GOB'S PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE INTERIM IRAQI

UNCLAS MANAMA 000872 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP CAIRO FOR STEVE BONDY LONDON FOR ETHAN GOLDRICH E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: IZ PREL BA SUBJECT: GOB'S PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE INTERIM IRAQI GOVERNMENT REF: SECSTATE 121718 ¶1. SUMMARY: The newly elected Iraqi President received public congratulatory cables from the highest levels of the GOB. END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) His Majesty King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa sent a cable of congratulations on June 2 to His Excellency President Ghazi Ajeel Al Yawar to mark his selection. The King wished him success in his capacity as the new president of Iraq in achieving the Iraqi people,s aspirations of peace and stability. His Majesty stressed the Kingdom of Bahrain,s devotion to strengthening relations and cooperation between the two countries. He also expressed hope that Iraq, along with its fellow Arab states, continues its role in serving the cause of the Arab and Islamic nation and fostering friendly relations with neighboring countries. ¶3. (U) Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and Crown Prince and Commander-in-Chief of the Bahrain Defense Force (BDF) Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa also sent similar cables on June 2 wishing the Iraqi president a new era of peace, stability, prosperity and strong ties with the Kingdom and other countries of the region. The Prime Minister also sent a cable of good wishes congratulating Dr. Eyad Alawi on his election to Prime Minister of Iraq, wishing him success and prosperity. WILLIAMSON