REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZED DEPARTURE

S E C R E T AMMAN 001902 SIPDIS NOFORN FOR NEA A/S WILLIAM BURNS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/30/2023 TAGS: AMGT ASEC AEMR CASC JO SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR EXTENSION OF AUTHORIZED DEPARTURE REF: A. AMMAN 1335 B. STATE 061032 Classified By: AMBASSADOR EDWARD W. GNEHM, REASONS 1.5B AND D ¶1. (S) AmEmbassy Amman was placed on Authorized Departure beginning February 8, 2003 and the current extension of that status expires on April 7, 2003. Security concerns have increased since the start of the war with Iraq. GoJ authorities recently arrested Iraqis involved in a terrorist attack against American interests in Jordan. Other potential threats from Al Qaeda, other regional organizations, or indigenous groups angered by Iraq or the Israel-Palestinian confrontation remain a matter of concern as well. Post has gone to "standfast" condition twice in the past month and employee movements within Jordan, and even Amman proper, are tightly restricted. ¶2. (C) I request, therefore, that the Authorized Departure status for Jordan be extended for an additional 30 days through May 7, 2003. The Post's Emergency Action Committee unanimously supports this requested action. Regards. GNEHM