MESSAGE TO ARAB LEAGUE ON PEACE PROCESS: BAHRAIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000795 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2015 TAGS: PREL BA SUBJECT: MESSAGE TO ARAB LEAGUE ON PEACE PROCESS: BAHRAIN REF: STATE 97599 Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe. Reason: 1.4 (B)(D) (C) Ambassador delivered reftel demarche to Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Mohammed Abdul Ghaffar on June 1, stressing our desire to engage Arab states on measures they could undertake to demonstrate support for a negotiated resolution of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. Abdul Ghaffar replied that the Arabs are ready to move forward, but that Israel is not helping. The U.S. also needs to work on the Israelis. The Palestinians ask how they can make peace when Israel continues to grab land and demolish buildings. It's tough to convince the Palestinians, he said. The Ambassador said that President Abbas is making a determined effort to move forward. President Bush made a strong statement of support for Abbas during the latter's recent visit to Washington, and it will be important for Arab countries to look for ways to support him. Abdul Ghaffar agreed that President Bush's statement was "excellent," and said Bahrain would try its best to do something. MONROE