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