Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MANAMA1458
2006-08-07 15:30:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manama
Cable title:
TFLE01: DEPUTY PM PLEADS FOR U.S. TO PLAY ROLE OF
how-toVZCZCXYZ0012 OO RUEHWEB DE RUEHMK #1458/01 2191530 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 071530Z AUG 06 FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5392 INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001458
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2016
TAGS: PREL MOPS MARR PGOV ETRD BA REGION ECTRD POL
OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: TFLE01: DEPUTY PM PLEADS FOR U.S. TO PLAY ROLE OF
"HONEST BROKER" IN LEBANON CRISIS
Classified By: CDA Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
-------
Summary
-------
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001458
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2016
TAGS: PREL MOPS MARR PGOV ETRD BA REGION ECTRD POL
OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: TFLE01: DEPUTY PM PLEADS FOR U.S. TO PLAY ROLE OF
"HONEST BROKER" IN LEBANON CRISIS
Classified By: CDA Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. (C) Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak
told the Charge August 7 that the United States had to play
the role of honest broker to help settle the Lebanon crisis.
While recognizing that Palestinians, Lebanese and Israelis
are all suffering, he complained that the U.S. was paying
closer attention to Israel's concerns than those of other
parties. The situation is volatile, and he feared extremism
could spread as a result of the violence. In the early days
of the Lebanon conflict, several Arab governments had
criticized Hizballah. Because of Israel's reaction, however,
the regional political atmosphere had changed, making it
impossible for reasoned judgment to hold sway. The Deputy PM
said Arab League ministers would support the Lebanese
government's seven-point plan and offer assistance to PM
Siniora at the meeting in Beirut. Shaikh Mohammed and the
Charge also discussed Iran, the domestic political situation,
and the U.S.-Bahrain free trade agreement. End Summary.
--------------
"The War Should Stop Now"
--------------
2. (C) Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al
Khalifa summoned the Charge August 7 to formally deliver the
Bahraini government's position on the state-of-play in the
Lebanon crisis. Shaikh Mohammed told the Charge "the war
should stop now." The security of all sides needs to be
taken into account in developing and proposing a solution.
He recognized that Palestinians, Lebanese, and Israelis were
all suffering, and worried that the United States was paying
closer attention to Israel's concerns than those of the other
parties. "If the people do not feel that a settlement is
just and fair, they will not accept it," he said.
3. (C) Shaikh Mohammed expressed his concern that the
regional situation could get out of hand. Today the enemy is
Hizballah, but extremism could flourish, adding to the
challenge. "There is a fire," he said, "and we must
extinguish it." Bahrain accepts a two-state solution for
Israel and Palestine based upon the 1967 borders. But for
almost 60 years, there has been no comprehensive agreement.
Israel, he said, should help Arab countries feel secure just
as the Arabs should make Israel feel secure. There needs to
be new thinking in the Middle East, he stated.
--------------
U.S. As Honest Broker
--------------
4. (C) The Deputy PM said that when the Lebanon crisis
erupted, several Arab governments correctly characterized
Hizballah's actions as a reckless misadventure. The
political atmosphere in the region changed, however, in
response to the Israeli reaction. As a result, it is now
impossible for reasoned judgment to hold sway.
5. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said that the U.S. has to play the
role of an honest broker in working to settle the conflict.
The United States takes into account Israel's views, the
Deputy PM said, but Lebanon is not in the picture. It is not
right that one side is happy but the other is not.
--------------
UNSC Draft Resolution Biased
--------------
6. (C) The Charge responded that the United States has been
in close consultation with members of the UN Security Council
and the parties in the region in developing the draft UNSC
resolution on Lebanon. It is a serious response to events
and seeks to establish the conditions for a long-term
ceasefire. It addresses issues that impact both sides. A
quick ceasefire that preserves the status quo ante would
result in the same cycle of violence reoccurring. The Charge
urged Arab League support for the resolution. Shaikh
Mohammed agreed that the resolution should deal with the long
term, but said it should consider the interests of all
parties. "It isn't right when the whole world wants a
ceasefire but one country says, 'wait'," he complained.
7. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said Israel's attacks on Lebanon have
been devastating, especially for civilians, who should be
protected by the Geneva Convention. Prior to the crisis,
Hizballah was isolated, having the support of only Iran and
Syria. Now, "everybody supports Hizballah," including
Sunnis. The Charge said a solution has to include the
Lebanese government extending its authority throughout the
country and disarming militias. Hizballah operates
independently of the Lebanese government. The GOL must be
strengthened so as to ensure that no foreign forces or armed
groups remain in the country. The Deputy PM replied that at
the meeting in Beirut, Arab League ministers would support
the Lebanese government's seven-point plan and offer to
assist PM Siniora.
