FOLLOW-UP ON TRANSFER OF GUANTANAMO DETAINEE ABDEL AHMED

S E C R E T STATE 125014 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/07/2019 TAGS: PGOV PHUM PREL PTER KDRG MR SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP ON TRANSFER OF GUANTANAMO DETAINEE ABDEL AHMED AZIZ (757) REF: A) NOUAKCHOTT 730, B) STATE 115878, C) 07 NOUAKCHOTT 0701, D) 07 STATE 075258 Classified by S/GC Deputy Anthony P. Ricci. Reasons: 1.4 (b)& (d). 1.(U) This is an action message. Please see paras 3 and 4. 2.(C) Department appreciates Post's response to ref B request to ascertain GIRM willingness to receive Guantanamo detainee Abdel Ahmed Aziz, who has been cleared for transfer to Mauritania. To move the transfer process forward and coordinate the return of Aziz, Department requires additional information. 3.(C) ACTION REQUESTS: Post should approach the local office of the ICRC to ascertain if ICRC is willing to play a role in the return of Aziz as it did in 2007 with the transfer of Mauritanian national Mohamed Sidi Lamen Mohamed from Guantanamo to Mauritania, i.e., ICRC visits to confirm humane treatment (ref C). 4.(S) Post also is requested to approach the GIRM to request it provide written confirmation that the GIRM will continue to apply assurances given in 2007. The USG note in 2007 (ref D) presented a detainee transfer framework that is not specific to any individual. Therefore, we propose that the GIRM respond in writing affirming that the GIRM concurs in the understandings set forth in the 2007 USG note and will continue to apply the humane treatment, third party access, and security assurances therein. Below is suggested text for the GIRM if provision of such text would be helpful. (BEGIN TEXT) The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Mauritania presents its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honor to acknowledge receipt of the Embassy's note dated [month/day], 2007, relating to the return to Mauritania of any person of Mauritanian Nationality who is in the control of the U.S. Department of Defense at the U.S. Naval Base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The Ministry reaffirms that the Government of Mauritania concurs in the understandings set forth in the Embassy's note, including in particular their application to the return of Mr. Abdel Ahmed Aziz. (complimentary closing) (END TEXT) CLINTON