Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07NOUAKCHOTT88
2007-01-29 13:48:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Nouakchott
Cable title:  

MAURITANIAN DETAINEES AT GUANTANAMO

Tags:  KAWC KISL KJUS PREL MR 
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VZCZCXYZ0000
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNK #0088 0291348
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 291348Z JAN 07
FM AMEMBASSY NOUAKCHOTT
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 6136
UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000088 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KAWC KISL KJUS PREL MR
SUBJECT: MAURITANIAN DETAINEES AT GUANTANAMO

UNCLAS NOUAKCHOTT 000088

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KAWC KISL KJUS PREL MR
SUBJECT: MAURITANIAN DETAINEES AT GUANTANAMO


1. The issue of the Mauritanians currently detained at
Guantanamo receives a relatively low key, but fairly steady,
drumbeat of attention in this country. The three, all
claimed to be of Mauritanian nationality, are listed in the
press as Mohamedou Ould Salahi, described as having been
turned over by the previous regime in 2001, and Ahmed Ould
Abdel Aziz and Mohamed Lemine Ould Sidi Mohamed, described as
having been arrested in Peshawar in 2002. A local committee
exists called the Peoples Initiative for the Liberation of
the Guantanamo Detainees. Often, when one attends human
rights gatherings, the issue is mentioned. The National
Order of Lawyers made a statement recently. The press will
carry occasional articles. One Presidential candidate,
Dahane Ould Ahmed Mahmoud, asked the Charge formally for the
three to be released from Guantanamo and returned to
Mauritania under whatever terms the two governments worked
out. We promised to inform Washington of his request.


2. A group of U.S. and British lawyers representing two of
the detainees visited Nouackhott earlier in the month to call
attention to the detentions and ask that the GIRM request the
USG for their release. They garnered a considerable amount
of press attention as they alleged "inhumane conditions" and
poor morale of the detainees, eliciting support from local
NGOs like the Association of Human Rights in Mauritania and
SOS-Esclaves. The three lawyers called on the Minister of
Justice and the Commission for Human Rights, but the
Government made no comment on their request. The group wrote
President Vall asking the GIRM to request the return of the
prisoners in exchange for a pledge to make an investigation
as to whether they committed crimes against Mauritania and,
if so, to put them on trial The group also wrote the Charge,
observing that the detentions are "causing much friction
between the U.S. and the people of Mauritania" and expressing
the hope that the USG will be receptive to an initiative from
the GIRM for the return of their clients, subject to
assurances.


3. A letter has been carried on an independent Mauritanian
website subsequently from one of the detainees, Ahmed
Abdel-Aziz, dated January 21, 2007, saying he is no longer a
human being but is in the cemetery of the living dead. He
describes terrible things having happened to him first at
Bagram, then his transfer to Guantanamo, where he alleges
other bad experiences. Abdel-Aziz expresses pride in being
Mauritanian and the hope that Mauritanians will organize on
behalf of their unjustly imprisoned citizens.


4. Post is pouching a copy of the letters to President Vall
and the Charge to AF/W for disposition.



Twining