AMIR MESHAL: STATUS OF DECISION

S E C R E T ADDIS ABABA 001130 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR AF, AF/E, CA/OCS:J.MARKEY, EB/TRA/OTP AND S/CT LONDON, PARIS, ROME FOR AFRICA WATCHER CJTF-HOA FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/13/2017 TAGS: CASC EAIR KHLS KAWC PTER ET SUBJECT: AMIR MESHAL: STATUS OF DECISION REF: STATE 48936 Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL-ECONOMIC COUNSELOR ERIC WONG. REASON: 1.4 (B) AND (D). ¶1. (S/NF) Per reftel, Ambassador delivered reftel points to Ethiopian Foreign Minister Seyoum on April 13. FM Seyoum responded that the GOE would work in close consultation with the USG on this case in the coming days. MFA acting Director General for Europe and America Almaz Ameha said she would look into the case in greater detail. ¶2. (C) Senior GOE officials report that the GOE does not plan to issue any public statement following April 13 military proceedings on the status of foreign fighters captured in Somalia who are now in Ethiopian custody. ¶3. (S/NF) We understand from our contacts that: -- The GOE will begin deportation proceedings next week for foreign detainees captured in Somalia who are to be released from Ethiopian custody. We do not know at this time who exactly has been, or will be, released. The GOE has not and does not plan, for now, to make any public announcements. -- Several Arab countries, whose nationals will be released, have indicated privately to the GOE that they do not/not wish to have their detained nationals repatriated from Ethiopia to their home countries. ¶4. (S/NF) We will keep Washington apprised of breaking developments. We have also referred all press enquiries to the Department's press spokesman in Washington. YAMAMOTO