AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH INTERIOR MINISTER SHAIKH

S E C R E T MANAMA 000435 SIPDIS DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI, S/CT E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/16/2015 TAGS: ASEC BA PGOV PTER SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH INTERIOR MINISTER SHAIKH RASHID ON SECURITY ISSUES REF: MANAMA 416 Classified By: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM T. MONROE FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) and (d) - - - - SUMMARY - - - - ¶1. (U) This is an action message-see para 5. ¶2. (S) Ambassador Monroe met with Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid Al-Khalifa Wednesday March 16, 2005 to review arrangements in anticipation of an FBI team visit to Bahrain for the purpose of creating a Joint Counter Terrorism Center (JCTC) in Bahrain, introduce the Office of Foreign Assets Control Officer (OFAC) and discuss Coast Guard training and equipment. The discussion of internal Shia security issues is reported in reftel. - - - - - THE JCTC - - - - - ¶3. (S) The Ambassador opened the meeting by confirming that an FBI-led team of seven officials was arriving the next day for discussion on March 19-23 aimed at laying the groundwork for a counter-terrorism center in Bahrain March. The Minister and the Ambassador agreed that this was a high priority cooperative effort. Shaikh Rashid is anxious for the Joint Counter Terrorism Center (JCTC) to become operational within 3-6 months. The Minister said he planed to participate personally in the briefing on March 21. - - - OFAC - - - ¶4. (S) Ambassador introduced the regional OFAC Officer, saying that he arrived last fall and works closely with officials in the Ministry of Interior's Financial Intelligence Unit. Shaikh Rashid welcomed the program of an OFAC officer in Bahrain, and pledge full cooperation on terrorist financing issues. - - - - - - COAST GUARD - - - - - - ¶5. (S) Shaikh Rashid commented that integration of Bahrain Coast Guard's 35 ships with the US Navy patrol boats is essential for controlling and securing the sea. Shaikh Rashid asked about the acquisition process for obtaining 12 new coastal patrol boats and a $15 million dollar upgrade for the existing coastal radar system. The Minister noted that Oman and Egypt received advanced coastal patrol boats via a USG equipment grant. The Ambassador advised the embassy was not aware of either matter and would inquire about the boat grant program and radar system upgrade. The Ambassador offered to look for opportunity for DS/ATA training for the Interior Ministry and Coast Guard. Shaikh Rashid commented that the Government of Bahrain appreciates the assistance provided by the USG and pledged to continue the close security relationship. ¶6. (U) Action request. Embassy would appreciate information on the grand program that allowed Oman and Egypt to receive advanced coastal patrol boats and status of a $15 million upgrade for the coastal radar system. MONROE