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)

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SUMMARY
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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.

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THE JCTC
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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.

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OFAC
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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.

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COAST GUARD
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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