Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MANAMA2049
2006-12-19 07:00:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manama
Cable title:
BAHRAINI FM, A/S HILLEN, AND A/S RODMAN EXPLORE
how-toVZCZCXRO8416 OO RUEHROV DE RUEHMK #2049/01 3530700 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 190700Z DEC 06 FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6192 INFO RUEHXK/ARAB ISRAELI COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 MANAMA 002049
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR BA BILAT REGION
SUBJECT: BAHRAINI FM, A/S HILLEN, AND A/S RODMAN EXPLORE
AREAS OF COOPERATION ON REGIONAL SECURITY
Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
.
-------
Summary
-------
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 MANAMA 002049
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR BA BILAT REGION
SUBJECT: BAHRAINI FM, A/S HILLEN, AND A/S RODMAN EXPLORE
AREAS OF COOPERATION ON REGIONAL SECURITY
Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
.
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. (C) Meeting with the U.S. delegation to the IISS Manama
Dialogue conference December 8, Foreign Minister Shaikh
Khalid said that Iranian FM Mottaki had told him earlier in
the day that Iran did not want nuclear weapons, saying they
would be of no benefit to Iran. Shaikh Khalid said he was
perplexed that Iran did not accept the P5 Plus 1 package of
incentives. Asked about the Iraq Study Group report, A/S
Hillen told the FM that the report would be one input among
many the President would consider as he makes his decisions.
On the Israel-Palestinian track, Shaikh Khalid said he was
encouraged by indications that Israeli Prime Minister Olmert
sees positive points in the Arab Peace Initiative and urged
the parties to move forward on those points. Regarding
Palestinian PM Haniyah's visit to Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid said
he had urged Haniyah not to disregard all past achievements
by former Palestinian governments. On the upcoming GCC
Summit, Shaikh Khalid anticipated that there would be no
significant new initiatives. He asked that the U.S. consider
urging Saudi Arabia and Qatar to resolve their dispute.
Shaikh Khalid expressed Bahraini concerns about the growth of
sectarianism in the region. End Summary.
2. (C) Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
December 8 met with the U.S. delegation to the IISS Manama
Dialogue. Representing the U.S. were Assistant Secretary of
State for Political-Military Affairs Hillen, Assistant
Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
SIPDIS
Rodman, NSC Senior Director for Middle East and North Africa
Affairs Doran, Deputy CENTCOM Commander Vice Admiral Nichols,
and the Ambassador. Shaikh Khalid was accompanied by MFA
Assistant Under Secretary Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Mubarak Al
Khalifa.
--------------
Iran and the Incentive Package
--------------
3. (C) Shaikh Khalid opened the meeting by expressing his
country's thanks for U.S. support and protection. He
mentioned that he had seen Iranian Foreign Minister
Manouchehr Mottaki earlier in the day and that they had
discussed Iran's nuclear program. Shaikh Khalid said he had
told Mottaki that Iran had a right to develop nuclear power
for peaceful purposes. Mottaki reportedly responded, "We
don't even want nuclear weapons. What would they do for us?"
Shaikh Khalid told A/S Hillen that this was the third
different reason the Iranians had given to demonstrate that
they had no intention of developing nuclear weapons. Shaikh
Khalid said, "I'm not sure what to believe. We know all
about the (P5 Plus 1) package of incentives that has been
offered to them. If they truly only want nuclear technology
for power, why haven't they accepted the package?" A/S
Hillen noted that since Iran had not yet responded to any of
the diplomatic actions, positive or negative, it was
important to keep up the pressure from as many directions as
possible.
--------------
ISG Report
--------------
4. (C) Shaikh Khalid asked what changes the region could
expect as a result of the release of the Iraq Study Group
report. A/S Hillen told the FM that the report would be one
piece of advice that the President would use to make future
decisions about Iraq, noting that the President routinely
weighs several sources of advice. Shaikh Abdul Aziz noted
that a central suggestion of the report was a change in focus
from a military combat role to a training role. A/S Rodman
said that this shift was already taking place, with a goal of
increasing the numbers of Iraqi police and military personnel
who have sufficient training.
