FM MUASHER PLEDGES GOJ WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 006462 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/04/2012 TAGS: ASEC PTER PREL JO SUBJECT: FM MUASHER PLEDGES GOJ WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO PROTECT AMERICANS IN JORDAN Classified By: Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm. Reasons 1.5 (b,d). ¶1. (C) During a November 4 meeting with FonMin Muasher, the Ambassador conveyed his personal thanks for the GOJ's response to the murder of USAID officer Larry Foley, its affirmation of support for the U.S.-Jordanian relationship, and -- most importantly -- the GOJ's willingness to provide added security to protect the American community. The Ambassador said that all these measures have been greatly appreciated, but noted there remains a high level of anxiety in the Mission community -- especially since Larry Foley's assailants have yet to be apprehended. Muasher immediately responded that "if there is anything more we can do, let me know. We want to do everything possible to address your concerns." The Ambassador commended the efforts the Public Security Directorate (PSD) has undertaken, noting that, except for a few details, deployment of additional security personnel at Mission residences has gone smoothly. Muasher underlined that the Ambassador should let him know "of any specific cases you have. Don't hesitate day or night." ¶2. (C) The Ambassador called Muasher's attention to November 4 press reports of inflammatory statements made by senior officials of the opposition Islamic Action Front (IAF) during a November 3 conference in Amman. (Note: Islamic scholars attending the conference had, according to press accounts, issued fatwas calling on leaders of Muslim countries to "refrain from extending any assistance to the U.S. if it launches an attack on Iraq" and to "end their military cooperation with the U.S. including joint exercises, security coordination and the extending of technical and logistical assistance to U.S. troops in the region." The press also quoted IAF Secretary General Hamza Mansour as stating "Americans will pay with their lives and their interests (for) . . . their government's arrogant policies"). The Ambassador noted that, given the tragic events of the past week and the GOJ's publicly articulated policies, these statements were a cause of deep concern for the safety and welfare of the American community and posed "a blatant challenge to the Government of Jordan and what it is trying to do." Muasher's response was clear and to the point: "This is serious. I will deal with it." (Note: News reports immediately following the murder of Larry Foley quoted IAF officials as saying that IAF condemnation of U.S. policies did not sanction murder (Amman 6309). GNEHM