EGYPTIAN GTMO DETAINEES - STATUS OF DISCUSSIONS

Reference ID 05CAIRO5924
Date 2005-08-01 16:04
Released 2010-11-30 16:04
Classification SECRET
Origin Embassy Cairo


This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.


S E C R E T CAIRO 005924

SIPDIS

NEA FOR FO, ELA
S/WCI FOR AMB PROSPER AND RMILLER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/31/2015
TAGS: PTER EG GTMO
SUBJECT: EGYPTIAN GTMO DETAINEES - STATUS OF DISCUSSIONS

REF: CAIRO 5589 AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: CHARGE STUART E.JONES, REASONS 1.5 B AND D

¶1. (S) SUMMARY: In the context of the close and sustained
cooperation between the USG and GOE on counterterrorism, Post
believes that the written GOE assurances regarding the return
of three Egyptians detained at Guantanamo (reftel) represent
the firm commitment of the GOE to adhere to the requested
principles. These assurances were passed directly from
Egyptian General Intelligence Service (EGIS) Chief Soliman
through liaison channels -- the most effective communication
path on this issue. General Soliman's word is the GOE's
guarantee, and the GOE's track record of cooperation on CT
issues lends further support to this assessment. End summary.


EGYPTIAN ASSURANCES
-------------------

¶2. (S) As stated in reftel, Post has received written
assurances from the Egyptian General Intelligence Service
(EGIS) regarding the acceptance and humane treatment of three
Egyptians currently detained in Guantanamo:

-- Abdul Rahman Mohammed AL-MARZOUQ, ISN US9EG-00369DP;

-- Allah Muhammad SALEEM, ISN US9EG-00071DP;

-- Sami Abdul Aziz Salim ALLAITHY, ISN US9EG-000287DP.

Post believes that these assurances represent a firm
commitment by the GOE to handle the matter in accordance with
our stated principles. We recommend that the interagency
consider approving transfer now on the basis of these
assurances.


DIRECT CHANNEL
--------------

¶3. (S) Post has established that the most effective conduit
for addressing this issue is through Cairo Station - EGIS
Liaison. The written assurances (reftel) were passed directly
from EGIS Chief General Soliman through this channel.
General Soliman's stature and power in the Egyptian
establishment, and his history of close cooperation with the
USG on counterterrorism, corroborate the Egyptian intent take
responsibility for the detainees in such a way that protects
both U.S. and Egyptian security interests. In addition to
the written assurances regarding the detainees treatment,
EGIS has conveyed orally to Cairo station that all three will
be taken into custody upon arrival in Egypt and will be
investigated and prosecuted in accordance with Egyptian law.

¶4. (S) We understand the need for specific language on this
matter. However, the danger of seeking specificity beyond
what we have already received in EGIS' written assurances is
that EGIS may decide to turn the case over to the MFA. MFA
involvement will complicate the process and delay disposal of
the cases.


Visit Embassy Cairo's Classified Website:
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/cairo

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State Department's Classified SIPRNET website.

JONES

Source: Wikileaks