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