Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
08BEIRUT1762 |
LEBANON: NO SUBSTANTIVE RESPONSE TO US PROPOSAL TO [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-16 15:11:00 | Embassy Beirut | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV UNSC 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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
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 |
08BELGRADE965 |
SERBIA CONTINUES TO OPPOSE U.S. DEPUTY FOR UNMIK [...] (C) Summary: Serbia opposes the appointment of an American as SRSG Lambert Zannier's deputy on the grounds that the top two UNMIK positions should not be filled by states that have recognized Kosovo. A top Foreign Ministry advisor suggested that Serbia would drop its opposition if the UN Sec [...] |
2008-09-15 15:58:00 | Embassy Belgrade | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNSC SR KV |
08BERLIN1048 |
GONO DEMARCHE DELIVERED TO GERMANS - NO OBJECTION [...] (SBU) EconOff delivered reftel demarche to German Ministry of Foreign Affairs representatives Julian Luebbert, Desk Officer, International Economic and Financial Policy and Antje Haeusler, Southern Africa Division. Both officers expressed appreciation for the informaton. They stated that t [...] |
2008-07-31 17:32:00 | Embassy Berlin | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETTC PREL EFIN KTFN PTER UNSC ZI |
08BERLIN1334 |
GERMAN RESPONSE: PREVENTING IRAN FROM ADVANCING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Germany shares USG concerns regarding Iran's nuclear program and welcomes further steps to prevent Iran from obtaining critical equipment needed for their new IR-2 centrifuge design. Germany maintains that its primary mechanisms for safeguarding sensitive centrifuge technology [...] |
2008-09-26 11:17:00 | Embassy Berlin | CONFIDENTIAL | KNNP TRGY PREL PARM IR MNUC AORC IAEA UNSC |
08BERLIN209 |
MOMENTUM FOR UNSC REFORM SUBDUED IN GERMANY [...] (C) Although momentum seemed to pick up last year for German leadership on the issue of UNSC reform, the German Foreign Ministry does not predict significant forward momentum on this issue in the coming year, primarily for reasons to do with the UN meeting calendar and planning logistics. Ne [...] |
2008-02-20 16:30:00 | Embassy Berlin | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV UNSC GM |
08BERLIN435 |
GERMAN RESPONSE TO IMPLEMENTING THE TRAVEL BAN AND [...] (U) THIS IS AN ACTION REQUEST. PLEASE SEE PARA 7. 2. (C) SUMMARY: PolOff (Iran Watcher) and Global Affairs Officer delivered reftel points to the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) Iran Desk and the MFA Export Control Division respectively. The Export Control Division emphasized [...] |
2008-04-08 11:42:00 | Embassy Berlin | CONFIDENTIAL | MNUC KNNP IR UNSC GM |
08BERN108 |
SOMALIA AND PIRACY: SEEKING SWISS VIEWS ON [...] (SBU) Poloff met February 28 with Rolf Ott, MFA Director for East African Affairs, to discuss the query in reftel. Ott appreciated the question, but said he would need to coordinate with other MFA offices and Swiss government agencies before he could respond. He undertook to try to provide su [...] |
2008-02-28 16:37:00 | Embassy Bern | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KCRM PBTS UNSC SO SZ |
08BERN321 |
ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR UN 1267 SANCTIONS AND [...] (C) Poloff delivered message in reftel on July 2 to Daniel Frank, MFA Deputy Coordinator for Counter-terrorism. Frank said that the GOS had not yet formulated its official response to UNSCR 1822, but that the MFA noted and appreciated the positive elements. He remarked that UNSCR 1822 was a [...] |
2008-07-03 17:09:00 | Embassy Bern | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL ETTC EFIN KTFN UNSC SZ |
08BERN564 |
TERRORISM FINANCE: DESIGNATION OF GULF-BASED AL- [...] (U) Poloff delivered the message in reftel on October 29 to Alessandro Capelli, Deputy Counterterrorism Coordinator, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and to Rene Bruelhart, Director Financial Intelligence Unit, National Administration of the Principality of Liechtenstein. 2. (SB [...] |
