BAHRAIN: HAMAS MEETINGS

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000401 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/14/2016 TAGS: PREL KPAL BA IS REGION SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: HAMAS MEETINGS REF: STATE 37552 Classified by DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). (C) Pol/Econ Chief March 11 delivered reftel demarche concerning Hamas meetings to MFA Director for Bilateral Affairs Dhafer Al Umran. Al Umran said that Bahrain was not seeking a meeting with Hamas, but there were indications that Hamas representatives might request to meet with the GOB. If the request came, it would be difficult for the Bahraini government to refuse. If the meeting took place, Bahraini officials would deliver the points that Hamas must recognize Israel, disavow violence, and accept previous agreements. MONROE