Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07CAIRO2455
2007-08-08 09:20:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Cairo
Cable title:
GOE BEGINS CONSULTATIONS TO REMOVE STRUCTURES
how-toVZCZCXYZ0006 RR RUEHWEB DE RUEHEG #2455 2200920 ZNY CCCCC ZZH R 080920Z AUG 07 FM AMEMBASSY CAIRO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6461 INFO RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 1521 RUEHJM/AMCONSUL JERUSALEM 0851 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 002455
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2012
TAGS: PREL PTER KPAL IS EG
SUBJECT: GOE BEGINS CONSULTATIONS TO REMOVE STRUCTURES
ALONG GAZA BORDER
Classified By: Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs
William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
C O N F I D E N T I A L CAIRO 002455
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2012
TAGS: PREL PTER KPAL IS EG
SUBJECT: GOE BEGINS CONSULTATIONS TO REMOVE STRUCTURES
ALONG GAZA BORDER
Classified By: Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs
William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) A Ministry of Defense official with direct knowledge
of Gaza border security issues told poloff on August 6 that
GOE security services had started deliberations over the
possible removal of buildings located closest to Egypt's
border with Gaza. He said that to improve tunnel detection
and counter-smuggling efforts, Egypt would like to clear the
structures within 50 meters of the border in Rafah and within
150 meters of the border beyond the Rafah area. He explained
that although the GOE owns the strip of land under
assessment, through the years squatters, including Bedouin,
have occupied the land and constructed buildings. As
tunneling and smuggling have become more sophisticated and
tunnels longer, he said, it has become increasingly important
to remove structures where tunnels can be hidden.
2. (C) According to the MoD official, the GOE's priority is
to clear the Rafah area first. During the week of July 30,
security representatives began identifying structures,
prompting local residents to protest by burning tires. The
GOE plans to compensate those occupying the buildings
identified for removal, but the official said they do not yet
have a compensation formula. The process leading up to
removal of the buildings will be long and difficult, he
predicted, and the GOE expects significant local opposition.
3. (C) Comment: While this is an important initiative by
the Egyptians to improve their anti-tunneling efforts, the
effect will be mitigated by the fact that they have already
discovered tunnels at least 800 meters in length.
RICCIARDONE
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2012
TAGS: PREL PTER KPAL IS EG
SUBJECT: GOE BEGINS CONSULTATIONS TO REMOVE STRUCTURES
ALONG GAZA BORDER
Classified By: Minister Counselor for Economic and Political Affairs
William R. Stewart for reasons 1.4(b) and (d).
1. (C) A Ministry of Defense official with direct knowledge
of Gaza border security issues told poloff on August 6 that
GOE security services had started deliberations over the
possible removal of buildings located closest to Egypt's
border with Gaza. He said that to improve tunnel detection
and counter-smuggling efforts, Egypt would like to clear the
structures within 50 meters of the border in Rafah and within
150 meters of the border beyond the Rafah area. He explained
that although the GOE owns the strip of land under
assessment, through the years squatters, including Bedouin,
have occupied the land and constructed buildings. As
tunneling and smuggling have become more sophisticated and
tunnels longer, he said, it has become increasingly important
to remove structures where tunnels can be hidden.
2. (C) According to the MoD official, the GOE's priority is
to clear the Rafah area first. During the week of July 30,
security representatives began identifying structures,
prompting local residents to protest by burning tires. The
GOE plans to compensate those occupying the buildings
identified for removal, but the official said they do not yet
have a compensation formula. The process leading up to
removal of the buildings will be long and difficult, he
predicted, and the GOE expects significant local opposition.
3. (C) Comment: While this is an important initiative by
the Egyptians to improve their anti-tunneling efforts, the
effect will be mitigated by the fact that they have already
discovered tunnels at least 800 meters in length.
RICCIARDONE