Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06MANAMA898
2006-05-23 09:09:00
SECRET
Embassy Manama
Cable title:
INTERAGENCY DELEGATION DISCUSSES GULF SECURITY
how-toVZCZCXRO3844 OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHKUK RUEHMOS DE RUEHMK #0898/01 1430909 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 230909Z MAY 06 FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4771 INFO RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 MANAMA 000898
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM, NEA
OSD FOR PDUSD HENRY
NSC FOR DORAN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM MARR MASS KDEM KMPI BA IR REGION
BILAT, OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: INTERAGENCY DELEGATION DISCUSSES GULF SECURITY
DIALOGUE WITH MFA
REF: A. MANAMA 848
B. STATE 76798
Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
-------
Summary
-------
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 03 MANAMA 000898
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM, NEA
OSD FOR PDUSD HENRY
NSC FOR DORAN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM MARR MASS KDEM KMPI BA IR REGION
BILAT, OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: INTERAGENCY DELEGATION DISCUSSES GULF SECURITY
DIALOGUE WITH MFA
REF: A. MANAMA 848
B. STATE 76798
Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. (C) An interagency delegation led by Principal Deputy
Under Secretary of Defense Henry and Assistant Secretary of
State Hillen met with MFA Assistant Under Secretary Shaikh
Abdul Aziz May 14 and discussed the Gulf Security Dialogue,
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI),the Iranian
challenge, possible sanctions against Iran, and U.S.-Bahrain
relations, including the National Democratic Institute (NDI)
program in Bahrain. Shaikh Abdul Aziz said Bahrain welcomes
enhanced engagement with the U.S. on security issues. It is
important for the GOB to show its citizens that the U.S.
treats Bahrain as an equal partner in developing its regional
policies. He affirmed that Bahrain would join PSI soon. On
Iran, Shaikh Abdul Aziz said, "We need to pull the rug out
from under them." Some internal opposition may develop to
the Iranian regime's policies once the international
community decides upon its path to deal with Iran. If Iran
is ostracized by the rest of the world, Bahrain would follow
suit and take a stand regionally. On NDI, Shaikh Abdul Aziz
said that Shaikh Khalid had sent a letter to DNSA Abrams
explaining Bahrain's position. Bahrain supports NDI and
wants to work with it, but the GOB believes the former
director was not balanced in the services he provided to
Bahrain's political societies. End Summary.
--------------
Launching the Gulf Security Dialogue
--------------
2. (C) An interagency delegation led by Principal Deputy
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Henry and Assistant
Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Hillen met
SIPDIS
with MFA Assistant Under Secretary for Coordination and
Follow Up Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa May 14 and
discussed the Gulf Security Dialogue, Proliferation Security
Initiative, Iran, possible UN sanctions against Iran, and
U.S.-Bahrain bilateral relations. Participating on the U.S.
side were PDUSD Henry, A/S Hillen, Ambassador Monroe, NSC
Senior Director for Near East and North African Affairs
Doran, Central Command Director for Strategy, Plans and
Policy ADM Moeller, PM Chief of Staff Ruggiero, Military
Assistant COL Graham, and Pol/Econ Chief (notetaker). On the
Bahraini side were Shaikh Abdul Aziz, MFA Director for
Bilateral Affairs Dhafer Al Umran, and Hashem Mansoor.
3. (S) PDUSD Henry opened the meeting by stating that the
delegation was meeting with friends in the region to reaffirm
the U.S. commitment to its allies and to speak frankly about
Iran. A/S Hillen added that the U.S. was a steadfast ally
and its friends should not feel they need to respond to
Iranian pressure on them. Launching a Gulf Security Dialogue
would allow the U.S. and GCC countries to have a
ministerial-level discussion on defense cooperation, Iraq,
regional stability and Iran, energy security,
counter-proliferation, and counter-terrorism. He raised the
prospect of a ministerial meeting around the time of the UN
General Assembly. The U.S. would explore practical ways to
assist Bahrain, some options being providing additional
security assistance, linking GCC air defenses, and
coordinating further on intelligence.
-------------- --------------
Bahrain Appreciates Enhanced Engagement with U.S.
