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