US embassy cable - 05MANAMA1618

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001618 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARPI; NEA/ELA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/01/2015 
TAGS: ETRD, PREL, BA 
SUBJECT: DEPUTY PM SHAIKH MOHAMMAD ON FTA, IRAN AND SYRIA 
 
REF: A. MANAMA 1594 
 
     B. STATE 199863 
 
Classified By: Ambassador William T. Monroe for reasons 1.4 (b and d) 
 
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SUMMARY 
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1.  (C)  Ambassador called on Deputy Prime Minister and 
former Foreign Minster Shaikh Mohammad bin Mubarak Al Khalifa 
October 31 at the newly refurbished Gudaibiya Palace in 
Manama.  During the meeting they discussed transfer of 
Guantanamo detainees (reftel A), progress on the FTA, recent 
belligerent statements by Iranian President Ahmadi-Nejad, 
Syrian participation at the Forum for the Future, and the 
King's upcoming visit to Saudi Arabia. 
 
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FTA 
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2.  (C)  Ambassador updated Shaikh Mohammad on the FTA noting 
that the mark-up of the legislation would take place this 
week.  He stated that some Democrats had voiced concerns 
about labor issues, and that Minister of Finance Shaikh Ahmad 
had responded through private letters what steps the GOB has 
and plans to take to allay their concerns.  The Ambassador 
clarified that these concerns go beyond simply the trade deal 
with Bahrain, and have broader foreign trade policy 
ramifications. Shaikh Mohammad asked to know what are the 
next steps and what was required from Bahrain.  Ambassador 
pointed to two immediate issues of concern.  First, we are 
making a push for ratification by the Congress.  We may ask 
the Crown Prince to make a call, but it will have to be at 
the right time.  The second concern is the need for the GOB 
to revise implementing legislation for Intellectual Property 
Rights requirements including for copyrights, patents, 
trademarks, and data processing, among others.  Ambassador 
indicated that lack of revised implementing legislation has 
to date delayed Morocco's FTA implementation. 
 
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 Iran 
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3.  (C)  Ambassador raised USG deep concern over Iranian 
President Ahmadi-Nejad's recent extremist remarks (reftel B). 
 Shaikh Mohammad stated he shared our concern, noting that 
such political language was at least twenty years old.  He 
wondered, given all the problems Iran has, why they would 
increase their problems with such statements at this time. 
Ambassador stated such outrageous statements need to be 
condemned, adding that surely the GOB shares our view. 
Shaikh Mohammad indicated the Bahraini government could 
consider issuing a statement, concluding "we're all working 
for peace," 
 
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Syrian participation at the Forum 
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4.  (C)  Shaikh Mohammad indicated he was aware that some 
parties in the G-8 were hesitant to have Syrian participation 
at the Forum for the Future.  He wondered why, seeing as they 
attended the previous Forum.  He noted that an invitation to 
the Syrian government had already gone out and cautioned that 
if rescinded, possibly other Arab invitees could withdraw as 
a result.  He believed the Syrian representation would be at 
a low level.  Ambassador said that Syria continues to be 
isolated, and is not even active on democracy and reform 
issues.  Shaikh Mohammad indicated he would be discussing 
this issue with his British co-hosts because, to his mind, a 
successful Forum should be inclusive of all countries, not 
leaving some out while others remain in. 
 
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Visit to Saudi Arabia 
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5.  (C)  Shaikh Mohammad stated that he would travel with 
King Hamad and Foreign Minister Shaikh Khalid that day to 
Saudi Arabia for a Ramadan visit with the Saudi leadership. 
Things are much better with the Saudis after last year's 
difficulties over the FTA, and in fact, the Bahraini FTA has 
pushed the Saudis to work seriously towards WTO accession. 
Discussions with King Abdullah, Crown Prince Sultan and 
Prince Bandar (secretary-general of the National Security 
Council) would focus on their vision towards the future. 
Shaikh Mohammad noted King Abdullah's initiative to bring 
together scholars and intellectuals for the upcoming OIC 
conference December 6-8 for an in-depth introspective as an 
Islamic body. 
 
MONROE