-------------- --------------
4. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz said the recent visits by Counselor
Zelikow and Under Secretary Joseph had been fruitful and
Bahrain appreciates holding consultations with the United
States on a frequent basis. The GOB wants to know that the
U.S. takes its concerns into account when developing its
thinking on the region. Some in Bahrain resent the country's
strong bond with the United States and, if the government is
seen to be engaging with the U.S. as an equal partner, it
makes the government's life easier.
MANAMA 00000898 002 OF 003
5. (C) On PSI, Shaikh Abdul Aziz said that Bahrain would
adopt the Statement of Interdiction Principles soon. The MFA
would provide final approval soon via diplomatic note.
Bahrain wants its territorial waters to be safe, free of
smuggling and terrorist activities (Ref B).
-------------- --
Internal Iranian Opposition Best Path to Change
-------------- --
6. (C) Turning to Iran, Shaikh Abdul Aziz said the Iranians
are skilled at taking advantage of any opportunity they see.
"We need to pull the rug out from under them," he said. The
Iranians have conducted a campaign of engagement with its
Gulf neighbors. During his recent visit, Foreign Minister
Mottaki extended an invitation for King Hamad to come to
Iran. NSC Secretary General Larijani went to the Gulf States
to reassure them that Iran would not develop WMD. The
nuclear program has united the country on nationalist
grounds, although there may be some internal opposition to
President Ahmadi-Nejad once the international community
decides on the path it will take to deal with the Iranian
nuclear program. Shaikh Abdul Aziz said that internal
opposition to the regime is the best way to get change there.
It is not in the region's interest to see an escalation in
the confrontation with Iran.
7. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz recommended building a unified
stance around the Gulf to isolate Iran. Getting a strong
Iraqi government into place is an important aspect of Gulf
unity. When Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid met with Mottaki
recently, he said that Iran must abide by IAEA rules. There
is no double-standard and Iran has duties and
responsibilities like any other country.
8. (C) Director Doran said the centerpiece of U.S. efforts
on Iran was action in the UN Security Council. The UNSC
track represents a third option, separate from the extremes
of either accepting a nuclear Iran or going to war. The U.S.
sees fissures in the Iranian leadership on tactics related to
the nuclear program, but not on the ultimate goal of a
complete fuel cycle on Iranian territory, which is a red line
for the U.S. A UNSC decision could exacerbate fissures in
the regime. Economic sanctions represent the stick. But we
could offer the carrot of supporting a civilian nuclear
program in Iran to create a wedge between the government and
people.
--------------
Ostracizing Iran
--------------
9. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz said that if Iran is to be
ostracized by the rest of the world, Bahrain would take a
stand regionally. Bahrain has stood up to Iran before and
can do so again. Bahrain wants a WMD-free region, he said,
noting that the nuclear reactor at Bushehr is closer to
Bahrain than Tehran. Iran values its position and
credibility in the international arena and will want to avoid
losing its stature.
10. (C) With regard to UNSC sanctions, Shaikh Abdul Aziz
commented that uniting the GCC is easier said than done.
There is a lot of smuggling to Iran from the UAE, in
particular from Dubai, and people will question why Bahrain
should suffer by imposing sanctions while others benefit.
Sanctions would have to implemented in a uniform way.
--------------
Complaints About NDI
--------------
11. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz affirmed that U.S.-Bahraini
relations are very strong. He said that some people question
the relationship, pointing to issues such as the departure of
the National Democratic Institute project director as a
source of friction. As Crown Prince Salman told Deputy
National Security Advisor Abrams during their March meeting
in Washington, Bahrain has no problem with NDI and believes
in what NDI does. The problem, according to Shaikh Abdul
Aziz, is the NDI director, who does not look upon Gulf
regimes in a positive way. He was selective in deciding
MANAMA 00000898 003 OF 003
which political societies he would assist, whereas his
services should have been available to all. He noted that
Shaikh Khalid had just sent a letter to DNSA Abrams
explaining Bahrain's position on NDI (Ref A). Issues like
NDI, however, are the "nitty gritty," Shaikh Abdul Aziz said,
while there is broad agreement on the principles of the
bilateral relationship. Director Doran said it would be best
for Bahrain to reestablish relations with NDI as soon as
possible.
