US embassy cable - 05SANAA2425

S E C R E T SANAA 002425 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/14/2015 
TAGS: PREL, PTER, KAWC, YM, DEMARCHE, COUNTER TERRORISM 
SUBJECT: PUSHING FOR TRANSFER OF GTMO DETAINEES, DEMARCHE 
DELIVERED 
 
REF: A. STATE 1432121 
     B. STATE 148052 
     C. STATE 149779 
     D. SANAA 1570 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for reasons 1.4 b and d. 
 
1.  (C) GTMO detainees continue to be an important issue for 
ROYG officials and the Yemeni public in general. Securing 
ROYG approval for the transfer of GTMO detainees is a post 
priority. Ambassador has recently engaged the ROYG on several 
specific issues including the upcoming transfer of one 
non-enemy combatant, concerns over the transfer of six enemy 
combatants, and the delivery of ref A, B and C demarches. 
 
 
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TRANSFER OF NON-ENEMY COMBATANT 
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2.  (S/NF) On August 10, Ambassador delivered official 
notification of USG intent to transfer one non-enemy 
combatant to ROYG control via military flight on August 21 to 
Deputy Foreign Minister Mustafa Noman. Noman did not 
anticipate any significant problems with accepting the 
transfer and would soon deliver notification of the ROYG 
official who will assume responsibility for the transfer. 
 
3.  (S) While the ROYG has long welcomed the release of 
non-enemy combatants, Noman reiterated ROYG concerns on the 
transfer of enemy combatants if they are subsequently 
released following an investigation.  Ambassador stressed 
that the transfer of combatants stemmed from a thorough 
assessment of any potential threat to US national security 
and the decision to release individuals after repatriation 
was at the ROYG's discretion.  Ambassador said that concerns 
over the ROYG's commitment to fighting terrorism could be 
assuaged by providing clear and comprehensive information to 
USG before the release of a detainee. 
 
4.  (S) Comment.  Noman's concerns over USG reaction to the 
release of GTMO transferees should not be taken as the final 
word on the issue.  Recent public statements made by the 
Minister of Defense happily announcing the return of seven 
GTMO detainees (the total number of enemy and non-enemy 
combatants scheduled currently scheduled for transfer) 
suggest that high-level support for the release of any 
detainee does exist.  End Comment. 
 
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GTMO VISIT:  NOW DO YOU BELIEVE THEY'RE YEMENI? 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
 
5.  (C) In addition to concerns over USG reaction to 
releasing transferred detainees the ROYG has long expressed 
doubt that the detainees are actually Yemeni (ref D).  Yemeni 
security officials recently visited GTMO to interview 
detainees and confirm their citizenship.  On August 14, 
Ambassador met with Senior Deputy Prime Minister Mohideen 
Al-Dhabi, who promised to consult with the security officials 
on their recent visit and press them for the release of a 
trip report. 
 
6.  (C) The Yemeni public is pressing for the release of 
detainees, Dhabi said, and a quick resolution on the six 
remaining enemy combatants scheduled for transfer was in 
everyone's best interest.  The Ambassador reiterated that 
while the detainees would be transferred under conditions 
that would ensure they no longer posed a threat to the United 
States or its allies, there was no expectation that they be 
held indefinitely.  Before being released, however, 
information shared through intelligence or MFA channels would 
be helpful to explain the release and mitigate any negative 
USG reaction. 
 
7.  (C) Comment.  Initial reaction from the GTMO visit has 
been positive.  If the report indicates the ROYG is now 
convinced the detainees are indeed Yemeni, the transfer of 
the six detainees should move forward.  It should also smooth 
the way for any future transfers. End comment. 
 
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DEMARCHES DELIVERED 
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8.  (C) On August 14, poloff delivered ref A and B 
notifications of Yemenis scheduled to go before the 
Administrative Review Board (ARB) to Deputy Foreign Minister 
Mustafa Noman.  Poloff also delivered ref C notification of 
ARB's decision to continue detaining four Yemenis.  Noman 
accepted the names without comment. 
Krajeski