FOREIGN MINISTER WELCOMES GAZA WITHDRAWAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001243 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/27/2015 TAGS: PREL KPAL BA SUBJECT: FOREIGN MINISTER WELCOMES GAZA WITHDRAWAL Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In an August 27 meeting covering several subjects, Foreign Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Khalifa told the Ambassador that the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza was very good news and a step in the right direction. He noted that King Hamad had congratulated Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas in a telephone call August 15. A statement following the King's August 23 meeting with King Mohammed VI in Morocco voiced hope the Israeli withdrawal will be a positive step towards establishing peace and the creation of an independent Palestinian state. ¶2. (C) Shaikh Mohammed welcomed the withdrawal as part of the roadmap, adding he would state this publicly in his speech at the September 4 GCC foreign ministers meeting in Jeddah. Abbas needs the support of the Arabs at this time. Bahrain supports President Bush's vision of a two-state solution, he said, remarking, "we want this conflict behind us." MONROE