Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ISLAMABAD820
2009-04-20 12:06:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Islamabad
Cable title:
ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09
how-toAdditional Addressees: None INFO LOG-00 MFA-00 A-00 INL-00 PERC-00 DHSE-00 EUR-00 FBIE-00 VCI-00 FO-00 TEDE-00 INR-00 IO-00 CAC-00 MOFM-00 MOF-00 VCIE-00 NEA-00 DCP-00 NSAE-00 ISN-00 OCS-00 OIG-00 P-00 SCT-00 ISNE-00 DOHS-00 FMPC-00 IRM-00 SSO-00 SS-00 VO-00 NCTC-00 ASDS-00 CBP-00 SCRS-00 DSCC-00 PRM-00 DRL-00 ALM-00 SCA-00 NFAT-00 SAS-00 FA-00 /000W ------------------565DA3 201217Z /38 P 201206Z APR 09 FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2336 INFO AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD PRIORITY AMCONSUL KARACHI PRIORITY AMCONSUL LAHORE PRIORITY AMCONSUL PESHAWAR PRIORITY CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY USCENTCOM INTEL CEN MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 000820
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2014
TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK
SUBJECT: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09
To: SECSTATE WASHDC - PRIORITY
Action: DS
From: AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD (ISLAMABAD 820 - PRIORITY)
TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK
Captions: NOFORN
Subject: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09
Ref: None
_____________________________________________ ____________________
Classified By: DCM Gerald M. Feierstein; Reason 1.4 (b)(d)
S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 000820
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2014
TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK
SUBJECT: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09
To: SECSTATE WASHDC - PRIORITY
Action: DS
From: AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD (ISLAMABAD 820 - PRIORITY)
TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK
Captions: NOFORN
Subject: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09
Ref: None
_____________________________________________ ____________________
Classified By: DCM Gerald M. Feierstein; Reason 1.4 (b)(d)
1. (C) The DCM chaired an EAC meeting on 20 April 2009 to
review the Mission's security posture in the wake of a DOD
notification to Post regarding the possible publication of
detainee photographs depicting alleged incidents of torture.
These photographs reportedly were taken at DOD detention
facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the
nationalities of the detainees are not confirmed, there is
concern that Pakistani nationals may be included. The photos
were originally scheduled to be published by the media today;
however, the Department of Justice is attempting to delay the
release. The EAC discussed the possible security
implications to USG personnel and Americans in country. All
agencies/sections were represented at the meeting.
2. (C) In addition to the release of the photos, the recent
release by the Supreme Court of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque)
Leader Maulana Abdul Aziz, is cause for concern. He faces 27
charges of murder, abduction, and forceful occupation of
government property related to the July 2007 military
operation to retake the Red Mosque from militants. Aziz led
well-attended Friday prayers at the Red Mosque on 18 April
and called on his supporters to sacrifice to enforce Shari'a
in all of Pakistan. The publication of photos depicting
torture could certainly be utilized by Aziz to rally his
solid base of followers, namely poor and conservative
Pakistanis, and lead them in protest.
3. (S/NF) The EAC discussed security measures in the wake of
an eventual release of the photographs and agreed that while
unpredictable, the Embassy would consider all potential
courses of action, from reduced staffing to complete closure
of the Embassy, depending upon the reaction by the
Pakistanis. GRPO representative also advised that
retaliatory action against American hostage David Rhode is
also possible. EAC members agreed that demonstrations pose
the biggest threat to employees attempting to go to and from
the embassy, and that all staff should stand by to receive
information via the emergency cascade and radio E&E network.
4. (SBU) The DCM will contact the SCA bureau for additional
information pertaining to the release of the photos, and once
more clarity is obtained, Post will brief the other
diplomatic missions in Islamabad.
PATTERSON
_____________________________________________ ____________________
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2014
TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK
SUBJECT: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09
To: SECSTATE WASHDC - PRIORITY
Action: DS
From: AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD (ISLAMABAD 820 - PRIORITY)
TAGS: ASEC PTER AMGT CACS PK
Captions: NOFORN
Subject: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 04/20/09
Ref: None
_____________________________________________ ____________________
Classified By: DCM Gerald M. Feierstein; Reason 1.4 (b)(d)
1. (C) The DCM chaired an EAC meeting on 20 April 2009 to
review the Mission's security posture in the wake of a DOD
notification to Post regarding the possible publication of
detainee photographs depicting alleged incidents of torture.
These photographs reportedly were taken at DOD detention
facilities in Iraq and Afghanistan. Although the
nationalities of the detainees are not confirmed, there is
concern that Pakistani nationals may be included. The photos
were originally scheduled to be published by the media today;
however, the Department of Justice is attempting to delay the
release. The EAC discussed the possible security
implications to USG personnel and Americans in country. All
agencies/sections were represented at the meeting.
2. (C) In addition to the release of the photos, the recent
release by the Supreme Court of Lal Masjid (Red Mosque)
Leader Maulana Abdul Aziz, is cause for concern. He faces 27
charges of murder, abduction, and forceful occupation of
government property related to the July 2007 military
operation to retake the Red Mosque from militants. Aziz led
well-attended Friday prayers at the Red Mosque on 18 April
and called on his supporters to sacrifice to enforce Shari'a
in all of Pakistan. The publication of photos depicting
torture could certainly be utilized by Aziz to rally his
solid base of followers, namely poor and conservative
Pakistanis, and lead them in protest.
3. (S/NF) The EAC discussed security measures in the wake of
an eventual release of the photographs and agreed that while
unpredictable, the Embassy would consider all potential
courses of action, from reduced staffing to complete closure
of the Embassy, depending upon the reaction by the
Pakistanis. GRPO representative also advised that
retaliatory action against American hostage David Rhode is
also possible. EAC members agreed that demonstrations pose
the biggest threat to employees attempting to go to and from
the embassy, and that all staff should stand by to receive
information via the emergency cascade and radio E&E network.
4. (SBU) The DCM will contact the SCA bureau for additional
information pertaining to the release of the photos, and once
more clarity is obtained, Post will brief the other
diplomatic missions in Islamabad.
PATTERSON
_____________________________________________ ____________________