US embassy cable - 05MANAMA435

S E C R E T MANAMA 000435 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI, S/CT 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/16/2015 
TAGS: ASEC, BA, PGOV, PTER 
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S MEETING WITH INTERIOR MINISTER SHAIKH 
RASHID ON SECURITY ISSUES 
 
REF: MANAMA 416 
 
Classified By: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM T. MONROE FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) and (d) 
 
- - - - 
SUMMARY 
- - - - 
1. (U) This is an action message-see para 5. 
 
2. (S) Ambassador Monroe met with Interior Minister Shaikh 
Rashid Al-Khalifa Wednesday March 16, 2005 to review 
arrangements in anticipation of an FBI team visit to Bahrain 
for the purpose of creating a Joint Counter Terrorism Center 
(JCTC) in Bahrain, introduce the Office of Foreign Assets 
Control Officer (OFAC) and discuss Coast Guard training and 
equipment.  The discussion of internal Shia security issues 
is reported in reftel. 
 
- - - - - 
THE JCTC 
- - - - - 
 
3. (S) The Ambassador opened the meeting by confirming that 
an FBI-led team of seven officials was arriving the next day 
for discussion on March 19-23 aimed at laying the groundwork 
for a counter-terrorism center in Bahrain March.  The 
Minister and the Ambassador agreed that this was a high 
priority cooperative effort.  Shaikh Rashid is anxious for 
the Joint Counter Terrorism Center (JCTC) to become 
operational within 3-6 months.  The Minister said he planed 
to participate personally in the briefing on March 21. 
 
- - - 
OFAC 
- - - 
 
4. (S) Ambassador introduced the regional OFAC Officer, 
saying that he arrived last fall and works closely with 
officials in the Ministry of Interior's Financial 
Intelligence Unit.  Shaikh Rashid welcomed the program of an 
OFAC officer in Bahrain, and pledge full cooperation on 
terrorist financing issues. 
 
- - - - - - 
COAST GUARD 
- - - - - - 
 
5. (S) Shaikh Rashid commented that integration of Bahrain 
Coast Guard's 35 ships with the US Navy patrol boats is 
essential for controlling and securing the sea.  Shaikh 
Rashid asked about the acquisition process for obtaining 12 
new coastal patrol boats and a $15 million dollar upgrade for 
the existing coastal radar system.  The Minister noted that 
Oman and Egypt received advanced coastal patrol boats via a 
USG equipment grant.  The Ambassador advised the embassy was 
not aware of either matter and would inquire about the boat 
grant program and radar system upgrade.  The Ambassador 
offered to look for opportunity for DS/ATA training for the 
Interior Ministry and Coast Guard.  Shaikh Rashid commented 
that the Government of Bahrain appreciates the assistance 
provided by the USG and pledged to continue the close 
security relationship. 
 
6. (U) Action request.  Embassy would appreciate information 
on the grand program that allowed Oman and Egypt to receive 
advanced coastal patrol boats and status of a $15 million 
upgrade for the coastal radar system. 
 
MONROE