AMBASSADOR STRESSES CONCERN FOR REYDA JEWS

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANAA 000052 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR NEA/ARP AND SEAS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/07/2018 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL KIRF YM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR STRESSES CONCERN FOR REYDA JEWS REF: A. SANAA 2324 ¶B. SANAA 2366 Classified By: Ambassador Stephen Seche for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d). 1.(U) The Ambassador met with Minister of Human Rights Dr. Huda al-Ban on January 6 to thank her for her determined efforts to resolve the Ninwe al-Naeti case (ref A). The Ambassador also expressed continued concern for the safety of the Reyda Jewish community, noting that the Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism (SE) received reports of abductions and forced conversions during his recent trip to Yemen (ref B). The Ambassador said that both he and the SE understand that the ROYG is committed to the protection of the Jewish community, and asked al-Ban for her continued assistance in the matter. 2.(C) Al-Ban assured the Ambassador that she remains committed and noted her intention to seek a reserved seat in Parliament for a Jewish representative, to ensure the community's political representation. The Ambassador commended al-Ban's initiative, but stressed that he continues to be concerned for the community's safety. He asked if al-Ban would be willing to establish a means of direct communication with Reyda Jewish community leader Faiz al-Garadi, allowing him direct access to her office without fear of retaliation from Islamic extremists in Reyda. Al-Ban replied that she has already given al-Garadi her personal mobile number and that both he and his wife use it to contact her. 3.(C) Comment: Minister al-Ban led the ROYG response to the al-Naeti case and pressured the Ministry of Interior to arrange the meeting with al-Naeti that resolved it. Al-Ban's bold and persistent advocacy with this and other human rights cases has likely aggravated some in the ROYG and her position may be in danger in the next cabinet reshuffle, rumored to take place in the near future. End Comment. SECHE