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