2008-11-03 15:17:00 | Embassy Bern | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KTFN EFIN PTER ETTC PREL PINR UNSC SZ |
08BISHKEK118 |
TERRORISM FINANCE: DESIGNATION OF THREE KUWAIT- [...] No summary [...] |
2008-02-04 03:59:00 | Embassy Bishkek | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN KTFN PTER ETTC PREL UNSC KG |
08BISHKEK395 |
1540 COMMITTEE POINTS PASSED TO KYRGYZ MFA [...] No summary [...] |
2008-04-22 09:55:00 | Embassy Bishkek | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL AORC KPAO PTER UNSC KNNP KG |
08BISHKEK525 |
UNSCR 1803 60-DAY REPORT DELIVERED TO KYRGYZ MFA [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-22 08:34:00 | Embassy Bishkek | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN AORC ETRD TRGY KNNP UNSC KG |
08BRASILIA5 |
A/S SHANNON'S MEETING WITH ITALIAN AMBASSADOR TO [...] (C) Summary. Michele Varensise, Italian Ambassador to Brazil, told WHA A/S Thomas Shannon on December 13 that Brazil is the centerpiece of Italy's South American strategy. Italy sees Brazil playing an increasingly larger role in maintaining stability, economic growth, and integration. He p [...] |
2008-01-03 11:14:00 | Embassy Brasilia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ETRD IT BR XM XR VE UNSC |
08BRASILIA97 |
AMBASSADOR REVIEWS BILATERAL ISSUES WITH BRAZILIAN [...] (C) Summary. The Ambassador, joined by PolCouns (notetaker), met with Ministry for External Relations (MRE) Under Secretary for Political Affairs Everton Vargas on January 11 to raise Kosovo independence (ref A) and possible Brazilian participation in UNAMID (ref B). Vargas was joined by chi [...] |
2008-01-17 12:22:00 | Embassy Brasilia | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ENRG SENV SOCI SNAR UNSC BR |
08BRIDGETOWN310 |
UNSC RESOLUTION ON SOMALI PIRACY DEMARCHE DELIVERED [...] Per reftel instructions, demarches on the UNSC Resolution on Somali Piracy were delivered to Foreign Ministers by fax under cover of Diplomatic Notes (Antigua and Barbuda #0455, Barbados #0456, Dominica #0457, St. Christopher and Nevis #0458, St. Lucia #0459, St. Vincent and the Grenadines #04 [...] |
2008-05-09 14:40:00 | Embassy Bridgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM PHSA EWWT KCRM UNSC SO XL |
08BRUSSELS100 |
IRAN'S NSA JALILI SNUBBED BY EU OFFICIALS BUT SET [...] (C) During his visit to Brussels the week of January 21 en route to Davos, Iran's National Security Advisor Said Jalili is scheduled to address an open session of the European Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee. However, the European Commission and Council Secretariat have refused Jalili' [...] |
2008-01-18 13:57:00 | USEU Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MNUC UNSC ETTC KNNP IR EUN BE |
08BRUSSELS1007 |
BELGIAN PRESS STATEMENT ON UNSCR 1822 [...] Summary: Below is a press statement circulated by the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs supporting the adoption of the UN Security Council Resolution 1267 against Al Qaeda and the Taliban. Belgium chairs the committee overseeing UNSCR 1267. End Summary. BEGIN PRESS STATEMENT Foreign Mi [...] |
2008-07-02 14:30:00 | Embassy Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ETTC KTFN PREL PTER UNSC AG BE |
08BRUSSELS1033 |
BELGIANS SUPPORT CONTINUED NEGOTIATIONS ON ARAB [...] (C) According to Christophe De Bassompierre in the MFA UNSC office, the Belgians agree, and have already sent instructions to their UN delegation, to urge continued negotiations on points included in reftel. However, the Belgians think settlement activities should be halted. Thus, if there [...] |
2008-07-09 09:35:00 | Embassy Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | IS PREL UNSC BE |
08BRUSSELS1044 |
INFORMATION FOR UN AND EU SANCTIONS ON ZIMBABWE - [...] No summary [...] |
2008-07-10 11:53:00 | Embassy Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED | ETTC PREL EFIN KTFN PTER UNSC ZI BE |
08BRUSSELS1050 |
TERRORIST FINANCING / CHARITIES: EU SENSITIVITIES FOR [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: USEU met on June 16 with a European Commission terrorist financing contact regarding U.S. proposals to discuss with the EU the abuse of charities by terrorist organizations. Contact expressed doubt that a U.S.-EU workshop on this topic can be agreed by the EU during the French [...] |