--------------
Israel-Palestinian Track
--------------
5. (C) Shaikh Khalid said he was encouraged by indications
from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that the Arab Peace
Initiative had positive points. Shaikh Khalid stated that
the Arab Initiative contained very basic principles and
needed to be updated and fleshed out. He said that Bahrain
and Israel share a mutual respect for one another and that it
MANAMA 00002049 002 OF 003
was important to engage with the Israelis to explore points
on which negotiations can proceed. While the focus on the
Palestinian track was most important, Shaikh Khalid noted
that there should also be engagement with Syria on the Golan
so it feels it is part of the process. He also mentioned
that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas needs to take more
fiscal control of government operations. He urged increased
support to empower Abbas.
6. (C) Shaikh Khalid said that the Israel-Palestinian
problem is an underlying issue for conflict in the region
because it seems to be an intractable conflict that cannot be
resolved. The conflict is a rallying point for extremists.
"If we could resolve this issue and thereby remove this
rallying point, we can undermine extremist rhetoric." A/S
Rodman commented that Israel recognizes a common interest
with the Gulf Arabs in confronting Iran. This adds an
incentive for Israel to resolve its conflict with the
Palestinians.
7. (C) Commenting on Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyah's
visit to Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid said Haniyah was looking for
financial aid for the Palestinian government. Shaikh Khalid
said he had told Haniyah that Bahrain's support for the
Palestinian people is strong, but he urged Haniyah not to
lose the agreements that had been reached in the past (by
former Palestinian governments). Shaikh Khalid said that he
had told Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar in an
earlier visit, "You cannot just disregard previous government
accomplishments." However, al-Zahar was steadfast in his
stance that Hamas does not and will not recognize any
previous agreements with the Israelis.
--------------
Bahraini GSD Delegation to Visit U.S.
--------------
8. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz reminded the group that on a
previous visit by a U.S. delegation to discuss the Gulf
Security Dialogue (GSD),the group had identified six pillars
for action. It was now necessary to identify those who would
be tasked with carrying out the action items within each
pillar. A/S Hillen told the Foreign Minister that Crown
Prince Shaikh Salman had told him earlier that he would lead
a delegation to the U.S. in the spring to discuss the range
of GSD issues.
--------------
GCC Summit and GCC Plus 2
--------------
9. (C) When asked about anticipated outcomes from the
December 9-10 GCC Summit, Shaikh Khalid said it was unlikely
that there would be any significant new initiatives this
year, but there would be serious discussions about Iraq and
how to face Iran. Shaikh Khalid commented that the
Saudi-Qatari dispute continued to sour relations among GCC
countries. He suggested that it could be helpful if the U.S.
were to urge the two countries to resolve their differences.
A/S Hillen commented that the U.S. had pushed the Qataris on
their commitment to the central strategy to confront Iran.
Shaikh Khalid said the Bahrainis do not know where the
Qataris stand exactly.
10. (C) When asked about his thoughts on the GCC plus two,
Shaikh Khalid said that he saw it as a group with an
important role. He suggested that in addition to Egypt and
Jordan, Yemen should be included among the participants if
the group intended to deal with Iran in any depth. Shaikh
Khalid suggested that others be included as needed on an ad
hoc basis.
--------------
Sectarianism Is Region's Largest Problem
--------------
11. (C) Shaikh Khalid expressed his concerns about the
growth of sectarianism in the region, calling attention to
the recent Bahraini elections and the "us versus them"
mentality that could be sensed during the process. He
recalled that in the 1970's, before the Iranian revolution,
Bahraini society was mixed in a natural way. At that time it
was common to see Sunni and Shia intermarriages, but the
revolution in 1979 brought sectarianism to Bahrain. Iran is
now trying to exploit sectarianism for its benefit in some
other countries in the region, he said. Iraq has now
magnified the sectarian split and "we all will need to help
Iraq get out of the cycle of violence and sectarianism that
has engulfed it."
