ROYG ACCEPTS THE RETURN OF GTMO DETAINEES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000440

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/21/2016
TAGS: PREL PTER KAWC YM COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: ROYG ACCEPTS THE RETURN OF GTMO DETAINEES

REF: A. 05 SANAA 3232

B. 05 STATE 206941

Classified By: AMBASSADOR THOMAS C. KRAJESKI, FOR REASONS 1.4 (B) AND (
D).


1. (C) On February 21, Assistant Deputy Foreign Minister
Khalid Al-Akwa presented DCM with the ROYG's long-awaited
response to the proposed transfer of 13 Yemenis from
Guantanamo Bay (ref A). In the diplomatic note, the ROYG
agrees to accept 12 of the detainees proposed for transfer
(ref B). As for the remaining detainee (Abudul Rahman Qyati,
US9YM-000461DP),Akwa stated that the ROYG has not been able
to confirm his Yemeni citizenship, as Qyati refused to be
interviewed by Yemeni security officials who visited
Guantanamo. Until security officials can interview Qyati and
verify his citizenship, Akwa continued, the ROYG will not
accept his transfer.


2. (C) Akwa also requested complete files for the 12
transferees, including notes from any interviews conducted.
DCM inquired whether or not the exchange of files was a
condition for accepting the transfer. Akwa replied that the
ROYG was ready to accept the detainees without conditions,
but would appreciate any further information the USG could
provide, saying "if we don't know what they did, we can't
charge them." Akwa also stressed that the transferred
detainees would be "dealt with" according to Yemeni law.


3. (C) Comment: Despite assurances that the USG is not
asking the ROYG to detain the individuals on our behalf,
Akwa's emphasis on dealing with the detainees under Yemeni
law indicates that the ROYG still fears a negative reaction
if the detainees are released upon transfer. Post recommends
providing any releasable information that may help the ROYG
decide whether or not to detain or prosecute the individuals.
End Comment.


4. (U) Post will forward a copy of the letter via email.
Krajeski