IRISH THREE EXTRADITION REQUEST SUBMITTED

UNCLAS BOGOTA 008816 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV MARR MOPS PHUM SNAR CO SUBJECT: IRISH THREE EXTRADITION REQUEST SUBMITTED REF: BOGOTA 7727 ¶1. (U) North Irish Democratic Unionist Party Member of Parliament Jeffery Donaldson visited Colombia the week of September 5 to investigate allegations against the "Irish Three" (Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley, and James Monaghan) and speak with Colombian officials. Three members of "FAIR" (Families Acting for Innocent Relatives) from Armagh, Northern Ireland, joined Donaldson. FAIR member William Frazer said he was visiting Colombia to establish a worldwide network of victims' organizations. ¶2. (U) The delegation met Colombian Vice President Francisco Santos on September 6 to obtain further information on the Irish Three's case. Donaldson asked to see the prison where the three would serve if Ireland approved their extradition. The Directorate of Administrative Security (DAS ) an FBI equivalent) was directed by Santos to take the delegation to the prison, and he coordinated a flight to Valledupar, Cesar Department in northeastern Colombia on September 6. Donaldson reportedly approved of the facilities and announced that he would support Colombia's bid for the three's return. ¶3. (U) The group also met with Colombian mortar victims and requested evidence that linked the IRA to the FARC's weaponry. He said he was convinced by what he had seen and requested that the GOC send a small delegation of victims to Europe to help strengthen their extradition bid. ¶4. (SBU) On September 13, Foreign Minister Barco announced that the GOC had submitted its extradition request to the Irish government. Donaldson told press that Santos planned a "follow-up" visit to Dublin and Belfast with Colombian victims of the FARC-IRA product. Embassy is seeking further details on the visit. WOOD