MANAMA 00002049 003 OF 003
12. (U) A/S Hillen, A/S Rodman, and Dr. Doran cleared this
cable.
********************************************* ********
Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/
********************************************* ********
ZIADEH
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/09/2016
TAGS: PREL MARR BA BILAT REGION
SUBJECT: BAHRAINI FM, A/S HILLEN, AND A/S RODMAN EXPLORE
AREAS OF COOPERATION ON REGIONAL SECURITY
Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)
.
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. (C) Meeting with the U.S. delegation to the IISS Manama
Dialogue conference December 8, Foreign Minister Shaikh
Khalid said that Iranian FM Mottaki had told him earlier in
the day that Iran did not want nuclear weapons, saying they
would be of no benefit to Iran. Shaikh Khalid said he was
perplexed that Iran did not accept the P5 Plus 1 package of
incentives. Asked about the Iraq Study Group report, A/S
Hillen told the FM that the report would be one input among
many the President would consider as he makes his decisions.
On the Israel-Palestinian track, Shaikh Khalid said he was
encouraged by indications that Israeli Prime Minister Olmert
sees positive points in the Arab Peace Initiative and urged
the parties to move forward on those points. Regarding
Palestinian PM Haniyah's visit to Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid said
he had urged Haniyah not to disregard all past achievements
by former Palestinian governments. On the upcoming GCC
Summit, Shaikh Khalid anticipated that there would be no
significant new initiatives. He asked that the U.S. consider
urging Saudi Arabia and Qatar to resolve their dispute.
Shaikh Khalid expressed Bahraini concerns about the growth of
sectarianism in the region. End Summary.
2. (C) Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa
December 8 met with the U.S. delegation to the IISS Manama
Dialogue. Representing the U.S. were Assistant Secretary of
State for Political-Military Affairs Hillen, Assistant
Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
SIPDIS
Rodman, NSC Senior Director for Middle East and North Africa
Affairs Doran, Deputy CENTCOM Commander Vice Admiral Nichols,
and the Ambassador. Shaikh Khalid was accompanied by MFA
Assistant Under Secretary Shaikh Abdul Aziz Bin Mubarak Al
Khalifa.
--------------
Iran and the Incentive Package
--------------
3. (C) Shaikh Khalid opened the meeting by expressing his
country's thanks for U.S. support and protection. He
mentioned that he had seen Iranian Foreign Minister
Manouchehr Mottaki earlier in the day and that they had
discussed Iran's nuclear program. Shaikh Khalid said he had
told Mottaki that Iran had a right to develop nuclear power
for peaceful purposes. Mottaki reportedly responded, "We
don't even want nuclear weapons. What would they do for us?"
Shaikh Khalid told A/S Hillen that this was the third
different reason the Iranians had given to demonstrate that
they had no intention of developing nuclear weapons. Shaikh
Khalid said, "I'm not sure what to believe. We know all
about the (P5 Plus 1) package of incentives that has been
offered to them. If they truly only want nuclear technology
for power, why haven't they accepted the package?" A/S
Hillen noted that since Iran had not yet responded to any of
the diplomatic actions, positive or negative, it was
important to keep up the pressure from as many directions as
possible.
--------------
ISG Report
--------------
4. (C) Shaikh Khalid asked what changes the region could
expect as a result of the release of the Iraq Study Group
report. A/S Hillen told the FM that the report would be one
piece of advice that the President would use to make future
decisions about Iraq, noting that the President routinely
weighs several sources of advice. Shaikh Abdul Aziz noted
that a central suggestion of the report was a change in focus
from a military combat role to a training role. A/S Rodman
said that this shift was already taking place, with a goal of
increasing the numbers of Iraqi police and military personnel
who have sufficient training.
