IRAQ DEMARCHE DELIVERED - CONDEMNING HOSTAGE

UNCLAS MANAMA 001223 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PTER PHUM IZ BA SUBJECT: IRAQ DEMARCHE DELIVERED - CONDEMNING HOSTAGE TAKING AND MURDERS REF: STATE 166182 ¶1. (U) On August 3, 2004, PolOff delivered reftel demarche to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Assistant Undersecretary Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa and Director of Bilateral Relations Dr. Dhafer Al Umran. Shaikh Abdul Aziz told PolOff that the GOB condemns all hostage taking and murder and considers them morally reprehensible acts. Dr. Dhafer confirmed that the GOB has not yet made public comments specific to condemning hostage taking and murders in Iraq. Shaikh Abdul Aziz said he would consider issuing a public statement to that effect from the Ministry at the next available opportunity. ZIADEH