Human rights review for Operation Balance

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 002089

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/07/12
TAGS: MOPS MASS MARR PHUM CE
SUBJECT: Human rights review for Operation Balance
Style 03-2: Action Request

Refs: (A) 99 State 85337
- (B) 98 State 209156

(U) Classified by Lewis Amselem, DCM. Reasons 1.5
(b, d).


1. (U) This is an Action Request. Please see
paragraph four.


2. (C) A Joint/Combined Exercise Training (JCET) has
been proposed for Sri Lanka for the period of January 13
to March 3, 2003, involving the First, Second and Third
Special Forces Regiments, the First and Second Commando
Regiments and the Psyops Directorate of the 53rd
Division of the Sri Lankan Army. The training will also
include the Special Boat Squadron and the Fast Attack
Flotilla of the Sri Lankan Navy.


3. (C) In accordance with Reftel A, Mission has
reviewed available human rights reports and files and
has found no credible information linking any member of
these units with allegations of human rights violations.


4. (U) Action Request: Does the Department possess
relevant information that would affect this finding? If
so, please advise. If not, Mission requests
Department's authorization to provide CINCPAC/SOCPAC
with certification per para 8 reftel A. End Action
Request.

WILLS