12. (U) PDUSD Henry and A/S Hillen cleared this cable.
MONROE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR PM, NEA
OSD FOR PDUSD HENRY
NSC FOR DORAN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2016
TAGS: PREL PARM MARR MASS KDEM KMPI BA IR REGION
BILAT, OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: INTERAGENCY DELEGATION DISCUSSES GULF SECURITY
DIALOGUE WITH MFA
REF: A. MANAMA 848
B. STATE 76798
Classified by Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
--------------
Summary
--------------
1. (C) An interagency delegation led by Principal Deputy
Under Secretary of Defense Henry and Assistant Secretary of
State Hillen met with MFA Assistant Under Secretary Shaikh
Abdul Aziz May 14 and discussed the Gulf Security Dialogue,
Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI),the Iranian
challenge, possible sanctions against Iran, and U.S.-Bahrain
relations, including the National Democratic Institute (NDI)
program in Bahrain. Shaikh Abdul Aziz said Bahrain welcomes
enhanced engagement with the U.S. on security issues. It is
important for the GOB to show its citizens that the U.S.
treats Bahrain as an equal partner in developing its regional
policies. He affirmed that Bahrain would join PSI soon. On
Iran, Shaikh Abdul Aziz said, "We need to pull the rug out
from under them." Some internal opposition may develop to
the Iranian regime's policies once the international
community decides upon its path to deal with Iran. If Iran
is ostracized by the rest of the world, Bahrain would follow
suit and take a stand regionally. On NDI, Shaikh Abdul Aziz
said that Shaikh Khalid had sent a letter to DNSA Abrams
explaining Bahrain's position. Bahrain supports NDI and
wants to work with it, but the GOB believes the former
director was not balanced in the services he provided to
Bahrain's political societies. End Summary.
--------------
Launching the Gulf Security Dialogue
--------------
2. (C) An interagency delegation led by Principal Deputy
Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Henry and Assistant
Secretary of State for Political Military Affairs Hillen met
SIPDIS
with MFA Assistant Under Secretary for Coordination and
Follow Up Shaikh Abdul Aziz bin Mubarak Al Khalifa May 14 and
discussed the Gulf Security Dialogue, Proliferation Security
Initiative, Iran, possible UN sanctions against Iran, and
U.S.-Bahrain bilateral relations. Participating on the U.S.
side were PDUSD Henry, A/S Hillen, Ambassador Monroe, NSC
Senior Director for Near East and North African Affairs
Doran, Central Command Director for Strategy, Plans and
Policy ADM Moeller, PM Chief of Staff Ruggiero, Military
Assistant COL Graham, and Pol/Econ Chief (notetaker). On the
Bahraini side were Shaikh Abdul Aziz, MFA Director for
Bilateral Affairs Dhafer Al Umran, and Hashem Mansoor.
3. (S) PDUSD Henry opened the meeting by stating that the
delegation was meeting with friends in the region to reaffirm
the U.S. commitment to its allies and to speak frankly about
Iran. A/S Hillen added that the U.S. was a steadfast ally
and its friends should not feel they need to respond to
Iranian pressure on them. Launching a Gulf Security Dialogue
would allow the U.S. and GCC countries to have a
ministerial-level discussion on defense cooperation, Iraq,
regional stability and Iran, energy security,
counter-proliferation, and counter-terrorism. He raised the
prospect of a ministerial meeting around the time of the UN
General Assembly. The U.S. would explore practical ways to
assist Bahrain, some options being providing additional
security assistance, linking GCC air defenses, and
coordinating further on intelligence.
-------------- --------------
Bahrain Appreciates Enhanced Engagement with U.S.
-------------- --------------
4. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz said the recent visits by Counselor
Zelikow and Under Secretary Joseph had been fruitful and
Bahrain appreciates holding consultations with the United
States on a frequent basis. The GOB wants to know that the
U.S. takes its concerns into account when developing its
thinking on the region. Some in Bahrain resent the country's
strong bond with the United States and, if the government is
seen to be engaging with the U.S. as an equal partner, it
makes the government's life easier.
