IRAQ: SEEKING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR DEC. 15 ELECTION

UNCLAS MANAMA 001827 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KDEM KPAO IZ BA REGION SUBJECT: IRAQ: SEEKING PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR DEC. 15 ELECTION -- BAHRAIN REF: STATE 220728 ¶1. (SBU) In separate meetings with Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak and Minister of Information/Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Dr. Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar, the Ambassador discussed the December 15 elections in Iraq, conveyed reftel talking points, and urged that the Government of Bahrain issue positive comments prior to the election and congratulatory statements after the election. Shaikh Mohammed said that Bahrain concurred fully on the importance of December 15 elections, and assured that the Government would issue positive and supportive statements. ¶2. (U) At its weekly meeting on December 11, as reported in the local press on December 12, the Cabinet issue a statement urging all Iraqis to vote in the December 15 elections. It called the elections a major step towards stability, paving the way for a united Iraq. MONROE