Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05MANAMA1373
2005-09-24 13:13:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manama
Cable title:  

PM THANKS AMBASSADOR FOR U.S. ROLE IN POLITICAL

Tags:  PGOV PREL ETRD KDEM KJUS BA 
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241313Z Sep 05
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001373 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/13/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL ETRD KDEM KJUS BA
SUBJECT: PM THANKS AMBASSADOR FOR U.S. ROLE IN POLITICAL
AND ECONOMIC REFORM


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

-------
Summary
-------

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001373

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/13/2015
TAGS: PGOV PREL ETRD KDEM KJUS BA
SUBJECT: PM THANKS AMBASSADOR FOR U.S. ROLE IN POLITICAL
AND ECONOMIC REFORM


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

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. (C) Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa
told the Ambassador September 13 that over the last four
years Bahrain had sacrificed economic reform for political
reform; he said he hoped in the future there would be a more
balanced focus on both. He noted that increased cooperation
with Bahrain's neighbors was a top priority. The PM thanked
the Ambassador for the U.S. role in Bahrain's economic and
political development and noted in particular the
U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and MEPI-funded
judicial reform programs administered by the American Bar
Association (ABA) and the Commercial Law Development Program
(CLDP). End Summary.

-------------- --------------
Political Reform at the Expense of Economic Reform
-------------- --------------


2. (C) Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa
opened a September 13 meeting with the Ambassador by
expressing his condolences for the catastrophe brought on by
Hurricane Katrina and said it was a shock that touched
people's hearts all over the world. The Ambassador thanked
the PM for Bahrain's $5 million donation to relief efforts.
The PM said that increased economic development in Bahrain is
a positive development, but the recent construction boom
highlights the need to improve urban planning to cope with
growing traffic. He lamented that Bahrain does not benefit
from major oil reserves like its neighbors, and emphasized
the government must do a better job of promoting investment.
Over the last four years, he stated, the government had
focused on political reform at the expense of economic
reform. In the future there must be more balanced focus on
both. Providing job training to Bahrainis was key, he said.

--------------
Increased Regional Cooperation Needed
--------------


3. (C) The PM stressed that the six countries of the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) should increase coordination in all
areas. He said one summit meeting per year was not enough,
and he noted wryly that there was no special forum for prime
ministers. Although most GCC countries are so wealthy that
they do not need to cooperate with anyone, they would all
benefit from a common currency, electrical system, and
railway.

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U.S.-Backed Reforms Appreciated
--------------


4. (C) The PM said that the U.S.-Bahrain FTA was a positive
step and that those who criticized Bahrain for signing it
were out of line. He thanked the Ambassador for promoting
increased investment between the two countries and for U.S.
support of Bahrain's political and economic development. He
noted in particular his appreciation for the work that the
MEPI-sponsored American Bar Association (ABA) and Commercial
Law Development Program (CLDP) projects were doing to improve
the judicial system.

--------------
Bio Note
--------------


5. (C) Although the PM's powers have been somewhat clipped
by recent Cabinet changes and another is expected by the end
of the month, he was animated, in good spirits, and sharp
throughout the 45-minute meeting. He mentioned that he
continues to exercise regularly. The PM was eager to discuss
television programs and spent approximately 15 minutes
talking about his favorite U.S. television shows.

MONROE