BAHRAIN: NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCHES

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001254 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2016 TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP KN BA ROW SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: NORTH KOREAN MISSILE LAUNCHES REF: STATE 111144 Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Poloff July 9 delivered reftel demarche concerning North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles to MFA Director for Bilateral Affairs Dr. Dhafer Al Umran. Al Umran said that Bahrain is not pleased with this recent incident, and that North Korea should instead be working toward peace within the region rather than creating tension and instability. "Things had been moving forward, but this incident sets the international community back." He said that North Korea, like Iran, does not consider the negative impact its actions have on international politics and the global economy. ¶2. (C) Al Umran mentioned that he had met with the Japanese Ambassador earlier on July 9 and that the Ambassador expressed his grave concern regarding the increased tensions after the missile launches. He also recalled that he had met with the North Korean Ambassador from Riyadh in Bahrain on July 4, the day prior to the missile launches, but potential missile testing was not discussed. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** MONROE