2008-07-11 15:44:00 | USEU Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETTC EFIN KTFN PTER FR EUN PINR UNSC EZ |
08BRUSSELS1260 |
TFGG01: GEORGIA CRISIS: BELGIUM SEES NEXT STEPS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Belgium, as with other EU members, continues to be concerned about the agreement reached between Russia and Georgia. Belgium agrees on the urgency of establishing a mechanism to support international observers in Georgia, with reliance on the OSCE observers already on the grou [...] |
2008-08-14 11:04:00 | Embassy Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | UNSC PREL PGOV RU GO PBTS BE |
08BRUSSELS1287 |
BELGIUM, IN THE UNSC CHAIR THIS MONTH, WANTS UNSYG [...] (C) MFA Security Council Coordinator Rudi Brieven, accompanied by Attache for Middle East and North Africa Laura Poletto, received Poloff to discuss the referenced demarche on August 19. Brieven said that the GoB follows events in North Africa, especially Morocco and Algeria, very closely, be [...] |
2008-08-20 08:07:00 | Embassy Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | UNSC PREL PGOV PBTS MO WI BE |
08BRUSSELS1337 |
TFGG01 - DEMARCHE REQUEST ON BELGIAN MFA (CURRENT [...] (C) SEE URGENT DEVELOPMENT IN PARA 4 (BELOW). The MFA of Belgium, which this month chairs the UNSC, is in the process of refining its instructions to Amb. Jan Grauls in New York for today's emergency UNSC meeting that is being convened at the request of the Government of Georgia. Before Polof [...] |
2008-08-28 13:10:00 | Embassy Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | UNSC PREL GG BE |
08BRUSSELS1638 |
EU WELCOMES US 1540 IN-KIND CONTRIBUTION [...] (U) PolOff delivered reftel points and non-paper on the planned U.S. in-kind contribution for the 1540 Committee to EU Council Secretariat and European Commission counterparts on October 21 and 22. EU officials welcomed the news and said they look forward to ensuring EU and U.S. approaches a [...] |
2008-10-23 05:13:00 | USEU Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC EUE EUN KPAO PREL PTER UNSC |
08BRUSSELS575 |
BELGIANS RECEIVE UNMEE TERMINATION TEXT [...] No summary [...] |
2008-04-17 05:07:00 | Embassy Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNSC KPKO ET ER BE |
08BRUSSELS647 |
BELGIAN MFA ON ZIMBABWE: AGREE ON SERIOUSNESS OF [...] (C) Acting P/E Counselor delivered the points in reftel to Guy Trouveroy, Director, African Affairs, at the Belgian Foreign Ministry. Trouveroy replied that Belgium "agrees on the seriousness of the situation" in Zimbabwe and of the need to do more. 2. (C) He said the demarche was timely [...] |
2008-04-28 15:02:00 | Embassy Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNSC ZI BE AU |
08BRUSSELS709 |
DEMARCHE TO BELGIUM:FRENCH UNSC RESOLUTION ON BURMA [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-13 15:04:00 | Embassy Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM UNSC BM BE |
08BRUSSELS832 |
BELGIUM SEEKING A SOLUTION TO THE UNMEE DILEMMA [...] (SBU) Poloff delivered reftel points June 2 to Wilm Geurts and Rudi Brieven of the Belgian MFA UN Directorate, Security Council, and also shared the points with the MFA Eritrea and Ethiopia Desk Officer Isabelle Maduda-Lukebamoko. Although they have no specific instructions yet, they said B [...] |
2008-06-02 15:56:00 | Embassy Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNSC KPKO PBTS ET ER BE |
08BRUSSELS904 |
EU STILL CONSIDERING BURMA SANCTIONS OPTIONS [...] (C//NF) SUMMARY: A Commission sanctions staffer confirmed sanctions reform should not factor into Burma discussions at the June 16 EU General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). However, a June 18 meeting of the EU Council's Working Party on Asia and Oceania (COASI), including c [...] |
2008-06-13 15:58:00 | USEU Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | ETTC EFIN PHUM PREL KDEM EUN BM AORC UNSC FR |
08BRUSSELS986 |
