS; PALESTINIANS BLAMED [...] (C) The situation in southern Lebanon and throughout the country appears calm after today's exchange of fire between an unknown group in Lebanon and Israel. Press reports and Embassy contacts doubt that Hizballah had a direct role in launching three Katushya rockets into northern Israel the m [...]	2009-01-08 15:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT280	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: JBEIL [...] (SBU) This is the thirteenth in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the June 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (C) Jbeil (also known as Byblos) is a majority Christian district with a significant Shia (19 percent) minority. Free Pat [...]	2009-03-11 16:05:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR LE
09BEIRUT281	LEBANON: LEADER CLOSE TO SYRIA COMMENDS FELTMAN [...] (C) Former prime minister Najib Mikati, who once had (and whose family still has) a close relationship with Syrian president Bashar Asad, commended visiting NEA Acting Assistant Secretary Feltman and NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Dan Shapiro on March 6 for planning t [...]	2009-03-12 08:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC SY IS IR LE
09BEIRUT282	LEBANON: MP HARB WITH FELTMAN, SHAPIRO: ELECTION [...] (C) In a March 8 meeting with Christian MP Butros Harb, NEA A A/S Feltman, NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa, and the Ambassador heard Harb caution that, while Syria's "style" had changed, it was still involved in Lebanon's electoral processes by selecting candidates, ve [...]	2009-03-12 08:20:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT283	LEBANON: JUMBLATT, WITH FELTMAN AND SHAPIRO, [...] (C) Druze leader Walid Jumblatt thanked visiting NEA Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman, NSC Senior Director for Middle East and North Africa Daniel Shapiro, and the Ambassador for continued U.S. support for Lebanon. Acting A/S Feltman reaffirmed the U.S. position that Lebanon's sovere [...]	2009-03-12 08:32:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR UNSC LE SY IR RS
09BEIRUT285	LEBANON: DEFMIN MURR ASSURES AA/S FELTMAN THAT [...] (C) Visiting NEA Acting Assistant Secretary Jeffrey Feltman and NSC Senior Director for the Middle East and North Africa Dan Shapiro recounted to DefMin Elias Murr on March 15 their visit to Damascus the day before, commenting on Syrian interest in Lebanon's June 7 parliamentary elections. Mur [...]	2009-03-12 14:14:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS SY LE
09BEIRUT288	LEBANON: WHAT IS IMPACT OF THE DISAGREEMENTS IN [...] (C) There has been speculation in the media and among political observers about disagreements within the March 8/Aoun opposition coalition as its members prepare candidate lists for the June 7 parliamentary elections. There have been claims of disagreements between Christian opposition leader [...]	2009-03-12 16:12:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC MARR MOPS LE SY
09BEIRUT29	LEBANON: PRESIDENT SARKOZY'S TRIP TO LEBANON [...] (C) According to a diplomat from the French Embassy, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's January 6 visit to Lebanon was bogged down by the events in Gaza. Little attention was given to Lebanese-specific issues, including Ghajar and Sheba'a Farms. Sarkozy met with government officials, but did [...]	2009-01-08 16:11:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC FR LE SY
09BEIRUT30	BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 2009 [...] (C/NF) SUMMARY: On January 8, 2009, Charge chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to discuss the Embassy,s security posture in light of the current situation in Gaza and the incident in which rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into northern Israel earlier that day. [...]	2009-01-08 17:20:00	Embassy Beirut	SECRET//NOFORN	ASEC CASC LE MOPS PTER SY
