DEPUTY PM SHAIKH MOHAMMAD ON FTA, IRAN AND SYRIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001618

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARPI; NEA/ELA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2015
TAGS: ETRD PREL BA
SUBJECT: DEPUTY PM SHAIKH MOHAMMAD ON FTA, IRAN AND SYRIA

REF: A. MANAMA 1594


B. STATE 199863

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

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SUMMARY
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1. (C) Ambassador called on Deputy Prime Minister and
former Foreign Minster Shaikh Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifa
October 31 at the newly refurbished Gudaibiya Palace in
Manama. During the meeting they discussed transfer of
Guantanamo detainees (reftel A),progress on the FTA, recent
belligerent statements by Iranian President Ahmadi-Nejad,
Syrian participation at the Forum for the Future, and the
King's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia.

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FTA
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2. (C) Ambassador updated Shaikh Mohammad on the FTA noting
that the mark-up of the legislation would take place this
week. He stated that some Democrats had voiced concerns
about labor issues, and that Minister of Finance Shaikh Ahmad
had responded through private letters what steps the GOB has
and plans to take to allay their concerns. The Ambassador
clarified that these concerns go beyond simply the trade deal
with Bahrain, and have broader foreign trade policy
ramifications. Shaikh Mohammad asked to know what are the
next steps and what was required from Bahrain. Ambassador
pointed to two immediate issues of concern. First, we are
making a push for ratification by the Congress. We may ask
the Crown Prince to make a call, but it will have to be at
the right time. The second concern is the need for the GOB
to revise implementing legislation for Intellectual Property
Rights requirements including for copyrights, patents,
trademarks, and data processing, among others. Ambassador
indicated that lack of revised implementing legislation has
to date delayed Morocco's FTA implementation.

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Iran
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3. (C) Ambassador raised USG deep concern over Iranian
President Ahmadi-Nejad's recent extremist remarks (reftel B).
Shaikh Mohammad stated he shared our concern, noting that
such political language was at least twenty years old. He
wondered, given all the problems Iran has, why they would
increase their problems with such statements at this time.
Ambassador stated such outrageous statements need to be
condemned, adding that surely the GOB shares our view.
Shaikh Mohammad indicated the Bahraini government could
consider issuing a statement, concluding "we're all working
for peace,"

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Syrian participation at the Forum
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4. (C) Shaikh Mohammad indicated he was aware that some
parties in the G-8 were hesitant to have Syrian participation
at the Forum for the Future. He wondered why, seeing as they
attended the previous Forum. He noted that an invitation to
the Syrian government had already gone out and cautioned that
if rescinded, possibly other Arab invitees could withdraw as
a result. He believed the Syrian representation would be at
a low level. Ambassador said that Syria continues to be
isolated, and is not even active on democracy and reform
issues. Shaikh Mohammad indicated he would be discussing
this issue with his British co-hosts because, to his mind, a
successful Forum should be inclusive of all countries, not
leaving some out while others remain in.

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Visit to Saudi Arabia
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5. (C) Shaikh Mohammad stated that he would travel with
King Hamad and Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid that day to
Saudi Arabia for a Ramadan visit with the Saudi leadership.
Things are much better with the Saudis after last year's
difficulties over the FTA, and in fact, the Bahraini FTA has
pushed the Saudis to work seriously towards WTO accession.
Discussions with King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and
Prince Bandar (secretary-general of the National Security
Council) would focus on their vision towards the future.
Shaikh Mohammad noted King Abdullah's initiative to bring
together scholars and intellectuals for the upcoming OIC
conference December 6-8 for an in-depth introspective as an
Islamic body.

MONROE