This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS MANAMA 001622
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
STATE FOR NEA/ARPI, IO/UNP
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL BA UNGA
SUBJECT: BAHRAIN: COSTA RICA CLONING RESOLUTION, UNGA
PRESIDENCY
REF: WILLIAMSON-MONROE E-MAILS OF 10/7/04
Sensitive but unclassified (deliberative process); please
protect accordingly. Not for Internet distribution.
1. (SBU) Pol/Econ chief met with MFA Director for
International Organizations Ghassan Shaikho October 12 to
discuss the Costa Rica resolution on human cloning and
Bahrain's bid for the UNGA presidency for the 2006-07
session. Shaikho said that the GOB opposes human cloning,
but had requested an opinion (fatwa) from Bahrain's religious
scholars on the narrow issue of human cloning for the sake of
medical research. The scholars had not yet delivered their
position. Shaikho noted that representatives of the
Organization of Islamic Conferences member states were
consulting in New York on the Costa Rica resolution to
develop a common position. He was surprised to learn that
the European Parliament had voted strongly in favor of a
resolution supporting the Costa Rica resolution (reftels),
but commented that the European Parliament did not
necessarily represent the views of the EU countries. He
understood that many EU governments supported Germany's
proposal on human cloning.
2. (SBU) Shaikho stated that Bahrain had announced its
candidacy for the UNGA presidency for the 61st session, from
September 2006-2007. Bahrain had received many expressions
of support and, following Cambodia's withdrawal of its
nomination, was the only candidate for the position. He
noted that the UNGA presidency for the 61st session would go
to an Asian country. Shaikho requested the support of the
United States for Bahrain's candidacy, suggesting that there
would be many new avenues for bilateral cooperation with
Bahrain in the position.
3. (SBU) Shaikho said that Bahrain was interested in hosting
a regional office/training center for the UN Commission on
Human Rights. Bahrain had submitted a proposal to the UNGA
and UNCHR, and it may soon go to the Fifth Committee for
consideration, and he requested U.S. support. The regional
office would likely cost $1 million for the first year and
less for following years. He recognized that the U.S. is
wary of the UN taking on additional financial burdens, but
stressed that the office would play an important role and
would help achieve U.S. policy objectives in the region.
MONROE