Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05SANAA2425
2005-08-22 12:57:00
SECRET
Embassy Sanaa
Cable title:  

PUSHING FOR TRANSFER OF GTMO DETAINEES, DEMARCHE

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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
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.

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