TERRORIST FINANCING / CHARITIES: EU SENSITIVITIES FOR [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: USEU met on June 16 with a European Commission terrorist financing contact regarding U.S. proposals to discuss with the EU the abuse of charities by terrorist organizations. Contact expressed doubt that a U.S.-EU workshop on this topic can be agreed by the EU during the French [...] |
2008-06-27 15:38:00 | USEU Brussels | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETTC EFIN KTFN PTER FR EUN PINR UNSC EZ |
08BRUSSELS991 |
ENCOURAGING SUPPORT FOR UN 1267 SANCTIONS AND [...] (C) Charge delivered the requested points to Wilm Geurts of the MFA's UN Directorate on the Security Council. Geurts said that Belgium is very supportive and fully committed. The challenge is to get 1735 fully implemented by member states. 2. (C) Belgium is satisfied with UNSCR 1735 al [...] |
2008-06-30 13:53:00 | Embassy Brussels | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN ETTC KTFN PREL PTER UNSC AG BE |
08BUCHAREST772 |
ROMANIA ON C-RE8-01539 AND TERRORIST FINANCE: [...] (S/NF) Summary. In response to ref A request for information, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) provided EconOff a brief outline of the procedure that led up to the Muhajedin-E Khalq (MEK) listing within the EU. MFA believes that this listing will remain in place for the immediate future [...] |
2008-10-01 12:38:00 | Embassy Bucharest | SECRET//NOFORN | EFIN ETTC PTER PREL PGOV PINR UNSC KTFN RO |
08BUDAPEST1212 |
HUNGARY - NO PLANS FOR FURTHER FINANCIAL SUPPORT [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-18 13:33:00 | Embassy Budapest | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER UNSC HU |
08BUENOSAIRES526 |
ARGENTINA WILLING TO HELP RENEW AND STRENGTHEN THE [...] (U) This message is sensitive but unclassified, and not for Internet distribution. 2. (SBU) Emboff made reftel points April 18 to Minister Carlos Hernandez of the MFA's Office of International Security, Nuclear, and Space Affairs. Hernandez replied April 22, saying that Argentina's UN Miss [...] |
2008-04-23 11:42:00 | Embassy Buenos Aires | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL AORC KPAO PTER UNSC KNNP AR |
08BUENOSAIRES793 |
OAS REGIONAL SEMINAR ON IMPLEMENTING UNSCR 1540, [...] A regional workshop on the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1540, which concerns non-proliferation and export control obligations, was co-hosted by the U.S. and Argentina and held in Buenos Aires, Argentina from May 13-14, 2008. All members of the Organization of American Sta [...] |
2008-06-10 17:51:00 | Embassy Buenos Aires | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL AORC KPAO PTER UNSC KNNP AR |
08BUJUMBURA678 |
BURUNDI SUPPORTS A UN PEACEKEEPING OPERATION IN [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-30 09:16:00 | Embassy Bujumbura | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL UNSC KPKO SO ET BY |
08CAIRO1086 |
EGYPT UNLIKELY TO MOVE ENGINEERS FROM UNMIS TO [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-28 11:27:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KPKO PREL UNSC EG SU |
08CAIRO1213 |
EGYPT ACCEPTS REQUEST TO REPLACE INFANTRY WITH [...] (SBU) MFA Counselor for UN Affairs Yasser Naggar told us on June 12 that, later that same day, the MFA would instruct its delegation in New York to accept the UN DPKO's request to replace one of four companies in Egypt's second infantry battalion for the UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) with an [...] |
2008-06-12 12:42:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL KPKO UNSC EG SU |
08CAIRO151 |
DARFUR: CAIRO-BASED SLM/A-UNION FRONT WANTS LARGER [...] (SBU) In a January 27 meeting at their request, Youssef Hassan Youssef Abdallah and Ahmed Hassan Mohamed of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army-Union Front (SLM/A-UF) asked us to lobby the UN and AU envoys to include SLM/A-UF representatives in their meetings when they next approach Darfur rebe [...] |
2008-01-29 10:44:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL KPKO UNSC MASS PINR EG SU |
08CAIRO2099 |
DEMARCHE REQUEST: UNSC MINISTERIAL-LEVEL MEETING [...] No summary [...] |
