Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05CAIRO3647
2005-05-12 15:24:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:
GUANTANAMO ALLEGATIONS OF KORAN DESECRATION NOT ON
how-toThis record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 003647
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/12/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO KISL EG
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO ALLEGATIONS OF KORAN DESECRATION NOT ON
GOE AGENDA
REF: STATE 88240
Classified by ECPO Counselor John Desrocher for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 003647
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/12/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO KISL EG
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO ALLEGATIONS OF KORAN DESECRATION NOT ON
GOE AGENDA
REF: STATE 88240
Classified by ECPO Counselor John Desrocher for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (C) During a May 12 meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister
Ahmed Nazif (septel),the Charge drew from reftel talking
points to address allegations of desecration of the Koran at
U.S. detention facilities in Guantanamo that sparked violent
protests May 11 in Afghanistan. Nazif was unaware of the
events in Afghanistan, but expressed appreciation to the
Charge for sharing the information, as well as for the USG
taking quick action to address concerns and investigate the
allegations.
2. (SBU) There has been limited press attention so far to
the allegations and ensuing violence in Afghanistan and no
formal GOE statements or reaction to date. While the Foreign
Minister has been out of the country for the past week, it is
possible the local press will seek comment upon his return
May 14. The embassy also contacted Arab League Spokesman
Hossam Zaki to convey reftel talking points. Zaki said that
he had read the Department Spokesman's public remarks and was
seriously concerned by the nature of the allegations, but had
so-far refrained from making any public comments on the topic.
3. (SBU) Post has placed A/S Boucher's remarks on this topic
prominently on the Embassy's public website in both Engligh
and Arabic (cairo.usembassy.gov). Embassy Public Affairs
section has also text-messaged Embassy contacts to refer them
to the site. Poloff also delivered reftel demarche points to
MFA Cabinet staff member responsible for Arab affairs Alaa
Hadidi May 12. Hadidi had no substantive response other than
to commit to conveying our demarche to the Minister upon his
return to Cairo.
Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo
You can also access this site through the
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website.
GRAY
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/12/2015
TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO KISL EG
SUBJECT: GUANTANAMO ALLEGATIONS OF KORAN DESECRATION NOT ON
GOE AGENDA
REF: STATE 88240
Classified by ECPO Counselor John Desrocher for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).
1. (C) During a May 12 meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister
Ahmed Nazif (septel),the Charge drew from reftel talking
points to address allegations of desecration of the Koran at
U.S. detention facilities in Guantanamo that sparked violent
protests May 11 in Afghanistan. Nazif was unaware of the
events in Afghanistan, but expressed appreciation to the
Charge for sharing the information, as well as for the USG
taking quick action to address concerns and investigate the
allegations.
2. (SBU) There has been limited press attention so far to
the allegations and ensuing violence in Afghanistan and no
formal GOE statements or reaction to date. While the Foreign
Minister has been out of the country for the past week, it is
possible the local press will seek comment upon his return
May 14. The embassy also contacted Arab League Spokesman
Hossam Zaki to convey reftel talking points. Zaki said that
he had read the Department Spokesman's public remarks and was
seriously concerned by the nature of the allegations, but had
so-far refrained from making any public comments on the topic.
3. (SBU) Post has placed A/S Boucher's remarks on this topic
prominently on the Embassy's public website in both Engligh
and Arabic (cairo.usembassy.gov). Embassy Public Affairs
section has also text-messaged Embassy contacts to refer them
to the site. Poloff also delivered reftel demarche points to
MFA Cabinet staff member responsible for Arab affairs Alaa
Hadidi May 12. Hadidi had no substantive response other than
to commit to conveying our demarche to the Minister upon his
return to Cairo.
Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo
You can also access this site through the
State Department's Classified SIPRNET website.
GRAY