Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07TUNIS236
2007-02-15 14:49:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Tunis
Cable title:
AMBASSADOR PUSHES GOT FOR DETAINEE ASSURANCES
how-toVZCZCXYZ0023 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHTU #0236 0461449 ZNY SSSSS ZZH P 151449Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY TUNIS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2744 INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEAWJA/DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE WASHDC PRIORITY
S E C R E T TUNIS 000236
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (EAHOPKINS AND MHARRIS) AND S/WCI
(MORRISON AND MUBANGU)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: PTER PINR KAWC TS
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PUSHES GOT FOR DETAINEE ASSURANCES
REF: A. TUNIS 230
B. TUNIS 193
C. TUNIS 139
D. STATE 10683
Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROBERT F. GODEC FOR REASONS
1.4 (b) AND (d)
S E C R E T TUNIS 000236
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (EAHOPKINS AND MHARRIS) AND S/WCI
(MORRISON AND MUBANGU)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: PTER PINR KAWC TS
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PUSHES GOT FOR DETAINEE ASSURANCES
REF: A. TUNIS 230
B. TUNIS 193
C. TUNIS 139
D. STATE 10683
Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROBERT F. GODEC FOR REASONS
1.4 (b) AND (d)
1. (S/NF) During a February 13 meeting on other topics,
Ambassador pressed Foreign Minister Abdallah for confirmation
of GOT assurances regarding the proposed transfer of Tunisian
detainees at Guantanamo Bay (Ref D). Abdallah noted the
request.
2. (S/NF) Ambassador later continued the conversation with
MFA Chief of Staff Hatem Atallah, who had accompanied the FM
during Ambassador's meeting. (NOTE: As reported in Ref B,
Ambassador had previously contacted Atallah on February 5
regarding the assurances. END NOTE.) Ambassador stressed
that the highest levels of the USG are awaiting a timely GOT
response. Atallah said the GOT understands the importance of
this time sensitive issue and the need for written
assurances. While Atallah offered no formal commitment, he
clearly understood the significance of the issue and the
priority the USG places on a GOT response. Post will
continue to press for a timely and comprehensive GOT response.
3. (S/NF) COMMENT: During Ambassador's meeting, and in the
context of another issue, the Foreign Minister indicated that
he may marginalize MFA Secretary of State Saida Chtioui (Ref
A). This raises the possibility that Chtioui's January 30
comments on detainee assurances (Ref C) may no longer be
relevant. END COMMENT.
GODEC
SIPDIS
NOFORN
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA/MAG (EAHOPKINS AND MHARRIS) AND S/WCI
(MORRISON AND MUBANGU)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/15/2017
TAGS: PTER PINR KAWC TS
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR PUSHES GOT FOR DETAINEE ASSURANCES
REF: A. TUNIS 230
B. TUNIS 193
C. TUNIS 139
D. STATE 10683
Classified By: AMBASSADOR ROBERT F. GODEC FOR REASONS
1.4 (b) AND (d)
1. (S/NF) During a February 13 meeting on other topics,
Ambassador pressed Foreign Minister Abdallah for confirmation
of GOT assurances regarding the proposed transfer of Tunisian
detainees at Guantanamo Bay (Ref D). Abdallah noted the
request.
2. (S/NF) Ambassador later continued the conversation with
MFA Chief of Staff Hatem Atallah, who had accompanied the FM
during Ambassador's meeting. (NOTE: As reported in Ref B,
Ambassador had previously contacted Atallah on February 5
regarding the assurances. END NOTE.) Ambassador stressed
that the highest levels of the USG are awaiting a timely GOT
response. Atallah said the GOT understands the importance of
this time sensitive issue and the need for written
assurances. While Atallah offered no formal commitment, he
clearly understood the significance of the issue and the
priority the USG places on a GOT response. Post will
continue to press for a timely and comprehensive GOT response.
3. (S/NF) COMMENT: During Ambassador's meeting, and in the
context of another issue, the Foreign Minister indicated that
he may marginalize MFA Secretary of State Saida Chtioui (Ref
A). This raises the possibility that Chtioui's January 30
comments on detainee assurances (Ref C) may no longer be
relevant. END COMMENT.
GODEC