FM SHAIKH KHALID REQUESTS INFORMATION ON IRAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000982

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/05/2016
TAGS: PREL IR BA OFFICIALS BILAT
SUBJECT: FM SHAIKH KHALID REQUESTS INFORMATION ON IRAN
PACKAGE

REF: MANAMA 976

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


1. (C) Summary and action request. Foreign Minister Shaikh
Khalid has requested further information on the components of
the package of incentives for Iran, and especially on the
political component which Bahrain understands is aimed at
giving Iran recognition as a regional player. He asked that
information be provided before the GCC's June 10 meeting on
Iran, which he hopes will result in a clear and unified
position. Embassy would appreciate any points that can be
passed to the Foreign Minister on the morning of June 10
before he travels to Riyadh. End summary and action request.


2. (C) Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al-Khalifa,
during a June 5 meeting with the Ambassador, said that he was
very disappointed that he would not be able to stop by
Washington June 9 to see the Secretary. He still plans to
attend the June 8 election of Shaikha Haya as President of
the UN General Assembly, but now has to rush back to be able
to attend the June 10 "secret" meeting of GCC Foreign
Ministers in Riyadh for further discussions on Iran (reftel).
He hopes he will be able to reschedule a trip to Washington,
possibly in the fall during the UNGA. He stressed the
importance of the U.S.-Bahrain relationship, and the need to
cooperate together in many different fields.


3. (C) Regarding the June 10 meeting in Riyadh (which is not
being announced to minimize press attention and speculation),
Shaikh Khalid stated that the GCC members want to take a
clear and united stand on Iran. Bahrain understands that the
package of incentives will be delivered June 6, but is not
clear on the details. They have heard that it consists of
three parts -- assistance to Iran's civilian nuclear program,
an economic package (which Bahrain supports),and a political
component (which Bahrain knows little about). "It would be
very helpful," Shaikh Khalid said, "if the GCC countries, who
are your allies and who are most concerned about Iran and
what it could do in the region, could have a clear
understanding of the package before we reconvene on
Saturday."


4. (C) In a separate meeting with A/DCM, Assistant
Undersecretary Shaikh Abdul Aziz spelled out in more detail
Bahrain's concerns about the political component, which it
understands as giving Iran recognition as a main player in
the region. "There is no doubt that Iran is a major regional
player," Shaikh Abdul Aziz stated, "but what is meant by
international recognition of Iran's regional position? We
don't know what's there." He urged that regional countries
be consulted on this point. Bahrain fears Iranian hegemony in
the region. Before there was a policy of dual containment of
Iran and Iraq. Now Iraq is not a player. Bahrain would
appreciate clarification of what is envisioned in terms of
recognition of Iran's regional political position.


5. (C) Shaikh Khalid said that the U.S. can count on the GCC
countries. "We are your allies, and we will be with you," he
stated. He said the GCC countries are insecure about Iran,
not just because of the nuclear issue, which is in fact an
international concern, but for other things they are doing
regionally, including encouraging sectarian strife and
meddling in Iraq.

Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/

MONROE