Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05KUWAIT1465
2005-04-11 13:41:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kuwait
Cable title:  

EU TRADE COMMISSIONER CRITICAL OF GCC STATE

Tags:  ECON ETRD EU PREL KU 
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111341Z Apr 05
C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 001465 

SIPDIS

NEA/ARPI PASS TO USTR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/12/2010
TAGS: ECON ETRD EU PREL KU
SUBJECT: EU TRADE COMMISSIONER CRITICAL OF GCC STATE
BILATERAL FTAS


Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)

C O N F I D E N T I A L KUWAIT 001465

SIPDIS

NEA/ARPI PASS TO USTR

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/12/2010
TAGS: ECON ETRD EU PREL KU
SUBJECT: EU TRADE COMMISSIONER CRITICAL OF GCC STATE
BILATERAL FTAS


Classified By: Ambassador Richard LeBaron, reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) During consultations on a variety of issues with my EU
counterparts today, they advised that during the recent
EU/GCC Ministerial in Bahrain, the EU Commissioner for Trade
criticized GCC members for pursuing bilateral free trade
agreements with the U.S.
Peter Mandelson reportedly upbraided the Bahrainis and the
Omanis for their agreement or pursuit of an FTA with the U.S.
The Omanis subsequently were very dismissive of the proposed
"EU Strategic Partnership with the Mediterranean and the
Middle East," which some attributed to the EU's attitude
about bilateral FTAs, although they also said that the
"Strategic Partnership" went over badly in general with GCC
members.


2. (C) Mandelson's displeasure made its way into the
communique issued at the end of the 5 April meeting in
Bahrain. The text reads: "The European Union conveyed its
view regarding bilateral free trade agreements by individual
states with other third countries. The EU considers regional
economic integration processes as important instruments for
peace, stability, and prosperity." According to one
participant, the word "view" had been watered down from
"concern" in an earlier draft.


3. (C) The EU group with whom I met did not include a
Commission rep, and their views were tempered by some
skepticism about when, if ever, the EU/GCC negotiations will
bear fruit, given their fifteen plus year history. The two
sides agreed in Bahrain to do everything they can to finalize
the text by the end of the year, but, as one Ambassador said,
"We've heard that before."
LEBARON