DISPOSITION OF PIRATE SUSPECTS FROM M/V AMIRA

C O N F I D E N T I A L NAIROBI 001042

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y (SIGNATURE ADDED)

SIPDIS

FOR PM/COUNTER PIRACY WORKING GROUP
ALSO FOR AF/E: SDRIANO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/11/2019
TAGS: PHSA KCRM KDEM PREL KE
SUBJECT: DISPOSITION OF PIRATE SUSPECTS FROM M/V AMIRA

Classified By: PolCouns Mitch Benedict for reasons 1.4 (B and D)


1. (U) See para 3 for urgent action request.


2. (C) Post understands that dialogue may still be ongoing with the
Governments of Greece and Egypt to determine if either nation is
willing to receive and initiate legal proceedings against 17
suspected Somali pirates captured by the United States Navy while
allegedly attempting to pirate the M/V Amira. Post further
understands that Kenya is the third preference for taking into
custody the pirates. The USG has a memorandum of understanding (MOU)
with the GOK that covers such transfers. In accordance with the MOU,
and in keeping with precedence and our verbal understandings with the
GOK, we must give the GOK 96 working hours advance notice of any
intent to deliver suspected pirates into Kenyan custody. DOD
elements are requesting Post to seek Kenyan agreement to accept the
suspected M/V Amira pirates on/about June 2.


3. (C) Post is urgently seeking Department approval for Post to
transmit notification to the GOK that we might seek under the terms
and conditions of our MOU to turn over into Kenyan custody 17
suspected Somali pirates on/about June 2.
RANNEBERGER