BAHRAIN: U.S.-EU DIALOGUE ON MIDDLE EAST REFORM

UNCLAS MANAMA 000040 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, NEA/PI, EUR/ERA ABU DHABI FOR WECHSEL E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAID ECON PGOV BA SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: U.S.-EU DIALOGUE ON MIDDLE EAST REFORM REF: A. 04 STATE 271434 ¶B. 04 STATE 235816 ¶1. DCM, APAO, Econoff, and Poloff met with British, French, and German counterparts January 3 to discuss U.S.-EU Middle East reform efforts, per reftels. (NOTE: The EU does not have a mission in Bahrain. END NOTE). All parties presented their current initiatives and projects. We described our programs under the four MEPI pillars and our joint efforts with the Bahrainis in the BMENA initiative. The EU countries do not have a coordinated effort in Bahrain at this time. Possible areas for future cooperation include judicial and educational reform. The group agreed to meet quarterly and will coordinate efforts when appropriate. MONROE