2008-09-25 14:10:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL KWBG KPAL UNSC EG |
08CAIRO2497 |
DEMARCHE REQUEST: UNSCR ON ANNAPOLIS PROCESS [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-14 14:16:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | KWBG PGOV PREL UNSC EG |
08CAIRO382 |
SOMALIA: EGYPT, ARAB LEAGUE ON CONTACT GROUP, [...] (SBU) Summary: The Arab League and Egypt are supportive of ref A proposal for restructuring the International Contact Group on Somalia (ICG). However, the Arab League wants to see better planning to make the group more effective, and Egypt wants to ensure that there will be strong coordination [...] |
2008-02-26 14:56:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL EAID PGOV KCRM UNSC EG SO |
08CAIRO41 |
EGYPT: DARFUR TROOP DEPLOYMENT HIGHLIGHTS INTENT [...] (SBU) Egypt is beginning to deploy its almost 700 signals, transport, and engineering troops to Darfur as part of the Heavy Support Package (HSP) for the UN/AU Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). MFA Cabinet Advisor for African Affairs Ahmed Abu Zeid told us on January 6 that the necessary equipment f [...] |
2008-01-10 14:31:00 | Embassy Cairo | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MOPS PGOV UNSC EG SU |
08CAIRO439 |
EGYPT CONSIDERING KOSOVO RECOGNITION, SOLIDARITY [...] No summary [...] |
2008-03-05 14:14:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNSC EAID KISL PGOV EG KV YI |
08CAIRO607 |
DARFUR: CAIRO-BASED REBELS ON NATIONAL CENSUS [...] (SBU) In a March 26 meeting, we asked Alaa El Din Ibrahim and Abdallah Ali, Political and Media Secretaries of the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) Abdulwahid Nur faction, respectively, to encourage Nur supporters in Darfur, and particularly in the internally displaced persons (IDP) camp [...] |
2008-03-27 12:53:00 | Embassy Cairo | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV SOCI UNSC KDEM EG SU |
08CARACAS481 |
DEMARCHES ON IRAN TRAVEL-RELATED PROVISIONS [...] No summary [...] |
2008-04-04 18:56:00 | Embassy Caracas | CONFIDENTIAL | MNUC KNNP UNSC IR VE |
08CHISINAU1161 |
MOLDOVA RECEIVED DEMARCHE CONCERNING [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-01 05:59:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN KTFN PTER PREL UNSC PINR MD |
08CHISINAU264 |
TERRORISM FINANCE, ABU GHADIYAH--MOLDOVA WILL BLOCK AND [...] No summary [...] |
2008-03-11 11:10:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN KTFN PTER ETTC PREL UNSC IZ SY MD |
08CHISINAU396 |
MOLDOVA WILL PUT PROLIFERATORS ON ITS LISTS [...] No summary [...] |
2008-04-07 13:27:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP MNUC UNSC IR MD |
08CHISINAU511 |
MOLDOVA WILL REPORT ON UNSCR 1803 COMPLIANCE [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-13 14:30:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN AORC ETRD TRGY KNNP UNSC IR MD |
08CHISINAU619 |
MOLDOVA RECEIVES REFTEL TALKING POINTS ON U.S. DOMESTIC [...] No summary [...] |
2008-06-13 14:33:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KTFN EFIN PTER ETTC PREL PINR UNSC BA QA MD |
08CHISINAU645 |
MOLDOVA RECEIVED TALKING POINTS ON U.S. DOMESTIC [...] No summary [...] |
2008-06-19 12:45:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KTFN EFIN PTER ETTC PREL PINR UNSC KU MD |
08CHISINAU677 |
MOLDOVA RECEIVES DEMARCHE ON VENEZUELA-BASED HIZBALLAH [...] No summary [...] |
2008-06-27 09:45:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KTFN EFIN PTER ETTC PREL PINR UNSC VE LE MD |
08CHISINAU829 |
MOLDOVA RECEIVES DEMARCHE REGARDING THE DESIGNATION OF [...] No summary [...] |
2008-08-18 07:18:00 | Embassy Chisinau | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN KTFN PTER ETTC PREL PINR UNSC AG MD |
08COLOMBO313 |
UNSCR 1803: SRI LANKA REVIEWING "LINE BY LINE" [...] (C) Summary: Sri Lanka's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Central Bank both responded to post's demarches on UN Security Council Resolution 1803 with assurances that Sri Lanka would meet its international obligations with respect to sanctions against Iran. The MFA acting Director General for U [...] |
