PA REQUEST TO TRANSFER PALESTINIAN FROM GUANTANAMO

UNCLAS JERUSALEM 002066 SENSITIVE SIPDIS NEA FOR FRONT OFFICE, AND NEA/IPA. E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KPAL KWBG PGOV PREL PTER IS SUBJECT: PA REQUEST TO TRANSFER PALESTINIAN FROM GUANTANAMO TO PA CUSTODY (ABU HIJAZI, WALID IBRAHIM JUSTAFA) ¶1. (SBU) The Consulate General received a diplomatic note November 18 from the PA Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicating PA willingness to accept the transfer by the United States of Walid Ibrahim Justafa Abu Hijazi from Guantanamo Bay to PA custody at any time. According to the note, the U.S. Department of Defense has approved Mr. Abu Hijazi to leave Guantanamo Bay. Full text at para 3. ¶2. (U) Department guidance requested to respond to PA inquiry. ¶3. (SBU) Begin Text. The Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the American Consulate General in Jerusalem, and has the honor to inform you that we are aware that a Palestinian man, Walid Ibrahim Justafa Abu Hijazi, is a prisoner of the United States at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. We are also aware that the United States Department of Defense has approved Mr. Abu Hijazi to leave Guantanamo Bay. The Palestinian Authority is willing to accept a transfer by the United States of Mr. Abu Hijazi to the custody of the Palestinian Authority at any time. The Consular Affairs Depart at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the American Consulate General in Jerusalem the assurances of its highest consideration. End Text. WALLES