SECOND TRANCHE OF FAST TRACK COUNTRIES FOR LEAHY

UNCLAS STATE 026036

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM KCRM PINR PREL SNAR MASS ASEC
SUBJECT: SECOND TRANCHE OF FAST TRACK COUNTRIES FOR LEAHY
VETTING

REF: (A)07 STATE 169827, (B)05 STATE 160328, (C)05 STATE
225765, (D)05 STATE 131486, (E)03 STATE 034981


1. This cable announces the second tranche of countries
for fast track treatment for Leahy vetting. Fast track
treatment for selected countries with good human rights
records was established in 2007 (reftel A) to alleviate
workload and time required. Fast track policy is
applicable to both Department of Defense and Department of
State vetting.


2. A Department Panel, chaired by DRL, and consisting of
representatives from L, PM, INR, INL and each regional
bureau will meet at least annually to approve countries
for fast track Leahy vetting. Consensus is required for
approval. Countries approved for Fast Track Leahy vetting
status must have a favorable human rights record and no
serious systemic problems in the country's security
forces, including problems with impunity. Countries must
also have a human rights history such that it is not
likely there are gross violators of human rights in the
country's security forces. The Department's "Country
Reports on Human Rights Practices" will be the primary
document for consideration of "Fast Track" status. The
Leahy Working Group panel that determines fast track
status may also consider past Country Reports on Human
Rights Practices, other sources, as well as other factors
in determining whether fast track vetting is appropriate
for the security forces of a country. Given that Fast
Track is a new procedure, Department is still considering
other countries for participation; nominations for AF are
anticipated in the near future.


3. In countries approved for Fast Track vetting,
assistance candidates subject to the Leahy amendment will
only be vetted at post. There will no longer be a
requirement to do additional vetting at the Department for
countries selected for Fast track. Any country approved
for Fast Track must be affirmatively re-approved every
year. If there is a coup or other military intervention
in a Fast Track country, the Leahy Working Group must
review the country's Fast Track Status within 30 days.


4. The second tranche of countries selected for Fast
Track are as follows:

-EUR: Belgium, Denmark, France, Greece, Iceland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Norway, United Kingdom

-WHA: Canada


5. All other aspects of Leahy vetting will continue, to
include local vetting by post and vetting by the
Department for those countries not included under fast
track (reftel A).


6. The POC for Leahy vetting policy and procedure is
Winston Mann (202) 647-2292.

Minimized considered.
RICE