MANAMA 00000898 002 OF 003
5. (C) On PSI, Shaikh Abdul Aziz said that Bahrain would
adopt the Statement of Interdiction Principles soon. The MFA
would provide final approval soon via diplomatic note.
Bahrain wants its territorial waters to be safe, free of
smuggling and terrorist activities (Ref B).
-------------- --
Internal Iranian Opposition Best Path to Change
-------------- --
6. (C) Turning to Iran, Shaikh Abdul Aziz said the Iranians
are skilled at taking advantage of any opportunity they see.
"We need to pull the rug out from under them," he said. The
Iranians have conducted a campaign of engagement with its
Gulf neighbors. During his recent visit, Foreign Minister
Mottaki extended an invitation for King Hamad to come to
Iran. NSC Secretary General Larijani went to the Gulf States
to reassure them that Iran would not develop WMD. The
nuclear program has united the country on nationalist
grounds, although there may be some internal opposition to
President Ahmadi-Nejad once the international community
decides on the path it will take to deal with the Iranian
nuclear program. Shaikh Abdul Aziz said that internal
opposition to the regime is the best way to get change there.
It is not in the region's interest to see an escalation in
the confrontation with Iran.
7. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz recommended building a unified
stance around the Gulf to isolate Iran. Getting a strong
Iraqi government into place is an important aspect of Gulf
unity. When Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid met with Mottaki
recently, he said that Iran must abide by IAEA rules. There
is no double-standard and Iran has duties and
responsibilities like any other country.
8. (C) Director Doran said the centerpiece of U.S. efforts
on Iran was action in the UN Security Council. The UNSC
track represents a third option, separate from the extremes
of either accepting a nuclear Iran or going to war. The U.S.
sees fissures in the Iranian leadership on tactics related to
the nuclear program, but not on the ultimate goal of a
complete fuel cycle on Iranian territory, which is a red line
for the U.S. A UNSC decision could exacerbate fissures in
the regime. Economic sanctions represent the stick. But we
could offer the carrot of supporting a civilian nuclear
program in Iran to create a wedge between the government and
people.
--------------
Ostracizing Iran
--------------
9. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz said that if Iran is to be
ostracized by the rest of the world, Bahrain would take a
stand regionally. Bahrain has stood up to Iran before and
can do so again. Bahrain wants a WMD-free region, he said,
noting that the nuclear reactor at Bushehr is closer to
Bahrain than Tehran. Iran values its position and
credibility in the international arena and will want to avoid
losing its stature.
10. (C) With regard to UNSC sanctions, Shaikh Abdul Aziz
commented that uniting the GCC is easier said than done.
There is a lot of smuggling to Iran from the UAE, in
particular from Dubai, and people will question why Bahrain
should suffer by imposing sanctions while others benefit.
Sanctions would have to implemented in a uniform way.
--------------
Complaints About NDI
--------------
11. (C) Shaikh Abdul Aziz affirmed that U.S.-Bahraini
relations are very strong. He said that some people question
the relationship, pointing to issues such as the departure of
the National Democratic Institute project director as a
source of friction. As Crown Prince Salman told Deputy
National Security Advisor Abrams during their March meeting
in Washington, Bahrain has no problem with NDI and believes
in what NDI does. The problem, according to Shaikh Abdul
Aziz, is the NDI director, who does not look upon Gulf
regimes in a positive way. He was selective in deciding
MANAMA 00000898 003 OF 003
which political societies he would assist, whereas his
services should have been available to all. He noted that
Shaikh Khalid had just sent a letter to DNSA Abrams
explaining Bahrain's position on NDI (Ref A). Issues like
NDI, however, are the "nitty gritty," Shaikh Abdul Aziz said,
while there is broad agreement on the principles of the
bilateral relationship. Director Doran said it would be best
for Bahrain to reestablish relations with NDI as soon as
possible.
12. (U) PDUSD Henry and A/S Hillen cleared this cable.
MONROE