2008-03-27 10:31:00 | Embassy Colombo | CONFIDENTIAL | EFIN KNNP UNSC IAEA IR CE |
08DARESSALAAM849 |
(S) TANZANIA DENIES DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH IRAN [...] (S) Poloff delivered reftel demarche to MFA Foreign Service Officer Noel Kaganda on December 15. Kaganda said that there was no military or scientific cooperation currently underway or planned with Iran. However, when FM Membe visited Tehran in November (see ref B), media reported the two co [...] |
2008-12-18 12:24:00 | Embassy Dar Es Salaam | SECRET | PARM PREL UNSC TZ IR |
08DILI134 |
DEMARCHE TO TIMOR-LESTE ON IRAN SANCTIONS REPORT [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-12 01:24:00 | Embassy Dili | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN AORC ETRD TRGY KNNP UNSC IR TT |
08DOHA210 |
QATAR: VERDICT STILL OUT ON PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR [...] (C) Post delivered reftel demarche via diplomatic note March 6, requesting that the GOQ express support for Kosovo's independence at the March 13-14 ministerial summit of the Organization of the Islamic Congress (OIC) in Dakar, Senegal. Poloff followed-up March 10 with MFA International Organi [...] |
2008-03-13 05:22:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL UNMIK KISL UNSC QA |
08DOHA876 |
QATAR SEEKS MORE INFORMATION BEFORE FUNDING [...] (C) Al-Rumaihi added during the December 17 meeting that Qatar was waiting to see what support other Arab states would provide before making a pledge. Ambassador said the USG could supply the list, and urged that Qatar support the STL, using reftel points. Ambassador said Qatar could make an [...] |
2008-12-17 13:52:00 | Embassy Doha | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER LE SY UNSC EUN QA |
08DUBLIN121 |
IRISH VIEWS ON SEEKING UNSC ACTION ON PIRACY IN [...] (C) POLOFF delivered reftel demarche on March 6, 2008 to Pat Kelly, Acting Director, Africa Division, Department of Foreign Affairs. Kelly stated that Ireland was thoroughly appalled by piracy in Somalia (and elsewhere), and would strongly support a UNSC resolution to address the problem. Ke [...] |
2008-03-07 14:04:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | KCRM PBTS PREL UNSC EI |
08DUBLIN263 |
IRELAND'S VIEW OF UNSC RESOLUTION ON SOMALI PIRACY [...] (C) POLOFF delivered reftel demarche on May 8, 2008 to Pat Kelly ,Acting Director, Africa Division, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Kelly stated that Ireland was concerned about piracy off the coast of Somalia, and that the Irish Government agreed in principle that international coordin [...] |
2008-05-12 11:10:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | KCRM PREL PHUM PHSA EWWT UNSC EI |
08DUBLIN329 |
IRISH DIRECTOR OF MIDDLE EAST AFFAIRS DISCUSSES [...] (C) POLOFF reviewed affairs in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon on June 5, 2008 with Michael Gaffey, Director, Middle East and North Africa Division, Department of Foreign Affairs. Ireland is considering the invitation to the Friends of Iraq conference in Abu Dhabi and intends to continue providing s [...] |
2008-06-09 08:51:00 | Embassy Dublin | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PARM KNNP UNSC IAEA MARR MOPS PINR |
08DUSHANBE387 |
TAJIKISTAN: DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON SOLIDARITY WITH [...] (C) PolOff delivered the demarche on expressing support for Kosovo's independence at the ministerial summit of the Organization of the Islamic Conference to Jamshed Khamidov, Counselor in the Department for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Head of the Depart [...] |
2008-03-07 13:50:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PGOV UNSC UNMIK KV TI |
08DUSHANBE493 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON TRAVEL RESTRICTION REQUIREMENTS IN [...] (SBU) PolOff and ConOff delivered the demarche on UNSCRs 1737, 1747 and 1803 to Yatimsho Musofirov, the Deputy Head of the Consular Department of the Tajik Ministry of Foreign Affairs. We gave Musofirov a non-paper detailing the points raised in reftel, and described the measures the United St [...] |
