This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 000169 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/05/2016 
TAGS: PGOV KDEM KPAO KMPI BA REFORM POL REGION
SUBJECT: KING PROMOTES DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION, CONTINUED 
 
REFORM IN INTERVIEW WITH LOCAL PRESS 
 
Classified by DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
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Summary 
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¶1.  (C) King Hamad gave an interview February 3 to the 
editors-in-chief of all six of Bahrain's Arabic daily 
newspapers.  He covered democratic development and continued 
political reforms, including the participation of women in 
elections.  He served notice that ministerial reshuffles 
would continue, saying that only "super human beings" could 
perform seriously as a minister for up to eight years.  The 
King hailed the role of the press and said laws should 
promote press freedoms.  He discussed Iran, defending that 
country's right to peaceful nuclear power but calling for a 
Gulf region free of nuclear weapons.  He also talked about 
Bahrain's perennial housing problems.  His simple declarative 
statements welcoming the participation of the boycotters in 
the political system should encourage them to take a decision 
to contest the parliamentary elections later this year.  The 
King's message, however, has not deterred the Shia 
rejectionists:  one day after the interview appeared in the 
press, the hardline "Haq Movement" issued a petition calling 
for a new constitution drafted by a "fairly elected body." 
End Summary. 
 
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"Most Beautiful Day" in Bahrain 
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¶2.  (U) King Hamad gave his first interview of the year 
February 3 to the editors-in-chief of all six of Bahrain's 
Arabic daily newspapers.  It was a question-and-answer format 
with only a short welcome statement as an introduction.  On 
political participation, he said, "I was thrilled to hear 
about their (the boycotting political societies) 
participation in the 2006 legislative elections because that 
would permit the exchange of views between all groups and 
would enrich the legislative experience.  Participation by 
the boycotting societies in the elections will be one of the 
most beautiful days in Bahrain."  He added, "During the 
boycott, there was a feeling that some of our sons were still 
waiting outside" the political system. 
 
¶2.  (U) Continuing on the theme of political reform, the King 
said that "political reforms belong to us all... and we 
should aspire to reach higher levels of democratic and 
political development."  He was enthusiastic in promoting 
development for all of Bahrain's citizens, saying, "We want 
more for our daughters and sons, as we see all citizens" as 
equals.  He added that Bahraini women are well known for 
their dedication, hard work and capabilities and they are in 
a strong position to contest elections.  Addressing the 
doubters, the King said, "I'm amazed anyone would oppose the 
political empowerment of women...  Whatever I say in praise 
of our women will not be enough." 
 
¶3.  (C) With regard to the government, the King said that 
cabinet reshuffles were necessary to achieve progress within 
a vibrant political environment.  "The era when ministers 
hold onto posts for 20, 30, or 40 years is over.  A minister 
who can perform seriously for eight years is a super human 
being.  There are ministers who behave as if the ministries 
were their private property and the employees were their own. 
 Such ministers gradually believe that the people should 
serve them instead of the opposite."  (Comment:  Recent 
cabinet shuffles moved out two long-standing Cabinet 
ministers, Minister of Foreign Affairs Shaikh Mohammed bin 
Mubarak Al Khalifa and Minister of Oil Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al 
Khalifa.  It was not clear the King was targeting anyone in 
particular with his comments, but the remaining ministers who 
have been in place since the 1970s are Deputy Prime 
Minister/Minister of Islamic Affairs Shaikh Abdulla bin 
Khalid Al Khalifa and Minister of Defense Shaikh Khalifa bin 
Ahmed Al Khalifa, as well as Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa 
bin Salman Al Khalifa.) 
 
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Press Law To Ensure Highest Level of Freedom 
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¶4.  (U) The King hailed the role of the press, saying "the 
press helps me feel the pulse of the street and gain insight 
into people's concerns."  In response to a question about a 
controversial draft press law, the King said that press laws 
should be highly flexible to ensure the highest levels of 
freedom.  He added, "I believe the press helps us to realize 
mistakes and rectify them.  We must encourage a vibrant and 
responsible press."  In a note of caution, however, the King 
stated that regulations should block articles that could be 
detrimental to Bahrain's relations with neighboring 
countries.  He continued, "The last thing I can think of is 
muzzling the press, whether there is a law or not.  The real 
power is self-censorship and doing what is good for the 
country." 
 
¶5.  (U) Regarding Bahrain's foreign relations, the King said 
that Iran has the right to develop peaceful nuclear power. 
He continued, "What we understood from previous statements 
from the Iranian government is that nuclear armament is 
banned, and should be banned, for all without exception."  He 
mentioned the statement from the recent GCC summit calling 
for a Middle East and Gulf region free of all nuclear 
weapons.  He said that Bahrain opposes any escalation and 
supports negotiations based on required guarantees to promote 
stability in the region. 
 
¶6.  (U) In the statement that grabbed the headlines locally, 
the King said that problems in the government's housing 
program needed to be addressed in the next two years.  "Every 
citizen should be able to afford to have his own land and be 
able to build on it and live comfortably for generations to 
come.  This is the right of every Bahraini." 
 
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Opposition Society Welcomes King's Comments 
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¶7.  (U) Leading Shia opposition society Al Wifaq issued a 
statement February 5 welcoming the comments of the King on 
full participation in the 2006 legislative elections.  The 
statement also called on the King to implement fully his 
directives regarding housing and called on him to issue a 
work plan to ensure that every citizen owns a house or plot 
of land. 
 
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Comment 
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¶8.  (C) The King's simple declarative statement welcoming the 
participation of the boycotting political societies in the 
political system helps to clarify the situation on the 
ground.  As the May municipal council elections and October 
parliamentary elections approach, there has been a great deal 
of speculation about whether the King or government really 
want the boycotters to participate, despite their public 
calls for full participation.  These comments should further 
encourage the boycotters to join the system and empower them 
to cite the King's own words in overcoming opposition or 
obstacles to a decision to participate.  The King's comments, 
however, have not had any impact on the hardline Shia 
opposition.  One day after the interview appeared in 
newspapers, the "Haq Movement" issued a petition calling for 
a new constitution drafted by a "fairly elected body," a 
disparaging reference to parliament, which the rejectionists 
consider to be illegitimate. 
 
MONROE