KUDOS: SAFE RETURN OF HOLLI CHMELA AND TAYLOR LUCK

UNCLAS STATE 109208 SENSITIVE C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (SENSITIVE CAPTION ADDED) SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL CA SUBJECT: KUDOS: SAFE RETURN OF HOLLI CHMELA AND TAYLOR LUCK ¶1. (SBU) Were it not for the extraordinary efforts of Embassies Amman, Beirut, and Damascus, Holli Chmela and Taylor Luck might still be languishing in a Syrian prison. The Department, on behalf of the parents of Ms. Chmela and Mr. Luck, as well as all USG agencies involved in the case, extends its heartfelt thanks to the officers and locally employed staff of these posts for their tireless efforts and long hours over the past week to bring Ms. Chmela and Mr. Luck home. ¶2. (SBU) The Department is also grateful to the Jordanian and Lebanese security services, especially the Lebanese Internal Security Forces and Surete Generale, as well as the political leadership in both Amman and Beirut, for their assistance in the search for Ms. Chmela and Mr. Taylor. This case demonstrated the strength of our relations with two close regional allies and the concern of their governments for the safety of American citizens. RICE