FIJI REQUESTS ASSISTANCE WITH RELEASE OF FIJI NATIONAL HELD

UNCLAS SUVA 000233 E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL EWWT PTER FJ SO SUBJECT: FIJI REQUESTS ASSISTANCE WITH RELEASE OF FIJI NATIONAL HELD BY PIRATES ¶1. We have received a diplomatic note from the Fijian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation (Note No. 268/2009) dated 01 June 2009 requesting U.S. assistance in securing the release of a Fiji national being held hostage by Somali pirates. We request Department guidance on how to respond to the Fijian note and would welcome any information that we can share with the interim government. ¶2. The text of the note follows: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation of the Government of the Republic of the Fiji Islands present its compliments to the Embassy of the United States of America and has the honour to advise that a Fiji National, Mr Wayne Suliana is part of the crew of twenty four (24); including eleven (11) Tuvaluans, five (5) Germans and others who were on board the German Ship Hansa Stavager that was seized by pirates off the coast of Somalia. The Ministry has the further honour to request the Embassy of the United States of America for any assistance that the American Government may be able to render in bringing about an amicable resolution to the incident that would result in the safe release of all hostages. The Ministry will provide detail personal information for the Fijian National if so required. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Civil Aviation of the Government of the Republic of Fiji Islands avails itself of this opportunity to renew to the Embassy of the United States of America the assurances of its highest consideration. Embassy of the United States of America Suva. June 01, 2009 END TEXT MCGANN