VZCZCXRO6184
OO RUEHROV
DE RUEHEG #5240/01 2331440
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 211440Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0778
INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE
RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE
RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 1030

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 CAIRO 005240 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/21/2016 
TAGS: PREL PGOV MEPN KPAL UNSC ARABL MOPS EG LE SY
IS, SU 
SUBJECT: ARAB LEAGUE FOREIGN MINISTERS MEET TO DISCUSS 
LEBANON, ARAB-ISRAELI PEACE, AND DARFUR 
 
REF: A. CAIRO 5207 
 
     ¶B. STATE 136507 
     ¶C. CAIRO 5077 
 
Classified by Minister-Counselor for Economic and Political 
Affairs William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
------- 
Summary 
------- 
 
¶1.  (C) In an effort to be seen as "doing something," Arab 
League foreign ministers met in Cairo August 20 to address 
assistance for the reconstruction of Lebanon, to discuss 
reviving the Arab-Israeli peace process, to debate the 
utility of an Arab Summit, and to offer political support to 
Sudan.  Local contacts described the meeting as short on 
substance, with ministers voicing support for Lebanon and 
Sudan, promising to "study" an Egyptian plan to coordinate 
Arab aid to Lebanon, and avoiding detailed discussion of a 
League proposal to revive Arab-Israeli peace talks under UN 
Security Council auspices.  No financial pledges were 
announced for Lebanon, nor were other pressing regional 
issues (Iran, Iraq, or Somalia) formally discussed.  In three 
separate resolutions (texts below), ministers pledged support 
for the Government of Lebanon as they lashed out at Israel, 
took unhelpful positions on Darfur, and agreed to go ahead 
with plans to bring the Arab-Israeli peace file to the UN 
Security Council.  End summary. 
 
--------------------------------------------- - 
Arab Foreign Ministers Address Lebanon, Darfur 
--------------------------------------------- - 
 
¶2.  (C) Following an August 20 extraordinary session of 
foreign ministers at the Arab League's Cairo headquarters, 
Nazih El Negeiry of the Egyptian foreign minister's personal 
staff told poloff that the ministers agreed to three 
resolutions (below) dealing with Lebanon, Darfur, and 
Arab-Israeli peace talks.  Describing the Lebanon resolution, 
Negeiry said the text presented by Lebanese Foreign Minister 
Salouk was amended multiple times following interventions by 
the Syrian AL Permrep (Syrian FM Muallem did not attend the 
meeting).  In particular, delegates argued whether the 
resolution should specifically acknowledge Hizbollah's role 
in resisting Israel's military campaign (as Syria wanted), he 
said.  After much argument, compromise language was adopted 
that did not mention the group, but rather commends the 
"steadfastness" and "valiant resistance" of Lebanon against 
the "brutal Israeli aggression."  Negeiry suggested that the 
Lebanese minister had been expected to side more closely with 
Hizbollah during this meeting, given his close association 
with the organization.  Arab League Secretariat staffer Talal 
Elamine commented to poloff that the Lebanese minister had 
committed to PM Seniora's original draft text that addresses 
Lebanon's (vice Hizbollah's) resistance toward Israel. 
 
¶3.  (C) Asked about an Arab position on Hizbollah 
disarmament, Negeiry said agreement on any such text would 
have been "impossible" under present circumstances, 
"especially with Syria in attendance" at the meeting.  This 
issue, of course, is at the heart of current events and will 
have to be worked out by the Lebanese themselves in their 
national dialogue.  Negeiry indicated interest in 
Washington's position on Hizbollah disarmament, suggesting 
his personal view that the USG was sending "mixed signals" on 
the issue. 
 
