BAHRAIN: NEGOTIATIONS AT UNESCO ON CONVENTION ON

UNCLAS MANAMA 000723

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETRD SCUL BA UNESCO
SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: NEGOTIATIONS AT UNESCO ON CONVENTION ON
CULTURAL DIVERSITY

REF: STATE 89776


1. (U) Pol/Econ chief May 18 delivered reftel demarche
concerning UNESCO negotiations on the Convention on Cultural
Diversity to MFA Director for Multilateral Affairs Ghassan
Shaikho. He said he was aware of a split on this subject
between the U.S. and EU and said he would discuss it with
Ministry of Commerce officials responsible for WTO issues
before developing a GOB position. He noted his concern that
the Convention on Cultural Diversity could have a negative
impact on trade, which Bahrain would oppose.


2. (U) EconOff delivered reftel demarche May 18 to Ministry
of Commerce Director for Foreign Trade Relations Abdul Razak
Zainalabedin, who offered no substantive response.

MONROE