BAHRAIN FM PLEASED WITH ABU DHABI MEETING WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000275

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/26/2016
TAGS: PREL BA REGION OFFICIALS BILAT
SUBJECT: BAHRAIN FM PLEASED WITH ABU DHABI MEETING WITH
SECRETARY RICE

SIPDIS

Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe. Reason: 1.4 (B)(D)


1. (C) In a brief conversation with the Ambassador February
25, Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid Al-Khalifa expressed great
pleasure with the opportunity to meet with the Secretary and
fellow GCC Ministers in Abu Dhabi February 23, terming it a
"wonderful meeting." Focusing on the discussions about
Hamas, he said that the Ministers described the current
situation as "delicate and dangerous," but believed that the
election could mark a turning point for Hamas as it takes on
the responsibility of actually governing. He said that Hamas
will have to recognize the right of Israel to exist, and that
GCC countries will send the message that it must do so and
continue the initiative for peace. If Hamas does not, it
will no longer be their partner. Finally, he said that the
GCC Ministers appreciated the Secretary's position that
humanitarian aid to the Palestinians will continue.


2. (C) Shaikh Khalid confirmed that he will accompany Crown
Prince Shaikh Salman in a visit to Washington March 20-21.
He said that one of the subjects that the Crown Prince will
bring up is a desire for security assurances if Iran acquires
a nuclear capability.
MONROE