Wikileaks [31]: Washington-Paris NOT in sync.: "The French fear a return to civil war MORE than a rolling back of gains made over the past two years to limit Syrian interference ..."

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 06 PARIS 003919
SUBJECT: FM KOUCHNER'S SEPT. 19-21 VISIT TO WASHINGTON
...... On Lebanon, his efforts to facilitate dialogue across the entire political spectrum have brought him close to U.S. and Chirac-era red lines, and a more risk-averse reading of what is politically possible in Beirut has led him to different tactical conclusions. However, remaining in synch with the U.S. remains a guiding principle of his Lebanon policy..... Kouchner surprised many by his quick plunge into Lebanese politics, organizing a national reconciliation process designed to secure agreement on a new president and a new national government consistent with UNSCRs that preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and limit Syrian (and Iranian) influence. Our partnership with France over Lebanon remains a top priority for the French, but we have 
divergent views on the stakes involved (the French fear a 
return to civil war more than a rolling back of gains made 
over the past two years to limit Syrian interference) and on tactics (the French prefer to press the Lebanese to seek a candidate of "convergence" and are reluctant to give the lead 
to the March 14 majority). Kouchner in particular is wedded to a process that accords parliamentary speaker Nabih Berri a prominent role in reaching a solution, partly due to longstanding ties between the two men. He does not seem 
naive about Berri, but has been prepared to accord him a key 
role that we do not think is deserved. In his last visit to Beirut, Kouchner challenged Berri to enter into dialogue with March 14 without preconditions. A frank discussion of the limits of our continued partnership is needed as well as our different views of the stakes and tactics to employ... Kouchner has publicly discussed a possible role for Syria in such a gathering. This seems to be an outgrowth of French policy on Lebanon, which includes offering Damascus a possible place at any regional meeting we would organize on Middle East peace, as well as a reopening of a bilateral dialogue with Paris in exchange for good behavior on Lebanon during the Lebanese presidential election period. Kouchner, who has publicly suggested an eventual visit to Damascus is possible if Syria 
behaves  will meet his Syrian counterpart in New York ...