Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09MUSCAT92
2009-02-03 13:31:00
SECRET
Embassy Muscat
Cable title:
(S) Successful Transfer of Iranian Smugglers to Omani
how-toR 031331Z FEB 09 FM AMEMBASSY MUSCAT TO SECSTATE WASHDC 0102 INFO COMUSNAVCENT HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL AMEMBASSY KUWAIT AMEMBASSY MANAMA AMEMBASSY MUSCAT SECDEF WASHINGTON DC
S E C R E T MUSCAT 000092
STATE FOR NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019-02-03
TAGS: PREL MOPS KCRM PHSA IR MU
SUBJECT: (S) Successful Transfer of Iranian Smugglers to Omani
Authorities
REF: a) MUSCAT 79
CLASSIFIED BY: Gary A. Grappo, Ambassador, Department of State, U.S.
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(A),(B),(D)
S E C R E T MUSCAT 000092
STATE FOR NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019-02-03
TAGS: PREL MOPS KCRM PHSA IR MU
SUBJECT: (S) Successful Transfer of Iranian Smugglers to Omani
Authorities
REF: a) MUSCAT 79
CLASSIFIED BY: Gary A. Grappo, Ambassador, Department of State, U.S.
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(A),(B),(D)
1. (S/REL USA AND CMFC) On January 29 at 0925 the USS Ramage
successfully completed the transfer of seven Iranian smugglers to
the Royal Omani Navy (RON) in Omani territorial waters. By request
of the RON, the Iranians were transferred via the USS Ramage's RHIB
(rigid-hull inflatable boat) to an Omani patrol boat along with 8
kg of hashish. The RON expected to receive all of the drugs but
understood when the Commanding Officer of the Ramage informed them
that the rest of the hashish had sunk with the dhow. Overall the
Iranians were extremely cooperative, with a couple of them
expressing thanks to the crew of the Ramage. U.S. Navy personnel
noted that the RON was professional and competent, "a pleasure to
work with", and that the transfer went off "without a hitch."
2. (S/REL USA AND CMFC) The Ambassador personally thanked Oman's
Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Yusef bin Alawi, via
phone on January 31 for Oman's assistance in this endeavor, and
followed up with a letter to the Minister on February 2. Embassy
also delivered a diplomatic note expressing USG appreciation and
including incident details and passport information on the
Iranians.
3. (S/REL USA AND CMFC) On February 2, the Embassy was alerted that
media outlets in the region became aware of the U.S. rescue of the
Iranian smugglers. The DCM discussed potential press issues with
the Omani Foreign Minister's political advisor, Mohammed al-Hassan,
who was unconcerned that the incident might be publicized.
However, al-Hassan noted that Oman would not make any public
statements about the incident and requested that the United States
also refrain from public commentary. During the conversation, he
clearly communicated that Oman preferred that such transfers do not
become "routine." Al-Hassan also confirmed that the seven had been
handed over to Iranian custody but did not provide further details.
GRAPPO
To view the entire SMART message, go to URL
http://repository.state.sgov.gov/_layouts/OSS SearchResults.aspx?k=messageid:cf4dd9cf-9858- 4164-b798-8c4349700093
STATE FOR NEA/ARP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 2019-02-03
TAGS: PREL MOPS KCRM PHSA IR MU
SUBJECT: (S) Successful Transfer of Iranian Smugglers to Omani
Authorities
REF: a) MUSCAT 79
CLASSIFIED BY: Gary A. Grappo, Ambassador, Department of State, U.S.
Embassy Muscat; REASON: 1.4(A),(B),(D)
1. (S/REL USA AND CMFC) On January 29 at 0925 the USS Ramage
successfully completed the transfer of seven Iranian smugglers to
the Royal Omani Navy (RON) in Omani territorial waters. By request
of the RON, the Iranians were transferred via the USS Ramage's RHIB
(rigid-hull inflatable boat) to an Omani patrol boat along with 8
kg of hashish. The RON expected to receive all of the drugs but
understood when the Commanding Officer of the Ramage informed them
that the rest of the hashish had sunk with the dhow. Overall the
Iranians were extremely cooperative, with a couple of them
expressing thanks to the crew of the Ramage. U.S. Navy personnel
noted that the RON was professional and competent, "a pleasure to
work with", and that the transfer went off "without a hitch."
2. (S/REL USA AND CMFC) The Ambassador personally thanked Oman's
Minister Responsible for Foreign Affairs, Yusef bin Alawi, via
phone on January 31 for Oman's assistance in this endeavor, and
followed up with a letter to the Minister on February 2. Embassy
also delivered a diplomatic note expressing USG appreciation and
including incident details and passport information on the
Iranians.
3. (S/REL USA AND CMFC) On February 2, the Embassy was alerted that
media outlets in the region became aware of the U.S. rescue of the
Iranian smugglers. The DCM discussed potential press issues with
the Omani Foreign Minister's political advisor, Mohammed al-Hassan,
who was unconcerned that the incident might be publicized.
However, al-Hassan noted that Oman would not make any public
statements about the incident and requested that the United States
also refrain from public commentary. During the conversation, he
clearly communicated that Oman preferred that such transfers do not
become "routine." Al-Hassan also confirmed that the seven had been
handed over to Iranian custody but did not provide further details.
GRAPPO
To view the entire SMART message, go to URL
http://repository.state.sgov.gov/_layouts/OSS SearchResults.aspx?k=messageid:cf4dd9cf-9858- 4164-b798-8c4349700093