DEPARTMENT REQUESTS FURTHER EVIDENCE ABOUT HANI

S E C R E T STATE 080204 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/31/2019 TAGS: EFIN PREL PTER KTFN UNSC EG UK SUBJECT: DEPARTMENT REQUESTS FURTHER EVIDENCE ABOUT HANI AL-SABAI REF: CAIRO 1428 Classified By: NEA AA/S Jeffrey Feltman, E.O. 12958 Reasons 1.4 b & d ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: The Department appreciates Embassy Cairo's engagement with the Government of Egypt (GOE) on the UK's proposed de-listing of Hani al-Sabai from the UN 1267 Consolidated List (reftel). In response to the Embassy's request for feedback on the Egyptian information, the interagency would appreciate any additional evidence Egypt can present to substantiate allegations of al-Sabai's continued support for terrorism. The U.S. government (USG) particularly welcomes any information indicating that al-Sabai has continued to support or act for or on behalf of Al Qaeda or other terrorist groups since his designation in ¶2005. END SUMMARY. Action Request -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Embassy should approach the GOE at the appropriate level with the following objectives: -- Provide feedback on the two documents submitted by the GOE (reftel). -- Request recent evidence to substantiate allegations of al-Sabai's continued and/or recent support for terrorism. Suggested Points -------------- ¶3. (S/REL EGYPT) The United States appreciates the information provided by the GOE on al-Sabai and requests additional details. We also suggest that Egypt share any pertinent information with other interested countries. In particular, any recent evidence Egypt can provide to substantiate the following statements from the documents it provided would be very helpful. -- El-Sabai is currently a leader of Egyptian Islamic Jihad (EIJ),associate of Ayman al-Zawahiri, and recruiter for al-Qaeda (AQ). -- El Sabai is currently, or has recently been involved in recruiting for membership in AQ and/or EIJ, as well as assisting in the planning, financing and mounting of their activities. -- El-Sabai since his designation has provided substantial help to Osama Bin Laden or other members of AQ and/or EIJ. -- El Sabai continues to pose a serious threat to the international community given his membership in variant terrorist organizations seeking to threaten international peace and security, and advocating the use of terrorism to achieve their illegitimate objectives. ¶4. (S/REL EGYPT) The USG also remains interested in seeing the Egyptian court records for al-Sabai. If the GOE prefers that the USG not share these court records with the Committee, we would honor that request. Reporting Deadline and Point of Contact -------------- ¶5. (U) Post should approach the Government of Egypt by August 6, 2009, and report response. Please contact NEA/ELA Katherine Allen (202-647-1022) or IO/PSC Erin Crowe (202-736-7847) via phone or e-mail for additional information if needed. CLINTON