Wikileaks: Geagea' to Sison: "We just need your support to get arms for these fighters. If the airport is still closed, amphibious deliveries could be facilitated"

C O N F I D E N T I A L  BEIRUT 000642

SUBJECT: LEBANON: GEAGEA PROPOSES ARAB PEACEKEEPERS; A STRONG SINIORA IS PLANNING A TELEVISED ADDRESS SATURDAY

2. (C) Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea, accompanied by advisor Elie Khoury, made a surprise visit at 2030 on May 9 to the Embassy, immediately following the five-hour meeting with 50 members of March 14 at his residence (reftel). The Charge told Geagea that the March 14 declaration was very good. Geagea reported that March 14 sent a delegation to Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and another, led by his wife, MP Setrida Geagea, to Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Michel Sleiman. Geagea said the latter delegation was blunt in delivering the message to Sleiman. The delegation implored General Sleiman to ensure the security of the Grand Serail, where Prime Minister Siniora lives and works, and the residences of all of the key political figures. If these institutions and their leaders stand fast, he said, we will win this round. The Charge concurred, saying that the Grand Serail in particular is a national symbol as well as a place of business. 3. (C) Geagea confirmed that Hizballah was pressuring PM Siniora to resign, but that while some of Siniora's (unnamed) advisors reportedly were contemplating the option earlier this morning, the PM is refusing. He added that Saad, who he noted is "keeping very strong," also opposed a resignation from Siniora. Geagea requested the Charge to put a great deal of pressure on Sleiman and to back Siniora up "all the way." He also suggested the Charge talk to Saad and March 14/Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumblatt to "keep their spirits high." 4. (C) Geagea proposed requesting friendly Arab countries to dispatch an Arab peacekeeping force to Lebanon. He recommended lobbying Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, and other countries supportive of Lebanon, to agree to send troops. He estimated that 5,000 troops would be sufficient. Geagea said that such a force would be a practical way to strengthen the Siniora government. If the Arab countries agree to send a peacekeeping force, Geagea said, "Hizballah will be in trouble. It will be a victory, even if the Arab troops don't wind up coming." He added that a UN or EU force were not good options. 5. (C) Geagea then asked to speak privately to the Charge. It was important for everyone to push the LAF to do its job, said Geagea. However, he wasn't sure that the army would succeed. If the army failed to protect Christian areas, Geagea said he wanted to make sure Washington knows he has between 7,000 and 10,000 well-trained Lebanese Forces fighters who could be mobilized. "We can fight against Hizballah," he stated with confidence, adding, "We just need your support to get arms for these fighters. If the airport is still closed, amphibious deliveries could be facilitated." The Charge assured Geagea that the U.S. was encouraging Sleiman and the LAF to protect state institutions and the citizens of Lebanon. (Note: At 2315, Geagea telephoned the Charge to relay that his morale had been boosted by a telephone call from NEA A/S Welch. End note.)