Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
02AMMAN6462
2002-11-04 15:59:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Amman
Cable title:  

FM MUASHER PLEDGES GOJ WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO

Tags:  ASEC PTER PREL JO 
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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).

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