RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING FOR

UNCLAS STATE 005452 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PHUM ASEC IS WE KPAL MASS MARR SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO REQUEST FOR HUMAN RIGHTS VETTING FOR MEMBERS OF THE PRESIDENTIAL GUARD REF: A. 07 JERUSALEM 2322 ¶B. 07 JERUSALEM 2380 ¶1. The Department of State has reviewed its files and finds that as of January 15, 2008, it possesses no credible information of gross violations of human rights by the members of the Presidential Guard listed in the referenced cables. ¶2. Post is permitted to provide the following statement to authorized parties: Consulate in Jerusalem verifies that the Department of State possesses no credible information of gross violations of human rights by the Presidential Guard members identified in refs A and B, per paragraph 1 above, as of this date. Please note request in para (3) below, however, for further vetting by post on one individual. Post may cite this cable in response. ¶3. The Department notes the following exception: Ahmad I A Fashafsha POB: Nablus DOB: 23 October 1985 ID: 921731584 The Department,s search disclosed that Israeli forces arrested &Ahmad Fashafsha8 (DOB not included in report) as a potential perpetrator (of what not specified in report) from a Tanzim group in Nablus/Jenin. The arrest occurred September 18, 2003. Post should further vet this individual to determine his eligibility for the course. ¶3. If in the future Post becomes aware of possible human rights violation by the individual referenced above, Post should inform the Department and not proceed with the training. ¶5. Point of contact at the Department is Lynn Harris, NEA/IPA, 202-647-2647. RICE