UK EMBASSY MANAMA REACTIONS TO FORUM FOR THE

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000504 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/PI, NEA/ARPI, EUR/UBI E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/06/2015 TAGS: PREL KDEM BA UK SUBJECT: UK EMBASSY MANAMA REACTIONS TO FORUM FOR THE FUTURE DISCUSSIONS REF: LONDON 2717 Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (B) AND (D) -------------- UK Entrepreurship Center Commitments -------------- ¶1. (C) UK Embassy Manama Middle East Reform Officer Jackie Perkins told Econoff April 6 that the UK would still consider funding a Deputy Director position for the Bahrain Center for Entrepreneurial Excellence, but that it could not make any commitments until the Beyster Institute finishes its business plan with cost estimates. Perkins said she clarified this position with UK-based Reform Officer Frances Guy (reftel). Econoff told Perkins that the Beyster Institute hopes to complete a detailed business plan by June. Perkins also said the UK would provide visiting lecturers and other similar resources once the Center is up and running. -------------- Forum for the Future Thematic Elements -------------- ¶2. (C) Perkins said that at the London luncheon (reftel) four pre-Forum thematic NGO meetings were discussed. Perkins said it is her understanding that the USG expressed interest in hosting a Human Rights/Legal Reform meeting. She also noted that Bahrain would most likely hold a Women/Employment meeting. MONROE