KING PROMOTES DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, CONTINUED

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 000169

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2016
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPAO KMPI BA REFORM POL REGION
SUBJECT: KING PROMOTES DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, CONTINUED

REFORM IN INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL PRESS

Classified by DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

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Summary
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1. (C) King Hamad gave an interview February 3 to the
editors-in-chief of all six of Bahrain's Arabic daily
newspapers. He covered democratic development and continued
political reforms, including the participation of women in
elections. He served notice that ministerial reshuffles
would continue, saying that only "super human beings" could
perform seriously as a minister for up to eight years. The
King hailed the role of the press and said laws should
promote press freedoms. He discussed Iran, defending that
country's right to peaceful nuclear power but calling for a
Gulf region free of nuclear weapons. He also talked about
Bahrain's perennial housing problems. His simple declarative
statements welcoming the participation of the boycotters in
the political system should encourage them to take a decision
to contest the parliamentary elections later this year. The
King's message, however, has not deterred the Shia
rejectionists: one day after the interview appeared in the
press, the hardline "Haq Movement" issued a petition calling
for a new constitution drafted by a "fairly elected body."
End Summary.

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"Most Beautiful Day" in Bahrain
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2. (U) King Hamad gave his first interview of the year
February 3 to the editors-in-chief of all six of Bahrain's
Arabic daily newspapers. It was a question-and-answer format
with only a short welcome statement as an introduction. On
political participation, he said, "I was thrilled to hear
about their (the boycotting political societies)
participation in the 2006 legislative elections because that
would permit the exchange of views between all groups and
would enrich the legislative experience. Participation by
the boycotting societies in the elections will be one of the
most beautiful days in Bahrain." He added, "During the
boycott, there was a feeling that some of our sons were still
waiting outside" the political system.


2. (U) Continuing on the theme of political reform, the King
said that "political reforms belong to us all... and we
should aspire to reach higher levels of democratic and
political development." He was enthusiastic in promoting
development for all of Bahrain's citizens, saying, "We want
more for our daughters and sons, as we see all citizens" as
equals. He added that Bahraini women are well known for
their dedication, hard work and capabilities and they are in
a strong position to contest elections. Addressing the
doubters, the King said, "I'm amazed anyone would oppose the
political empowerment of women... Whatever I say in praise
of our women will not be enough."


3. (C) With regard to the government, the King said that
cabinet reshuffles were necessary to achieve progress within
a vibrant political environment. "The era when ministers
hold onto posts for 20, 30, or 40 years is over. A minister
who can perform seriously for eight years is a super human
being. There are ministers who behave as if the ministries
were their private property and the employees were their own.
Such ministers gradually believe that the people should
serve them instead of the opposite." (Comment: Recent
cabinet shuffles moved out two long-standing Cabinet
ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Mohammed bin
Mubarak Al Khalifa and Minister of Oil Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al
Khalifa. It was not clear the King was targeting anyone in
particular with his comments, but the remaining ministers who
have been in place since the 1970s are Deputy Prime
Minister/Minister of Islamic Affairs Shaikh Abdulla bin
Khalid Al Khalifa and Minister of Defense Shaikh Khalifa bin
Ahmed Al Khalifa, as well as Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa
bin Salman Al Khalifa.)

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Press Law To Ensure Highest Level of Freedom
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4. (U) The King hailed the role of the press, saying "the
press helps me feel the pulse of the street and gain insight
into people's concerns." In response to a question about a
controversial draft press law, the King said that press laws
should be highly flexible to ensure the highest levels of
freedom. He added, "I believe the press helps us to realize
mistakes and rectify them. We must encourage a vibrant and
responsible press." In a note of caution, however, the King
stated that regulations should block articles that could be
detrimental to Bahrain's relations with neighboring
countries. He continued, "The last thing I can think of is
muzzling the press, whether there is a law or not. The real
power is self-censorship and doing what is good for the
country."


5. (U) Regarding Bahrain's foreign relations, the King said
that Iran has the right to develop peaceful nuclear power.
He continued, "What we understood from previous statements
from the Iranian government is that nuclear armament is
banned, and should be banned, for all without exception." He
mentioned the statement from the recent GCC summit calling
for a Middle East and Gulf region free of all nuclear
weapons. He said that Bahrain opposes any escalation and
supports negotiations based on required guarantees to promote
stability in the region.


6. (U) In the statement that grabbed the headlines locally,
the King said that problems in the government's housing
program needed to be addressed in the next two years. "Every
citizen should be able to afford to have his own land and be
able to build on it and live comfortably for generations to
come. This is the right of every Bahraini."

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Opposition Society Welcomes King's Comments
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7. (U) Leading Shia opposition society Al Wifaq issued a
statement February 5 welcoming the comments of the King on
full participation in the 2006 legislative elections. The
statement also called on the King to implement fully his
directives regarding housing and called on him to issue a
work plan to ensure that every citizen owns a house or plot
of land.

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Comment
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8. (C) The King's simple declarative statement welcoming the
participation of the boycotting political societies in the
political system helps to clarify the situation on the
ground. As the May municipal council elections and October
parliamentary elections approach, there has been a great deal
of speculation about whether the King or government really
want the boycotters to participate, despite their public
calls for full participation. These comments should further
encourage the boycotters to join the system and empower them
to cite the King's own words in overcoming opposition or
obstacles to a decision to participate. The King's comments,
however, have not had any impact on the hardline Shia
opposition. One day after the interview appeared in
newspapers, the "Haq Movement" issued a petition calling for
a new constitution drafted by a "fairly elected body," a
disparaging reference to parliament, which the rejectionists
consider to be illegitimate.

MONROE