---------------------------------- 
An Egyptian Aid Coordination Plan? 
---------------------------------- 
 
¶4.  (C) Negeiry and Elamine confirmed media reports that 
Egypt had presented a plan to address coordination of 
financial and other reconstruction assistance for Lebanon. 
The 3-page paper, they said, had been shared days earlier 
with the Government of Lebanon, but no action was taken on 
the subject by the AL foreign ministers.  The Lebanese 
delegation reportedly pledged to "study the proposal" and 
follow up with the Egyptians and other League states.  As for 
Arab contributions to Lebanese reconstruction efforts, 
Elamine stated that Arab governments were already doing what 
they felt they needed to do for Lebanon on a bilateral basis. 
 There was little support, he believed, for an Arab-specific 
mechanism to distribute such assistance.  Arab states would 
be much more likely, he speculated, to contribute to 
international financial mechanisms managed by the World Bank 
or other credible multilateral bodies. 
 
 
CAIRO 00005240  002 OF 005 
 
 
----------------------------------------- 
Re-Launching the Arab-Israeli Peace Track 
----------------------------------------- 
 
¶5.  (C) Arab ministers also agreed during the meeting to a 
resolution confirming the League's intention to press for a 
resumption of peace talks between Israel and its Arab 
neighbors under the auspices of the UNSC.  The resolution 
repeats the League's determination to prompt a ministerial 
meeting in September 2006 on the margins of the UN General 
Assembly meetings in New York that would approve "effective 
and specific defined mechanisms for quick resumption of 
direct negotiations among concerned parties."  Nevertheless, 
Elamine reported, a small group of ministers would meet again 
in the coming weeks to explore the specific modalities, 
goals, and priorities for such a meeting.  Elamine said their 
aim was to prompt a ministerial meeting in New York during 
the second half of September at the Security Council. 
According to Negeiry, the main states pushing this initiative 
-- "including Egypt" -- first needed to work out the specific 
terms of reference and other key details (ref B). 
 
----------------------------- 
Unhelpful Positions on Darfur 
----------------------------- 
 
¶6.  (C) At the behest of Sudan, the AL foreign ministers also 
agreed to an unhelpful resolution that largely supports GOS 
positions vis-a-vis the situation in Darfur (text below). 
The ministers repeated their earlier commitment to providing 
funding for the African Union's Darfur mission following the 
expiry of the AU's current mandate September 30, 2006. 
Likewise, the resolution calls for allowing the GOS more time 
to ensure security in Darfur, and calls for a postponement of 
a scheduled Security Council meeting to address a draft 
Darfur resolution.  Nowhere does the text address a possible 
transition of the AU's mission to the United Nations. 
 
------------------- 
Text of Resolutions 
------------------- 
 
¶7.  (U) Lebanon Resolution 
 
Begin unofficial Embassy translation of text: 
 
Situation in Lebanon 
 
At the ministerial level, the Arab League Council met in 
extraordinary session August 20, and after reviewing the AL 
Secretariat memorandum and a report by the AL ministerial 
 
SIPDIS 
delegation sent to the United Nations to discuss Israel's 
aggression toward Lebanon: 
 
And, after restating support for previous AL Resolutions 6657 
(July 15, 2006), 6660 (August 7, 2006), and its statement of 
August 2, 2006: 
 
And, after reviewing the statement offered by the head of the 
Lebanese delegation, and in light of earlier interventions by 
ministers and representatives of the Secretary General, 
ministers: 
 
-- Praised the steadfastness of Lebanon and its valiant 
resistance in facing the Israeli offensive (pray for God's 
mercy on the souls of Lebanon's martyrs) and considered the 
unity of the Lebanese people in the face of the aggression 
and their support for their government and state in various 
fields as a guarantee for Lebanon's future, security, and 
stability. 
 
-- Emphasized complete Arab solidarity with Lebanon and 
provided political support to the Lebanese Government to 
ensure Lebanese national unity, security, stability, and 
sovereignty over all its territories. 
 
-- Praised the role of the AL ministerial delegation through 
its contacts and negotiations with the Security Council and 
UN Secretary General, in collaboration with the Lebanese 
government, and for its ability to introduce amendments and 
additions to UNSCR 1701, and thanked the Government of Qatar 
for its significant role as the Arab Member on the Security 
Council. 
 
-- Welcomed the Lebanese government's decision to send the 
Lebanese army to the south and support its mission, as 
decreed by the Lebanese Cabinet, so that only legitimacy 
would prevail in that region.  Called upon friendly countries 
to contribute quickly to enhance UNIFIL troops, as stipulated 
 
CAIRO 00005240  003 OF 005 
 
 
by UNSCR 1701. 
 
