Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BRUSSELS984
2009-07-17 14:07:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Brussels
Cable title:
BELGIUM: REQUEST FOR TALKING POINTS ON ABU GHRAIB
how-toVZCZCXYZ0004 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHBS #0984 1981407 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 171407Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9216 INFO RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY 0073 RUEHBUL/AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY 0375 RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RHMFISS/FBI WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RHEFDHN/DIA DH WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC PRIORITY
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).
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
.
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
.