2008-04-09 10:24:00 | Embassy Dushanbe | UNCLASSIFIED | MNUC KNNP UNSC IR TI |
08FREETOWN135 |
SIERRA LEONE DEMARCHE DELIVERED: DESIGNATION OF [...] (SBU) On 19 March 2008, Post delivered reftel demarche to the Sierra Leone Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and sent a copy to the Bank of Sierra Leone to convey information concerning the four Syria-based individuals designated under E.O. 13224. Post will advise of any response. PERRY [...] |
2008-03-19 17:11:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN KFTN PTER ETTC PREL UNSC IZ SY SL |
08FREETOWN226 |
DEMARCHE ON IMPLEMENTING TRAVEL BAN REQUIREMENTS [...] (C) DCM met with Sierra Leone MFA Director General, Ambassador Umaru Wurie, to convey information per reftel and deliver talking points to encourage Sierra Leone to prohibit the travel of designated Iranian proliferators as per UNSCR 1737, 1747 AND 1803. DCM also provided copies of the resol [...] |
2008-05-14 16:55:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | KNNP MNUC IR UNSC SL |
08FREETOWN232 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON U.S. 60-DAY REPORT ON UNSCR [...] (SBU) On May 15 Ambassador spoke with Sierra Leone's Acting Foreign Affairs Minister Vandi Minah to present the U.S. 60 day report on Iran Sanctions, per UNSC 1803. Ambassador stressed the need to ensure robust international implementation and highlight the continued IAEA reports of Iran's fai [...] |
2008-05-16 13:22:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN AORC ETRD TRGY KNNP UNSC IR SL |
08FREETOWN267 |
NEW UNIOSIL ACTING ERSG OUTLINES PRIORITIES [...] (C) SUMMARY: The new Acting Executive Representative of the Secretary-General (A/ERSG), Michael v. der Schulenberg, met with Ambassador Perry on June 2 to outline his priorities for his assignment in Sierra Leone. Given that his tenure is expected to last three months at most, the A/ERSG plans [...] |
2008-06-04 16:57:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNAMSIL UNSC SL |
08FREETOWN590 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UNSC SOMALIA RESOLUTIONS [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-17 16:58:00 | Embassy Freetown | UNCLASSIFIED | UNSC PREL PHUM SO SL |
08FREETOWN62 |
SCSL MEETINGS: NEW HOPE FOR IMPROVED RELATIONS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador and Poloff met with Honorable Justice George Galaga King, President of the Special Court of Sierra Leone (SCSL), and with Herman von Hebel and Binta Mansaray, Registrar and Deputy Registrar of the SCSL, respectively, on separate occasioQon February 7. While the SCSL rep [...] |
2008-02-15 13:18:00 | Embassy Freetown | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL KAWC KJUS UNSC SL |
08GABORONE946 |
BOTSWANA: SADC MUST TAKE A TOUGHER LINE ON ZIM [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ambassador Nolan and Botswana's Foreign Minister Phandu Skelemani discussed Zimbabwe at length during their initial meeting at the Minister's office on October 27. The GOB is doubtful that any real progress will be made during the October 27 SADC troika meeting in Harare. The ne [...] |
2008-10-28 07:39:00 | Embassy Gaborone | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNSC ZI BC |
08GABORONE992 |
GOB TO RESPECT DESIGNATION OF GULF-BASED AL-QAIDA [...] (SBU) PolOff met with the Director of the Department of Multilateral Affairs in Botswana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Mmamosadinyana Punkie Josephine Molefe November 12. PolOff discussed the UN Security Council 1267 Sanctions Committee approval to add three Gulf- [...] |
2008-11-13 13:32:00 | Embassy Gaborone | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN KTFN PTER ETTC PREL PINR UNSC BA QT BC |
08GENEVA320 |
RAISING ZIMBABWE IN GENEVA UN INSTITUTIONS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is considering ways to further influence the situation in Zimbabwe. Responding to the Ambassador's April 29 demarche, Deputy High Commissioner Kang said the proposal to appoint a special human rights envoy was among se [...] |
2008-04-29 16:51:00 | US Mission Geneva | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNSC XA ZI AU UNHRC ELAB |
