BAHRAIN: DEMARCHE IN ADVANCE OF CAIRO ARAB LEAGUE

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 001615 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/04/2016 TAGS: PREL BA REGION ROW SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: DEMARCHE IN ADVANCE OF CAIRO ARAB LEAGUE MINISTERIAL REF: STATE 145279 Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Pol/Econ Chief September 3 delivered reftel demarche concerning the Cairo Arab League Ministerial to MFA Assistant Under Secretary for Coordination and Follow Up Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa. Shaikh Abdul Aziz pledged to pass the information to Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, who will attend the Cairo meeting. Shaikh Abdul Aziz stated that with regard to Lebanon, it was clear that the Arab countries want to be supportive of Lebanon's humanitarian and reconstruction needs. ¶2. (C) On the UNSC election for the Latin America and Caribbean seat, he said "the issue is still open." Venezuela is lobbying hard for the slot and had recently sent an envoy to the region to request the support of Arab governments. The Venezuelans are emphasizing that they will promote the Arab stand on Palestinian issues in the Council. Shaikh Abdul Aziz commented that Guatemala appeared to be a solid candidate and promised that Bahrain would take U.S. views into account in making its decision. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** MONROE