DEMARCHE TO JORDAN ON ABU ABBAS

S E C R E T AMMAN 000192

SIPDIS

NOFORN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/09/2023
TAGS: PTER PREL KCRM PGOV IT JO IQ
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE TO JORDAN ON ABU ABBAS

REF: STATE 7054

Classified By:AMBASSADOR EDWARD W. GNEHM; REASONS: 1.5(B) AND (D)


1. (S) The Ambassador made the points in reftel to Foreign
Minister Muasher on the morning of January 9. Muasher said
he understood the importance of the issue and would talk
immediately to the Prime Minister and to GID Director Sa'ad
Kheir.


2. (S/NF) Simultaneously, we raised the issue through
ORCA channels. GID Director Kheir told us he was aware of
reports about Abu Abbas' travel and would inform us if
there was evidence that he might be transiting Amman.
Kheir said the Jordanians would "delay" Abu Abbas at the
airport if he arrived. In answer to our question, Kheir
said the GOJ had not heard from the Italian authorities.
GNEHM