CWC HOST COUNTRY AGREEMENT WITH BAHRAIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000692 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, ISN/CB OSD FOR NONPROLIFERATION POLICY THE HAGUE FOR CWC DEL E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/22/2016 TAGS: PARM PREL MARR MASS BA BILAT SUBJECT: CWC HOST COUNTRY AGREEMENT WITH BAHRAIN REF: A. STATE 61663 ¶B. MANAMA 434 ¶C. STATE 17334 AND PREVIOUS Classified by DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Pol/Econ Chief April 22 delivered Ref A talking points, non-paper, and revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a Chemical Weapons Convention Host Country Agreement (HCA) to MFA Director for International Organization Affairs Ghassan Shaikho. Shaikho was pleased that the United States had accepted Bahrain's proposed minor revisions to the text (Ref B),and concurred with Washington's explanations concerning inspections within the 50-meter band around inspectable areas, the time limit for allowing access to an inspection team, and deadlines for the provision of inspection reports. ¶2. (C) In response to our request, Shaikho said he would consult with the Ministry of Defense (MOD) about designating a Bahraini point of contact to notify upon receipt of a challenge inspection involving both countries. He asked whether the contact's phone/fax numbers and email address should be included in the MOU or exchanged separately. He noted that he preferred the agreement be signed in English only, so as to minimize any possible misunderstandings, but said he had to discuss this with the MOD. ¶3. (C) Shaikho said it would be only "a matter of weeks" before the agreement would be signed, depending on the Foreign Minister's and Ambassador's schedules. (Note: The Foreign Minister has a heavy travel schedule over the next six to eight weeks.) Shaikho stressed Bahrain's interest in being the first country in the Gulf region to sign an HCA with the United States. MONROE