-- Called upon the Security Council to pressure Israel to 
immediately lift its air, land, and naval blockades on 
Lebanon, considering these blockades as violations of UNSCR 
¶1701. 
 
-- Emphasized the importance of implementing a sustainable 
and permanent cease-fire, condemned the Israeli breaches and 
violations of UNSCR 1701, held Israel responsible for those 
violations, called upon the Security Council to press Israel 
to honor a total cease-fire and withdraw its troops from 
Lebanon beyond the Blue Line, in addition to halting Israeli 
violations to Lebanese sovereignty (land, navy, or air). 
 
-- Emphasized the importance of adopting the seven-point plan 
proposed by the Government of Lebanon and called upon the UN 
Secretary General and the Security Council to consider the 
 
SIPDIS 
Lebanese Government's proposal on Shebaa Farms, in accordance 
with UNSCR 1701, and called upon all concerned parties to 
cooperate with the UN to reach solutions that would guarantee 
Lebanese rights. 
 
-- Held Israel completely responsible for the aggression and 
its results, and the deliberate destruction of Lebanon's 
infrastructure and the killing of civilians, considered as 
flagrant violations of international law, particularly 
international human rights law and the 1949 Geneva 
Conventions.  Called for Israel to compensate the Government 
of Lebanon and its people for the human losses, the material 
damages, and the grave losses incurred by the Lebanese 
economy as a result of Israel's aggression. 
 
-- Welcomed the UN Human Rights Council resolution pertaining 
to Israeli violations of human rights during its aggression 
on Lebanon.  Called upon the investigation committee formed 
by the UNHRC to review immediately those violations and take 
necessary actions.  Considered Israeli actions in Lebanon as 
war crimes that require bringing its perpetrators to justice 
before the specialized international forums. 
 
-- Thanked countries that provided immediate support and 
expressed appreciation for continuing efforts to assist with 
the reconstruction of Lebanon and the rescue of war victims. 
 
-- Expressed a willingness to continue Arab efforts toward 
the reconstruction of Lebanon and efforts to develop its 
economy, in coordination with the Government of Lebanon. 
Called upon the UN's Economic and Social Council to establish 
a mechanism for such support and to hold an emergency session 
in Beirut for that purpose as soon as possible. 
 
-- Requested the Secretary General to conduct necessary 
contacts and consultations to implement this resolution. 
 
End text of Lebanon resolution. 
 
¶8.  (U) Darfur resolution: 
 
Begin unofficial Embassy translation of text: 
 
Developments of the Situation in Darfur. 
 
The AL Ministerial Council met on August 20 and after 
reviewing the AL Secretariat memorandum, a memorandum 
presented by the delegate of the Government of Sudan, and 
recommendations from the AL's Ministerial Council on Sudan, 
the ministers: 
 
-- Emphasized the Arab League's Khartoum Summit Resolution 
344 (dated March 29, 2006) pertaining to Darfur which 
emphasized continuation of the African Union's efforts and 
accomplishment of its mission to deal with the Darfur crisis, 
especially with regards to political mediation and support 
for monitoring the ceasefire agreement.  Assured that 
provision of additional troops to the region would require 
the consent of the Government of Sudan.  Called on Arab 
countries to provide financial and material support to the 
African Union mission, to enable it to pursue its mission. 
Called upon African/Arab countries to enhance its 
participation in the African Union mission with troops and 
observers for Darfur. 
 
-- Committed to bear the expenses of the African Union 
mission in Darfur for six months as of October 1, 2006. 
 
-- Praised the role of the African Union mission in Darfur in 
maintaining security and stability and called for states to 
provide necessary funding and support to pursue the AMIS 
 
CAIRO 00005240  004 OF 005 
 
 
mission. 
 
-- Requested the Security Council to provide the Sudanese 
Government with enough time to implement the UN plan 
presented in August 2, 2006, to improve the situation and 
maintain security in Darfur, as agreed between the President 
of Sudan and the UN Secretary General. 
 