--------------
Bahrain "Naked" Against Iran
--------------
8. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said that Bahrain was concerned that
the conflict could expand to include Syria and Iran. The
last thing the GOB wants is for Iran to be involved in any
Arab country. Iran is feeling pressure from the
international community and is trying to improve its
relations with its neighbors. Two months ago Tehran invited
King Hamad to visit Iran, but he had replied that the time is
not right. Bahrain wants Iran as a good neighbor, but
nothing more. A confrontation on the nuclear issue is
brewing, and Bahrain knows that it could become a target in
the event of hostilities. If something happens, "we will be
naked, with no way to defend ourselves." He reminded the
Charge that Bahrain was interested in obtaining Patriot
missiles to defend itself from Iran. Shaikh Mohammed stated
that the December IISS Gulf Dialogue conference, to be held
in Bahrain, would be a useful forum for addressing some of
these issues. He hoped the USG sends a very senior
delegation.
--------------
No Foreign Intervention in Domestic Politics
--------------
9. (C) In response to the Charge's question, the Deputy PM
said that domestic political activity was increasing in the
run-up to the fall parliamentary and municipal elections.
People have confidence in the parliament based upon its
performance over the past four years. The Assembly passed
over 100 laws and, despite fears to the contrary, the King
did not veto any laws. He thought there would be an official
announcement about the date of the elections about six weeks
before they are held, which will most likely be in November.
10. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said it was important that there be
no "foreign intervention" in the political process. Some
oppositionists feel the United States and other governments
can help them by intervening on their behalf. This would be
"the worst thing," he said. Citizens should work their
complaints through the system, not go to outside governments.
Some critics use the language of democracy, but in reality
they are not committed to freedom and democracy. He said
foreign governments should be careful in dealing with these
people. The Charge replied that as a matter of course, we
speak to a wide spectrum of Bahrainis. In our discussions
with them, we stress that the United States supports full
participation in the political system and is committed to the
universal principles of human rights, rule of law, a free
press, and respect for all members of society, including
women, youth, and minorities.
--------------
Enhancing Commercial Relations
--------------
11. (C) Noting that the U.S.-Bahrain free trade agreement
took effect on August 1, the Charge said that the United
States was eager to enhance trade and investment relations
with Bahrain. Shaikh Mohammed said the goal now was to bring
the benefits of the FTA to Bahrain. He stated that he had
just returned from Jordan, where he had participated in the
formation of a joint committee to help Bahrain learn from
Jordan's FTA experience. By demonstrating the benefits of
the FTA, Bahrain could become an example for others in the
region.
********************************************* ********
Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/
********************************************* ********
ZIADEH
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/07/2016
TAGS: PREL MOPS MARR PGOV ETRD BA REGION ECTRD POL
OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: TFLE01: DEPUTY PM PLEADS FOR U.S. TO PLAY ROLE OF
"HONEST BROKER" IN LEBANON CRISIS
Classified By: CDA Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. (C) Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak
told the Charge August 7 that the United States had to play
the role of honest broker to help settle the Lebanon crisis.
While recognizing that Palestinians, Lebanese and Israelis
are all suffering, he complained that the U.S. was paying
closer attention to Israel's concerns than those of other
parties. The situation is volatile, and he feared extremism
could spread as a result of the violence. In the early days
of the Lebanon conflict, several Arab governments had
criticized Hizballah. Because of Israel's reaction, however,
the regional political atmosphere had changed, making it
impossible for reasoned judgment to hold sway. The Deputy PM
said Arab League ministers would support the Lebanese
government's seven-point plan and offer assistance to PM
Siniora at the meeting in Beirut. Shaikh Mohammed and the
Charge also discussed Iran, the domestic political situation,
and the U.S.-Bahrain free trade agreement. End Summary.
--------------
"The War Should Stop Now"
--------------
2. (C) Deputy Prime Minister Shaikh Mohammed bin Mubarak Al
Khalifa summoned the Charge August 7 to formally deliver the
Bahraini government's position on the state-of-play in the
Lebanon crisis. Shaikh Mohammed told the Charge "the war
should stop now." The security of all sides needs to be
taken into account in developing and proposing a solution.
He recognized that Palestinians, Lebanese, and Israelis were
all suffering, and worried that the United States was paying
closer attention to Israel's concerns than those of the other
parties. "If the people do not feel that a settlement is
just and fair, they will not accept it," he said.
3. (C) Shaikh Mohammed expressed his concern that the
regional situation could get out of hand. Today the enemy is
Hizballah, but extremism could flourish, adding to the
challenge. "There is a fire," he said, "and we must
extinguish it." Bahrain accepts a two-state solution for
Israel and Palestine based upon the 1967 borders. But for
almost 60 years, there has been no comprehensive agreement.