08GENEVA837 |
EU ENVOY MOREL BRIEFS THE AMBASSADOR ON LATEST [...] (C) On October 9. EU Special Representative for the Crisis in Georgia Pierre Morel briefed Ambassador Tichenor on the preparations for the Georgia talks to be held in Geneva October 15. He confirmed the plans for a plenary with two working groups, one on security and stability, the other on I [...] |
2008-10-09 16:50:00 | US Mission Geneva | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNGA UNSC RS GG |
08GEORGETOWN555 |
CARICOM ATTENDENCE AT HAITI KEY PLAYERS MEETING [...] No summary [...] |
2008-09-22 19:11:00 | Embassy Georgetown | UNCLASSIFIED | KPKO PREL UNSC UNGA HA |
08GUATEMALA170 |
UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL: UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW [...] Per reftel, post contacted local human rights NGOs and civil society organizations to inform them of the UN Human Rights Council's upcoming Universal Periodic Review of Guatemala's human rights record (May 5-16) and to encourage their participation in the process. 2. The following organizat [...] |
2008-02-19 21:33:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PGOV KDEM KJUS UNSC GT |
08GUATEMALA590 |
GUATEMALA: DEMARCHE ON UNSC RESOLUTION ON SOMALI [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-07 22:40:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PHUM PHSA EWWT KCRM UNSC SO XW GT |
08GUATEMALA632 |
GUATEMALA SUBMITS REPORT ON UNSCR 1803 [...] No summary [...] |
2008-05-20 13:56:00 | Embassy Guatemala | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN AORC ETRD TRGY KNNP UNSC IR GT |
08HANOI1002 |
VIETNAM REFUSES TO CONDEMN RUSSIA'S RECOGNITION OF ABKHAZIA [...] (SBU) On August 28, the Ambassador spoke with Vice FM Pham Binh Minh to urge that Vietnam's PermRep publicly and forcefully condemn Russia's August 26 decision to recognize South Ossetia and Abkhazia. Per reftel, the Ambassador stressed that the Security Council, if it meets in special sessio [...] |
2008-08-28 10:35:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | UNSC PREL CG RS VM |
08HANOI1096 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED ON ABKHAZ AND SOUTH OSSETIAN [...] No summary [...] |
2008-09-23 06:54:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | UNSC PREL CG RS VM |
08HANOI1266 |
VIETNAM RESISTS CALL FOR ASEAN MEMBERS TO PRESSURE BURMA [...] (SBU) In a November 17 conversation with MFA DDG for Asian Affairs Ta Duy Chinh, DPolCouns expressed U.S. indignation at the Burmese regime's recent convictions of lawyers and democracy activists, the continuing house arrest of Aung San Suu Kyi, and the junta's refusal to engage in genuine pol [...] |
2008-11-17 07:18:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PHUM PGOV UNSC BM VM |
08HANOI1315 |
VIETNAM'S PERSPECTIVES ON DECEMBER ASEAN SUMMITS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Anxieties about political unrest notwithstanding, Vietnam considers the December 15-18 ASEAN summits to be among the most important diplomatic events of the year and will be sending a large delegation. MFA and think tank contacts confirm that the global financial crisis will be [...] |
2008-12-02 07:53:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PHUM PGOV UNSC EFIN ECON BM VM |
08HANOI1359 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: UNSC SOMALIA PIRACY RESOLUTION [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-15 09:35:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNSC PGOV PHSA KCRM SO XA XW VM |
08HANOI1363 |
VIETNAM UNDECIDED ON SOMALI PIRACY RESOLUTION, [...] (C) While not completely satisfied with the current UNSC Resolution on Somali Piracy, Vietnam acknowledges that the version currently "in blue" goes some way to address Vietnam's concerns. In a follow-up to the Ambassador's December 15 conversation with VFM Pham Binh Minh (reftel), in which [...] |
2008-12-16 10:30:00 | Embassy Hanoi | CONFIDENTIAL | UNSC PREL PHUM PHSA EWWT KCRM SO XA XW VM |
08HANOI1367 |
DEMARCHE DELIVERED: SPECIAL TRIBUNAL FOR LEBANON [...] No summary [...] |
2008-12-17 02:45:00 | Embassy Hanoi | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY |