AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES UPCOMING LEGISLATION WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001767

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/29/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM BA REFORM ECTRD BILAT OFFICIALS POL
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES UPCOMING LEGISLATION WITH
PARLIAMENTARY SPEAKER AL DHAHRANI

Classified by Charge d'Affaires Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).

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Summary
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1. (C) The Ambassador November 27 spoke with Council of
Representative (COR - elected lower house of parliament)
Speaker Khalifa Al Dhahrani about the legislative agenda for
the current session. Al Dhahrani explained that the COR had
decided to hold a series of extraordinary sessions to address
outstanding bills; first on the agenda is the labor reform
law. Al Dhahrani expressed his view that a major issue such
as dealing with expatriate labor should be addressed at the
GCC level rather than in each individual country. He praised
the public debate about a proposed personal status law,
saying the opinions being voiced now should lead to a better
law. Al Dhahrani hoped that the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade
Agreement (FTA) would promote enhanced bilateral trade and
investment relations, leading to more Bahraini jobs and
increased prosperity. He stated that Bahrain's commitment to
the U.S. Navy base in country was firm and strong. End
Summary.

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Extraordinary Sessions to Discuss Bills
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2. (C) The Ambassador called on COR speaker Al Dhahrani
November 27 to discuss upcoming legislation and the FTA. In
response to the Ambassador's question, Al Dhahrani said that
labor reform legislation was the primary focus of
extraordinary sessions scheduled by the COR to address
outstanding bills. The Ambassador related that an MP had
expressed his dissatisfaction with the labor reform bill, and
the Ambassador had replied that if he did not like the draft,
he should develop a counter-proposal. Al Dhahrani said it
was normal for there to be opposition in parliaments, and
often MPs speak publicly simply for public relations reasons.
In his view, Dhahrani said, a major issue such as how to
deal with expatriate labor should be addressed at a unified
GCC level, not on a country-by-country basis.

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Positive Public Debate on Personal Status Law
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3. (C) The Ambassador raised the proposed personal status
law, stating that the prospect of a law had led to public
affairs campaigns for and against, demonstrations, op-ed
pieces and editorials, and sermons in the mosques. Al
Dhahrani stated that thus far, the government had not
delivered a draft of the law to parliament. The COR was
currently busy with other laws and the personal status law
would be addressed at the proper time. He commented,
however, that the public debate over the law was positive,
allowing for the public airing of all points of view. It
allowed the MPs to consider the various opinions before
having to address a draft law, which should result in a
better law.


4. (C) Al Dhahrani said there was no urgency to pass the law
quickly because the shariah courts were already performing
their role and adjudicating personal status issues. A delay
in addressing legislation did not mean the citizens would be
forced to live without an important component of the judicial
sector. There were differences of opinion between Sunnis and
Shias on a law, and even within each community. Passing a
personal status law would require agreement by all political
blocs in the COR. He hoped that proposed legislation would
reflect the aspirations of all Bahraini citizens.

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CT Law On Deck
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5. (C) The Ambassador said that the draft counter-terrorism
law would allow for better prosecution of terrorists, and
asked about the status of the bill. Al Dhahrani said the COR
would address this law immediately following debate of the
labor reform law.

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FTA To Generate Jobs, Prosperity
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6. (C) The Ambassador thanked Al Dhahrani for the
parliament's ratification of the FTA in July and briefed the
Speaker on the current state of play in Congress. Al
Dhahrani stated that the FTA would help strengthen the
historically close relations between the U.S. and Bahrain.
The King, Crown Prince, and Parliament all give special
treatment to the relationship with the United States, and
Bahrain appreciates the U.S. position on bilateral trade and
investment links. Nothing threatens the safety of American
citizens and investments in the Kingdom, and the government
wants the USG to promote business opportunities in Bahrain.
With greater investment, the economy will generate more jobs
and increased prosperity.


7. (C) The Ambassador agreed, saying one of his priorities
is to promote the commercial relationship. He noted that
Economic Development Board CEO Shaikh Mohammed bin Issa would
lead an American Chamber of Commerce in Bahrain trade mission
to the U.S. soon. Al Dhahrani said there had been costs to
pursuing the FTA with the United States, including Saudi
Arabia's decision in summer 2004 to end a 50,000 barrel/day
oil grant. But he was confident the FTA would prove to be
beneficial for the Bahraini economy.


8. (C) Al Dhahrani said that Bahrain had always welcomed
people of all nationalities, and hoped that the dependents of
U.S. Navy personnel stationed in the Kingdom would be allowed
to return soon. The Ambassador said the USG was looking at
the possible future return of some of the dependents, but we
continue to have concerns about possible threats in the
country. Al Dhahrani said that the Navy was always welcome
in Bahrain and the GOB's commitment to the base is firm and
strong.

ZIADEH