BAHRAIN SEEKS TO WORK WITH U.S. ON UNSC REFORM

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000727 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARPI AND IO E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/22/2015 TAGS: KUNR PREL BA UNSC UNGA SUBJECT: BAHRAIN SEEKS TO WORK WITH U.S. ON UNSC REFORM Classified by DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) MFA Director for Multilateral Affairs Ghassan Shaikho told Pol/Econ chief May 18 that Bahrain seeks to work with the United States on UN Security Council reform. He was aware of strong U.S. support for Japan gaining a permanent Security Council seat, and asked for the U.S. position on Germany. He noted that France supports Germany getting a permanent seat, but the U.S. and UK thus far had been unclear. ¶2. (C) Shaikho said that for Bahrain, Security Council enlargement was not as important as the effectiveness of the Council. He expected the "Group of Four" (Japan, Germany, India, Brazil) to submit a draft resolution on the issue during the month of June for a General Assembly vote in July. Alternatively, UNSYG Annan was pushing for a September meeting on the issue. Shaikho said it would be helpful for Bahrain to know the U.S. position before these decision periods. MONROE