US embassy cable - 02AMMAN6462

C O N F I D E N T I A L AMMAN 006462 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/04/2012 
TAGS: ASEC, PTER, PREL, JO 
SUBJECT: FM MUASHER PLEDGES GOJ WILL DO ALL IT CAN TO 
PROTECT AMERICANS IN JORDAN 
 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Edward W. Gnehm.  Reasons 1.5 (b,d). 
 
1. (C) During a November 4 meeting with FonMin Muasher, the 
Ambassador conveyed his personal thanks for the GOJ's 
response to the murder of USAID officer Larry Foley, its 
affirmation of support for the U.S.-Jordanian relationship, 
and -- most importantly -- the GOJ's willingness to provide 
added security to protect the American community.  The 
Ambassador said that all these measures have been greatly 
appreciated, but noted there remains a high level of anxiety 
in the Mission community -- especially since Larry Foley's 
assailants have yet to be apprehended.  Muasher immediately 
responded that "if there is anything more we can do, let me 
know.  We want to do everything possible to address your 
concerns."  The Ambassador commended the efforts the Public 
Security Directorate (PSD) has undertaken, noting that, 
except for a few details, deployment of additional security 
personnel at Mission residences has gone smoothly.  Muasher 
underlined that the Ambassador should let him know "of any 
specific cases you have.  Don't hesitate day or night." 
 
2. (C) The Ambassador called Muasher's attention to November 
4 press reports of inflammatory statements made by senior 
officials of the opposition Islamic Action Front (IAF) during 
a November 3 conference in Amman.  (Note: Islamic scholars 
attending the conference had, according to press accounts, 
issued fatwas calling on leaders of Muslim countries to 
"refrain from extending any assistance to the U.S. if it 
launches an attack on Iraq" and to "end their military 
cooperation with the U.S. including joint exercises, security 
coordination and the extending of technical and logistical 
assistance to U.S. troops in the region."  The press also 
quoted IAF Secretary General Hamza Mansour as stating 
"Americans will pay with their lives and their interests 
(for) . . . their government's arrogant policies").  The 
Ambassador noted that, given the tragic events of the past 
week and the GOJ's publicly articulated policies, these 
statements were a cause of deep concern for the safety and 
welfare of the American community and posed "a blatant 
challenge to the Government of Jordan and what it is trying 
to do."  Muasher's response was clear and to the point: "This 
is serious.  I will deal with it."  (Note: News reports 
immediately following the murder of Larry Foley quoted IAF 
officials as saying that IAF condemnation of U.S. policies 
did not sanction murder (Amman 6309). 
GNEHM