US embassy cable - 05BOGOTA8816

UNCLAS BOGOTA 008816 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PGOV, MARR, MOPS, PHUM, SNAR, CO 
SUBJECT: IRISH THREE EXTRADITION REQUEST SUBMITTED 
 
REF: BOGOTA 7727 
 
1. (U) North Irish Democratic Unionist Party Member of 
Parliament Jeffery Donaldson visited Colombia the week of 
September 5 to investigate allegations against the "Irish 
Three" (Niall Connolly, Martin McCauley, and James Monaghan) 
and speak with Colombian officials.  Three members of "FAIR" 
(Families Acting for Innocent Relatives) from Armagh, 
Northern Ireland, joined Donaldson.  FAIR member William 
Frazer said he was visiting Colombia to establish a worldwide 
network of victims' organizations. 
 
2. (U) The delegation met Colombian Vice President Francisco 
Santos on September 6 to obtain further information on the 
Irish Three's case.  Donaldson asked to see the prison where 
the three would serve if Ireland approved their extradition. 
The Directorate of Administrative Security (DAS ) an FBI 
equivalent) was directed by Santos to take the delegation to 
the prison, and he coordinated a flight to Valledupar, Cesar 
Department in northeastern Colombia on September 6. 
Donaldson reportedly approved of the facilities and announced 
that he would support Colombia's bid for the three's return. 
 
3. (U) The group also met with Colombian mortar victims and 
requested evidence that linked the IRA to the FARC's 
weaponry.  He said he was convinced by what he had seen and 
requested that the GOC send a small delegation of victims to 
Europe to help strengthen their extradition bid. 
 
4. (SBU) On September 13, Foreign Minister Barco announced 
that the GOC had submitted its extradition request to the 
Irish government.  Donaldson told press that Santos planned a 
"follow-up" visit to Dublin and Belfast with Colombian 
victims of the FARC-IRA product.  Embassy is seeking further 
details on the visit. 
WOOD