BELGIUM: REQUEST FOR TALKING POINTS ON ABU GHRAIB

C O N F I D E N T I A L BRUSSELS 000984 SIPDIS STATE PASS EUR/WE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/15/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM PTER AF IZ BE SUBJECT: BELGIUM: REQUEST FOR TALKING POINTS ON ABU GHRAIB AND WELFARE OF PRISONERS UNDER AFGHAN GOVERNMENT CUSTODY REF: SECSTATE 70129 Classified By: Acting Political Economic Counselor Robert Kiene for rea son 1.4 (B) and (D). ¶1. (U) This is an action request, please see paragraph three. ¶2. (C) During a July 13 meeting with MFA Director for Human Rights, France Chainaye, to discuss reftel demarche, Chainaye asked about the current status of Abu Ghraib prison and talking points the GOB can use on the treatment of prisoners turned over to the government of Afghanistan by ISAF. The first question seemed to arise out of curiosity about the human rights policy of the Obama administration. The second question stems from concern among Belgian Members of Parliament and NGOs about how the GOB can guarantee that prisoners captured by Belgian soldiers in ISAF and that are turned over to the GOA are not tortured or mistreated. Poloff said he was not aware of any reported instances of torture or mistreatment by the GOA. Chainaye said the MFA has also not heard any negative information. In fact, Belgian military doctors have examined two prisoners captured by Belgian soldiers and being held in Baghram and found them to be well. However, she said that the GOB would appreciate suggestions for an appropriate response to these questions. ¶3. (U) ACTION REQUEST: Post requests appropriate public information on Abu Ghraib and talking points that can be given to Members of Parliament, Press and NGOs regarding treatment of prisoners held at Baghram and/or turned over to the GOA. A response by August 24 will be appreciated. BUSH .