Israel, he said, should help Arab countries feel secure just
as the Arabs should make Israel feel secure. There needs to
be new thinking in the Middle East, he stated.
--------------
U.S. As Honest Broker
--------------
4. (C) The Deputy PM said that when the Lebanon crisis
erupted, several Arab governments correctly characterized
Hizballah's actions as a reckless misadventure. The
political atmosphere in the region changed, however, in
response to the Israeli reaction. As a result, it is now
impossible for reasoned judgment to hold sway.
5. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said that the U.S. has to play the
role of an honest broker in working to settle the conflict.
The United States takes into account Israel's views, the
Deputy PM said, but Lebanon is not in the picture. It is not
right that one side is happy but the other is not.
--------------
UNSC Draft Resolution Biased
--------------
6. (C) The Charge responded that the United States has been
in close consultation with members of the UN Security Council
and the parties in the region in developing the draft UNSC
resolution on Lebanon. It is a serious response to events
and seeks to establish the conditions for a long-term
ceasefire. It addresses issues that impact both sides. A
quick ceasefire that preserves the status quo ante would
result in the same cycle of violence reoccurring. The Charge
urged Arab League support for the resolution. Shaikh
Mohammed agreed that the resolution should deal with the long
term, but said it should consider the interests of all
parties. "It isn't right when the whole world wants a
ceasefire but one country says, 'wait'," he complained.
7. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said Israel's attacks on Lebanon have
been devastating, especially for civilians, who should be
protected by the Geneva Convention. Prior to the crisis,
Hizballah was isolated, having the support of only Iran and
Syria. Now, "everybody supports Hizballah," including
Sunnis. The Charge said a solution has to include the
Lebanese government extending its authority throughout the
country and disarming militias. Hizballah operates
independently of the Lebanese government. The GOL must be
strengthened so as to ensure that no foreign forces or armed
groups remain in the country. The Deputy PM replied that at
the meeting in Beirut, Arab League ministers would support
the Lebanese government's seven-point plan and offer to
assist PM Siniora.
--------------
Bahrain "Naked" Against Iran
--------------
8. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said that Bahrain was concerned that
the conflict could expand to include Syria and Iran. The
last thing the GOB wants is for Iran to be involved in any
Arab country. Iran is feeling pressure from the
international community and is trying to improve its
relations with its neighbors. Two months ago Tehran invited
King Hamad to visit Iran, but he had replied that the time is
not right. Bahrain wants Iran as a good neighbor, but
nothing more. A confrontation on the nuclear issue is
brewing, and Bahrain knows that it could become a target in
the event of hostilities. If something happens, "we will be
naked, with no way to defend ourselves." He reminded the
Charge that Bahrain was interested in obtaining Patriot
missiles to defend itself from Iran. Shaikh Mohammed stated
that the December IISS Gulf Dialogue conference, to be held
in Bahrain, would be a useful forum for addressing some of
these issues. He hoped the USG sends a very senior
delegation.
--------------
No Foreign Intervention in Domestic Politics
--------------
9. (C) In response to the Charge's question, the Deputy PM
said that domestic political activity was increasing in the
run-up to the fall parliamentary and municipal elections.
People have confidence in the parliament based upon its
performance over the past four years. The Assembly passed
over 100 laws and, despite fears to the contrary, the King
did not veto any laws. He thought there would be an official
announcement about the date of the elections about six weeks
before they are held, which will most likely be in November.
10. (C) Shaikh Mohammed said it was important that there be
no "foreign intervention" in the political process. Some
oppositionists feel the United States and other governments
can help them by intervening on their behalf. This would be
"the worst thing," he said. Citizens should work their
complaints through the system, not go to outside governments.
Some critics use the language of democracy, but in reality
they are not committed to freedom and democracy. He said
foreign governments should be careful in dealing with these
people. The Charge replied that as a matter of course, we
speak to a wide spectrum of Bahrainis. In our discussions
with them, we stress that the United States supports full
participation in the political system and is committed to the
universal principles of human rights, rule of law, a free
press, and respect for all members of society, including
women, youth, and minorities.
--------------
Enhancing Commercial Relations
--------------
11. (C) Noting that the U.S.-Bahrain free trade agreement
took effect on August 1, the Charge said that the United
States was eager to enhance trade and investment relations
with Bahrain. Shaikh Mohammed said the goal now was to bring
the benefits of the FTA to Bahrain. He stated that he had
just returned from Jordan, where he had participated in the
formation of a joint committee to help Bahrain learn from
Jordan's FTA experience. By demonstrating the benefits of
the FTA, Bahrain could become an example for others in the
region.
********************************************* ********
Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/
********************************************* ********
ZIADEH