-- Called for the postponement of a Security Council meeting 
scheduled for next week in New York - in collaboration with 
the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of 
Islamic Conferences - to give a chance for consultations and 
coordination with regional organizations concerned with the 
situation in Darfur and for the African Union Troops there. 
 
-- Assigned the Council Presidency, the Arab representative 
on the Security Council, and the AL Secretary General, to 
closely monitor talks at the Security Council on Darfur and 
to work on reaching an acceptable resolution there, similar 
to the Arab League resolution on Darfur. 
 
-- Called upon Arab states to fulfill their commitments based 
on the March 2006 Arab League Summit in Khartoum in regards 
to paying the costs of the African Union mission in Darfur, 
and activating political and diplomatic contacts with all 
parties related to Darfur, to prioritize a peaceful solution. 
 
-- Referred to the Secretary General,s commitment mentioned 
in the African Summit in Banjul, Gambia calling for the 
extension of the African Union's Darfur mission mandate 
through December 31, 2006 in addition to providing needed 
financial credits for the African Union mission until January 
¶2007. 
 
-- Welcomed the Abuja peace agreement on Darfur signed May 5, 
2006 under the leadership of the African Union.  Expressed 
appreciation for the Arab League's role in collaboration with 
the UN and the international partners to reach that agreement. 
 
-- Called upon the Sudanese armed troops that did not sign 
the peace agreement in Darfur to sign and calling the 
international community to exert effort to have those groups 
participate 
 
-- Called upon the international community to immediately 
fulfill its obligations to support the African Union to 
enable it to effectively implement peace in Darfur, maintain 
security and stability in the region, and enhance security 
and stability in Sudan and the entire area. 
 
-- Encouraged member states to provide financial and 
humanitarian support for Darfur.  Called upon the 
international community to provide support and necessary 
funding to return refugees, to help with Darfur 
reconstruction, and to help with development. 
 
-- Expressed appreciation for the role played by the AL's 
Secretary General, and requested that he continue his efforts 
 
SIPDIS 
with the Government, the Sudanese parties, and regional and 
international agencies to enhance peace in Sudan. Likewise, 
he was requested to present a report to the AL Ministerial 
Council on Darfur. 
 
End resolution text on Darfur. 
 
¶9.  (U) Resolution on Invigorating the Arab-Israeli Peace 
Process. 
 
Begin unofficial Embassy translation of text: 
 
Calling on the UN Security Council to hold a ministerial 
meeting to review the settlement of the Arab-Israeli conflict 
on all tracks: 
 
The AL Ministerial Council met on August 20 and after 
reviewing the Secretariat,s Memorandum, AL resolutions 6658 
(dated July 15, 2006) and 6661 (dated August 7, 2006) - in 
which the Security Council is asked to review the 
Arab-Israeli struggle in a radical and inclusive manner in 
the light of the dangers posed to regional peace and security 
due to continuation of that struggle - statements by 
ministers and other delegation heads, and the Secretary 
General, decided to: 
 
-- Call upon the Security Council to hold a ministerial 
meeting in September of 2006 to review the settlement of the 
Arab-Israeli struggle in accordance with the principles of 
peace, earlier UNSC resolutions - especially resolutions 242 
(1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), and 1515 (2003), as well as 
 
CAIRO 00005240  005 OF 005 
 
 
the principle of land for peace by approving effective and 
specific defined mechanisms for quick resumption of direct 
negotiations among the parties, with total Security Council 
supervision of these negotiations, and setting a time-frame 
to conclude the talks and agree on international guarantees 
for implementation. 
 
-- Assign the Arab Group in New York to present an official 
request to hold the previously mentioned meeting of the 
Security Council. 
 
-- Assign the AL Council,s current Presidency (UAE), Qatar - 
as current Arab Security Council member, the AL Secretary 
General, and members of the Arab Peace Initiative Committee 
to conduct necessary consultations immediately and follow up 
on the implementation of this resolution. 
 
End resolution text on the peace process. 
RICCIARDONE