09BEIRUT303	LEBANON: FRANCE TO PRESSURE LEBANON ON TELECOM [...] (SBU) Frederic Kaplan, French Embassy economic officer, and Chris de Clercq, UNDP Program Manager at the Finance Ministry, told us separately that a French team will be in Beirut in May to review and assess Paris III reforms and apply pressure on the GOL to move forward on mobile telecom privat [...]	2009-03-16 11:53:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT304	LEBANON: SINIORA NOT OPPOSED TO NEW UNITY [...] No summary [...]	2009-03-16 18:47:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR PREF IS SY QA MU LE
09BEIRUT305	LEBANON: DESPITE FRICTION, MARCH 14 UNITES TO [...] (C) The March 14 coalition publicly launched its political platform for the June 7 parliamentary elections at its second annual convention on Saturday, March 14. Entitled "Towards A Strong Viable State," the platform stressed the importance of adhering to the Taif agreement and the 2002 Arab P [...]	2009-03-16 18:48:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PGOV PTER PINR KPAL LE SY IS
09BEIRUT306	LEBANON: CHURCHES LAUNCH POLITICAL CONDUCT CHARTER [...] (U) On March 5, a group of church leaders in Lebanon released a charter for political conduct in advance of the June 7 parliamentary elections. The charter calls for support for the sovereignty of the state, regulating relations with Syria and the Palestinian Authority, and the separation of [...]	2009-03-17 09:52:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PHUM PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
09BEIRUT316	LEBANON: COMMERCIAL SUCCESS STORIES [...] Date: January 29, 2009 Post: Beirut Country: Lebanon Company: ACE Hardware Company Headquarters (state, zip code): IL 60523 Issue/project: Opening of ACE Hardware's first store in Lebanon. Specific Actions Taken: ACE Hardware applied for a construction permit on October 25, 2007 to build it [...]	2009-03-18 08:52:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	BEXP ETRD ECON EINV FIN LE
09BEIRUT318	LEBANON: HIZBALLAH'S INTIMIDATION TACTICS [...] (C) Summary: Lebanese Shi'a journalist, Tha'ir Abbas, who does not support Hizballah, reported he was harassed by Hizballah following his return from the United States, after covering the November 2008 presidential elections. His visit was funded by his newspaper, Ash-Sharq al-Awsat. End Sum [...]	2009-03-18 14:42:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	KISL KMDR KPAL KPAO OPRC PREF PREL LE
09BEIRUT32	LEBANON: REQUEST FOR REINSTATEMENT OF NESA UGRAD [...] Post urges the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs to reverse its decision to cancel the one-semester option for the FY09 Near East and South Asia Undergraduate (NESA UGRAD) Exchange Program for students from Lebanon. Embassy Beirut understands that six NESA UGRAD students abandoned the [...]	2009-01-09 10:06:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	OEXC KPAO SCUL LE
09BEIRUT321	LEBANON: FINMIN CHATAH ON 1701, PRE-ELECTION ANTICS [...] (C) In a March 17 meeting with the Ambassador, Minister of Finance Mohammad Chatah lamented the fact that Lebanon had not presented its case to the international community better on the illegality of the Israeli occupation of Ghajar village. He said UN reports on UNSCR 1701 had fallen short f [...]	2009-03-19 14:38:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV ECON EFIN PINR ENRG LE
09BEIRUT322	Lebanon: Media Reaction - March 20, 2009 [...] No summary [...]	2009-03-20 12:31:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT323	Lebanon: Leahy Vetting For Participants in INL's Lebanon [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Police Training Program, 3rd Supervisory course, scheduled to begin in March 2009. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 28 propose [...]	2009-03-20 13:00:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
09BEIRUT325	LEBANON: FINANCE MINISTER CHATAH: NATIONAL UNITY [...] (SBU) In various public presentations in recent days, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah has been blunt about his frustration with the GOL's progress on implementing structural reforms. At a Paris III donor meeting March 18, Chatah said the national unity government has proven an ineffective mod [...]	2009-03-20 16:03:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT328	LEBANON: FINMIN SAYS UNITY GOVERNMENT BAD FOR REFORM [...] (U) At a Paris III donor meeting on March 18, Finance Minister Mohammad Chatah said the national unity government has proven to be an ineffective model, as even the smallest decisions are politicized. The resulting government paralysis has held back the disbursement of nearly $500 million in P [...]	2009-03-23 10:43:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EFIN PREL PGOV LE
