Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04MANAMA1387
2004-09-08 14:27:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manama
Cable title:  

MINISTER OF INFORMATION DISCUSSES AL JAZEERA AND

Tags:  PREL KPAO OIIP KMPI BA 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001387 

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2014
TAGS: PREL KPAO OIIP KMPI BA
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF INFORMATION DISCUSSES AL JAZEERA AND
IRAQ

Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for Reasons
1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001387

SIPDIS

STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/PPD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/07/2014
TAGS: PREL KPAO OIIP KMPI BA
SUBJECT: MINISTER OF INFORMATION DISCUSSES AL JAZEERA AND
IRAQ

Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for Reasons
1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) Al Jazeera Satellite Channel and Iraq dominated the
conversation during the Ambassador's Sept. 6 introductory
call on Minister of Information Nabeel bin Yaqoob Al Hamer.
The Minister said that he had directed Bahrain Satellite
Television to stop airing the videotapes on abductions and
kidnappings in Iraq during news broadcasts because airing
them serves no good purpose. He mentioned that the GOB had
also spoken to Al Jazeera Satellite Channel and Al Arabiyya
about not airing the hostage videotapes.


2. (C) When asked if Al Jazeera had ever had a
correspondent based in Bahrain, Al Hamer replied no, adding
that he continued to receive requests from Al Jazeera on
this. According to Al Hamar, even though Bahrain's
relationship with Qatar had improved following the ICJ
decision about the Hawar Islands, Al Jazeera continued to
focus only on negative stories about Bahrain.


3. (C) The Minister opined that Al Jazeera was losing
credibility in the region and that most Bahraini viewers
watched Al Arabiyya, which he believes is more balanced (Al
Arabiyya does have a correspondent in Bahrain). He added
that Bahrain's majority Shia population was displeased with
Al Jazeera's coverage of the recent events in Najaf, which
they felt portrayed Shia in a negative light. He concluded
by noting that Al Jazeera's stature as a regional media
outlet took a blow when it was asked to leave Iraq.
MONROE