PRESIDENT REPORTEDLY PROMISES TO RESETTLE REYDA

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 002005


FOR SPECIAL ENVOY RICKMAN, DRL AND NEA/ARP:AMACDONALD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/15/2018
TAGS: PHUM KIRF YM
SUBJECT: PRESIDENT REPORTEDLY PROMISES TO RESETTLE REYDA
JEWS TO SANA'A

REF: SANAA 1994

Classified By: Ambassador Stephen A. Seche for reaons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (C) BG Tariq Saleh, nephew of President Saleh and head of
his Presidential Guard, informed EMBOFFS on December 16 that
the President had offered to provide every member of the
Jewish community in Reyda resettlement in Sana'a, a parcel of
land and money to build a home. Saleh reportedly also agreed
that there would be no interference in the judicial process
that might let the murderer of a member of the community
escape justice. Suliman Yahya Yacoub, a member of the
community who was in the meeting, confirmed to the embassy
that an offer was made, but declined to comment on the
details of the offer until it was discussed with the entire
community.


2. (C) Earlier in the day, the Ambassador pressed Interior
Minister Mutaher Rashad al-Masri on the safety of the Jewish
community, in the wake of continuing harassment, including
the murder of one community member and an explosive device
being thrown at the home of another (reftel). Masri
responded that he had been informed of the explosive attack
and that it was under investigation. He assured the
Ambassador that the Security Director for the Amran
Governorate (where Reyda is located) had reported that the
Jewish community would be protected. The Ambassador noted
that EMBOFFS including POL/E Chief had recently spoken with
members of the community and come away with a very different
view of the situation. At Masri's request, POL/E Chief
related his conversation with members of the community,
noting that they felt very frightened and did not believe
that the ROYG could ensure their safety. He added that the
community worried that local security personnel were not
carrying out the Minister's orders.


3. (C) During the meeting, Masri placed a telephone call to
the Security Director of Amran, who reported that two
suspects had been arrested in relation to the bombing. Masri
took the opportunity to gently berate his subordinate for
appearing not to carry out his orders. He also directed him
to contact the local Security Director in Reyda and travel
with him to the town to reassure the Jewish community. Masri
then told the Ambassador that the Security Director would
visit the town and establish a link that the community can
use to contact security forces. He further offered to meet
with a delegation from the community himself.


4. (C) Masri asserted repeatedly during the meeting that the
murder was the act of one deranged individual and that the
harassment of the community might in fact be the action of
al-Houthis (Zaydi Shia insurgents who have waged an
intermittent war with the ROYG in Sa'ada governorate). The
Ambassador said that while it was the Ministry's duty to
investigate and understand the context of the harassment, he
had seen no evidence to link the action to the al-Houthis.
He stressed to the Minister that this and other religious
freedom issues are very important to the USG.

Comment
--------------


5. (C) Saleh's offer, if confirmed, will finally provide
much-needed relief for the embattled Reyda Jewish community.
Until it is confirmed, Masri's orders to the Amran Security
Director will at least provide interim comfort to the
community while a more permanent solution is sought. End
Comment.


SECHE