OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 160 (11-14-02)

C O N F I D E N T I A L COLOMBO 002132 SIPDIS OFFICIAL INFORMAL DEPT FOR SA/INS FROM AMBASSADOR WILLS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11-14-12 TAGS: AMGT CE SUBJECT: OFFICIAL INFORMAL NUMBER 160 (11-14-02) Classified by Ambassador Wills, Reasons 1.5 (b, d) CONTENTS: MALDIVIAN AT GITMO DEMINING PROGRAM OSLO ITEM BUILDING BLOCKS MALDIVIAN AT GITMO -------------- ¶1. (C) Per our recent o/i on this issue, we received an official request today from the Permanent Secretary of the Maldivian MFA Ahmed Shaheed to obtain information about the investigation of Ibrahim Fauzee, the Maldivian national being held at Gitmo. Shaheed proposes sending an official from the Maldivian Ministry of Defense to meet with the relevant authorities of the USG. Our A/RSO has told us that the FBI has a program to allow foreign officials access to their nationals at Gitmo. He provides the following two points of contact at the FBI for the Guantanamo Bay Task Force: Bill Ebinger or Jeff Harp at 202-324-7999. We are faxing a copy of the Dipnote and letter from Shaheed to you. We know you are working on this issue, but please provide us a reply we can give to the Maldivians ASAP. (POL, RSO) DEMINING PROGRAM -------------- ¶2. (SBU) DoD has moved forward on starting a humanitarian demining training program with military and civilian components by early next year. There has been no apparent progress at the Department on this matter, according to DoD. Can you check with PM/HDP on what the status is with the HMA program? DoD states they need an official message from Department in order to implement the training program on schedule. If we don't get such a message soon, we will be in an embarrassing situation with the GSL. We have basically promised the program to the GSL and announced it in press statements, which the Department reviewed. (Note: Please pass this item to PM/HDP Murf McCloy.) (POL, DAO) OSLO -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Just want to call your attention to our fax containing the GSL's "Oslo Paper." We have also gotten word that the GSL is thinking of having the conference put out an "Oslo Declaration." We have nothing further yet on what that might contain. (FO) BUILDING BLOCKS -------------- ¶4. (U) We have reviewed the initial draft building blocks for D at Oslo. We think they are basically fine, but want to add some points. We will have the additions to you by OOB Monday. Thanks. (POL) WILLS