Is the new US Ambassador to Bahrain breaching international norms of diplomacy?

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Staff Reporter

Bahrain has already expressed its reservation against an act by the newly-appointed US Ambassador to the Kingdom. Steven C Bondy would hold discussions with members of civil society groups regarding the internal affairs of Bahrain.

According to Foreign Minister Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, the implications of the meetings are inconsistent with international laws and norms of diplomacy. Dr Al Zayani highlighted the regulations in the functioning of diplomatic missions in countries in accordance with the Vienna Convention. “Sovereignty of states and non-interference in internal affairs are key points of Vienna Convention.”

Eight years ago, then US Ambassador to the Kingdom Thomas Krajeski held a meeting with representatives of the Opposition, leading many parliamentarians appealing to the government to cut all ties with Krajeski. Many MPs termed the move by Krajeski as a “dangerous intervention in Bahrain politics”.

According to the US Department of State, the US has designated Bahrain a major Non-NATO Ally in 2002. The Kingdom plays a key role in the region’s security architecture and is a vital US partner in defence initiatives, the Department of State says. It hosts the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command and participates in US-led military coalitions, including the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS.

Bahrain was the first Arab state to lead a Coalition Task Force patrolling the Gulf region and has supported the coalition counter-piracy mission with the deployment of its flagship. In August 2019, Bahrain was the first country in the Gulf region to announce publicly that it had joined the US-led International Maritime Security Construct to promote freedom of navigation in the region. Bahrain was the first GCC nation, and only the third Arab country, to enter into a US Free Trade Agreement.

The US-Bahrain FTA facilitates the flow of trade and investments between the two nations, helping to stimulate economic growth in Bahrain and increase the competitiveness of Bahraini goods in the US market. According to the Economic Development Board, it has enabled Bahrain to find new markets and created more opportunities and jobs for US financial service providers and companies within Bahrain. The FTA is overseen by the US-Bahrain Joint Committee and is run by the Office of the US Trade Representative and Bahrain’s Ministry.