RESPONSE: ERRONEOUS VETTING REQUEST FOR RAB OFFICER

UNCLAS DHAKA 000724 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR MASS PHUM PREL BG SUBJECT: RESPONSE: ERRONEOUS VETTING REQUEST FOR RAB OFFICER REF: A. STATE 70913 ¶B. DHAKA 582 ¶C. 08 STATE 101210 ¶1. Post regrets erroneous Leahy vetting request for RAB officer transmitted ref B. Mission Dhaka is implementing Department requirements for RAB engagement outlined ref A, and appreciates continued Washington support for effective U.S. training engagement that advances human rights objectives. ¶2. Mission Dhaka has been handling a sharp increase in Leahy vetting requests over the past year, surging to several hundred Leahy vetting requests for GOB officials each month. We have taken steps to enhance coordination among the numerous mission elements involved to ensure compliance with requirements. ¶3. Related issue raised ref A: The ICITAP-funded team continues to update Post and the Department (SCA/INSB for dissemination) on their initial assessment progress through weekly informal e-mail situation reports. Mission Dhaka will review ICITAP team,s mid-term progress the last week in July and recommend the way forward for possible engagement with the RAB. MORIARTY