09BEIRUT333	Lebanon: Media Reaction - March 23, 2009 [...] No summary [...]	2009-03-23 13:44:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED	PREF PREL KMDR OPRC KPAO KISL KPAL LE
09BEIRUT335	LEBANON: LEAHY VETTING FOR PARTICIPANTS IN INL'S DEA [...] (U) The following names and biographic information is provided regarding participants in the INL funded Lebanon Pen-link training Program, scheduled to begin in June 2009. Leahy Amendment vetting was conducted at post with no derogatory results. (The list of 14 proposed trainees includes iden [...]	2009-03-23 14:27:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	APER ASEC NAS LE
09BEIRUT336	LEBANON: CHIPPING AWAY AT AOUN'S POPULARITY [...] (C) In January 2008, we analyzed Free Patriotic Movement leader Michel Aoun's popularity among his Lebanese Christian supporters (ref E),which was strong despite his political alliance with the terrorist Shia organization Hizballah. One year-plus later, and 11 weeks before the June 7 parliame [...]	2009-03-23 15:49:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PINR LE SY
09BEIRUT337	LEBANON: PARLIAMENT LOWERS VOTING AGE FOR 2010 AND [...] (U) In a busy March 19 session, parliament approved a draft law to amend the constitution to lower the voting age from 21 to 18; however, it will not be effective in time for the June 7 parliamentary elections. Parliament also deferred a draft law requiring unanimity to amend constitutional l [...]	2009-03-23 16:21:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PTER PINR PHUM KDEM KPAL LE
09BEIRUT347	LEBANON: SHIA FAMILIES READY TO TAKE ON HIZBALLAH [...] (C) Duraid Yaghi, a prominent Shia from Baalbeck and second-in-command in Walid Jumblatt's Progressive Socialist Party, praised President Obama's March 20 message to Iran, believing it would corner the extremists into a dialogue with the United States. He expressed his readiness to run against [...]	2009-03-24 16:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE SY
09BEIRUT349	LEBANON: UN CONCERNED THAT LACK OF CONSTITUTIONAL [...] (SBU) In a March 23 meeting with foreign Ambassadors, UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Michael Williams stressed the need for a working Constitutional Council, the body that is to adjudicate election disputes. Williams said he feared that the lack of a functioning Council could lead to seri [...]	2009-03-25 15:32:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	PGOV PINR PHUM KDEM KPAL LE
09BEIRUT350	LEBANON: ELECTIONS SNAPSHOT: BATROUN [...] (SBU) This is the fourteenth in a series of snapshots we will produce for key electoral districts ("qada") in the run-up to the Jun 7, 2009 parliamentary elections. 2. (C) Batron is a small district with only two seats, both dsignated for Maronite Christians and both currently held by Marc [...]	2009-03-25 15:37:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PTER PINR UNSC LE
09BEIRUT351	LEBANON: MARCH 14 SHORT-SIGHTED ON SHIA OUTREACH, [...] (C) Ambassador Khalil al-Khalil, retired Lebanese Ambassador and figurehead of a prominent Shia family based in Tyre, told the Ambassador March 24 that the historical exclusion of the Shia community by the ruling majorities of other confessions was the primary reason behind Hizballah's strengt [...]	2009-03-26 14:23:00	Embassy Beirut	CONFIDENTIAL	PREL PGOV PHUM PINR LE IR

09BEIRUT358	LEBANON: FINMIN AGREES: USE USG CASH TRANSFER TO [...] (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3 below. 2. (SBU) In a March 27 phone call with the Ambassador, Finance Minister Mohamad Chatah agreed that the USG use its $50 million cash transfer disbursement, which was triggered by GOL reform of its gas excise tax, to pay World Bank [...]	2009-03-27 14:38:00	Embassy Beirut	UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY	ECON EAID EFIN PTER LE

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