PUSHING FOR TRANSFER OF GTMO DETAINEES, DEMARCHE

S E C R E T SANAA 002425 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/14/2015 TAGS: PREL PTER KAWC YM DEMARCHE COUNTER TERRORISM SUBJECT: PUSHING FOR TRANSFER OF GTMO DETAINEES, DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: A. STATE 1432121 ¶B. STATE 148052 ¶C. STATE 149779 ¶D. SANAA 1570 Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d. ¶1. (C) GTMO detainees continue to be an important issue for ROYG officials and the Yemeni public in general. Securing ROYG approval for the transfer of GTMO detainees is a post priority. Ambassador has recently engaged the ROYG on several specific issues including the upcoming transfer of one non-enemy combatant, concerns over the transfer of six enemy combatants, and the delivery of ref A, B and C demarches. -------------- TRANSFER OF NON-ENEMY COMBATANT -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) On August 10, Ambassador delivered official notification of USG intent to transfer one non-enemy combatant to ROYG control via military flight on August 21 to Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Noman. Noman did not anticipate any significant problems with accepting the transfer and would soon deliver notification of the ROYG official who will assume responsibility for the transfer. ¶3. (S) While the ROYG has long welcomed the release of non-enemy combatants, Noman reiterated ROYG concerns on the transfer of enemy combatants if they are subsequently released following an investigation. Ambassador stressed that the transfer of combatants stemmed from a thorough assessment of any potential threat to US national security and the decision to release individuals after repatriation was at the ROYG's discretion. Ambassador said that concerns over the ROYG's commitment to fighting terrorism could be assuaged by providing clear and comprehensive information to USG before the release of a detainee. ¶4. (S) Comment. Noman's concerns over USG reaction to the release of GTMO transferees should not be taken as the final word on the issue. Recent public statements made by the Minister of Defense happily announcing the return of seven GTMO detainees (the total number of enemy and non-enemy combatants scheduled currently scheduled for transfer) suggest that high-level support for the release of any detainee does exist. End Comment. -------------- --- GTMO VISIT: NOW DO YOU BELIEVE THEY'RE YEMENI? -------------- --- ¶5. (C) In addition to concerns over USG reaction to releasing transferred detainees the ROYG has long expressed doubt that the detainees are actually Yemeni (ref D). Yemeni security officials recently visited GTMO to interview detainees and confirm their citizenship. On August 14, Ambassador met with Senior Deputy Prime Minister Mohideen Al-Dhabi, who promised to consult with the security officials on their recent visit and press them for the release of a trip report. ¶6. (C) The Yemeni public is pressing for the release of detainees, Dhabi said, and a quick resolution on the six remaining enemy combatants scheduled for transfer was in everyone's best interest. The Ambassador reiterated that while the detainees would be transferred under conditions that would ensure they no longer posed a threat to the United States or its allies, there was no expectation that they be held indefinitely. Before being released, however, information shared through intelligence or MFA channels would be helpful to explain the release and mitigate any negative USG reaction. ¶7. (C) Comment. Initial reaction from the GTMO visit has been positive. If the report indicates the ROYG is now convinced the detainees are indeed Yemeni, the transfer of the six detainees should move forward. It should also smooth the way for any future transfers. End comment. -------------- DEMARCHES DELIVERED -------------- ¶8. (C) On August 14, poloff delivered ref A and B notifications of Yemenis scheduled to go before the Administrative Review Board (ARB) to Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Noman. Poloff also delivered ref C notification of ARB's decision to continue detaining four Yemenis. Noman accepted the names without comment. Krajeski