--------------
Israel-Palestinian Track
--------------
5. (C) Shaikh Khalid said he was encouraged by indications
from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that the Arab Peace
Initiative had positive points. Shaikh Khalid stated that
the Arab Initiative contained very basic principles and
needed to be updated and fleshed out. He said that Bahrain
and Israel share a mutual respect for one another and that it
MANAMA 00002049 002 OF 003
was important to engage with the Israelis to explore points
on which negotiations can proceed. While the focus on the
Palestinian track was most important, Shaikh Khalid noted
that there should also be engagement with Syria on the Golan
so it feels it is part of the process. He also mentioned
that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas needs to take more
fiscal control of government operations. He urged increased
support to empower Abbas.
6. (C) Shaikh Khalid said that the Israel-Palestinian
problem is an underlying issue for conflict in the region
because it seems to be an intractable conflict that cannot be
resolved. The conflict is a rallying point for extremists.
"If we could resolve this issue and thereby remove this
rallying point, we can undermine extremist rhetoric." A/S
Rodman commented that Israel recognizes a common interest
with the Gulf Arabs in confronting Iran. This adds an
incentive for Israel to resolve its conflict with the
Palestinians.
7. (C) Commenting on Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyah's
visit to Bahrain, Shaikh Khalid said Haniyah was looking for
financial aid for the Palestinian government. Shaikh Khalid
said he had told Haniyah that Bahrain's support for the
Palestinian people is strong, but he urged Haniyah not to
lose the agreements that had been reached in the past (by
former Palestinian governments). Shaikh Khalid said that he
had told Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar in an
earlier visit, "You cannot just disregard previous government
accomplishments." However, al-Zahar was steadfast in his
stance that Hamas does not and will not recognize any
previous agreements with the Israelis.
--------------
Bahraini GSD Delegation to Visit U.S.
--------------
8. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz reminded the group that on a
previous visit by a U.S. delegation to discuss the Gulf
Security Dialogue (GSD),the group had identified six pillars
for action. It was now necessary to identify those who would
be tasked with carrying out the action items within each
pillar. A/S Hillen told the Foreign Minister that Crown
Prince Shaikh Salman had told him earlier that he would lead
a delegation to the U.S. in the spring to discuss the range
of GSD issues.
--------------
GCC Summit and GCC Plus 2
--------------
9. (C) When asked about anticipated outcomes from the
December 9-10 GCC Summit, Shaikh Khalid said it was unlikely
that there would be any significant new initiatives this
year, but there would be serious discussions about Iraq and
how to face Iran. Shaikh Khalid commented that the
Saudi-Qatari dispute continued to sour relations among GCC
countries. He suggested that it could be helpful if the U.S.
were to urge the two countries to resolve their differences.
A/S Hillen commented that the U.S. had pushed the Qataris on
their commitment to the central strategy to confront Iran.
Shaikh Khalid said the Bahrainis do not know where the
Qataris stand exactly.
10. (C) When asked about his thoughts on the GCC plus two,
Shaikh Khalid said that he saw it as a group with an
important role. He suggested that in addition to Egypt and
Jordan, Yemen should be included among the participants if
the group intended to deal with Iran in any depth. Shaikh
Khalid suggested that others be included as needed on an ad
hoc basis.
--------------
Sectarianism Is Region's Largest Problem
--------------
11. (C) Shaikh Khalid expressed his concerns about the
growth of sectarianism in the region, calling attention to
the recent Bahraini elections and the "us versus them"
mentality that could be sensed during the process. He
recalled that in the 1970's, before the Iranian revolution,
Bahraini society was mixed in a natural way. At that time it
was common to see Sunni and Shia intermarriages, but the
revolution in 1979 brought sectarianism to Bahrain. Iran is
now trying to exploit sectarianism for its benefit in some
other countries in the region, he said. Iraq has now
magnified the sectarian split and "we all will need to help
Iraq get out of the cycle of violence and sectarianism that
has engulfed it."
MANAMA 00002049 003 OF 003
12. (U) A/S Hillen, A/S Rodman, and Dr. Doran cleared this
cable.
********************************************* ********
Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/
********************************************* ********
ZIADEH