ID:	184135
Date:	2008-12-20 07:02:00
Origin:	08STATE133238
Source:	Secretary of State
Classification:	SECRET
Dunno:	08STATE122112
Destination:	O 200702Z DEC 08 ZFF4 FM SECSTATE WASHDC TO AMEMBASSY SUVA NIACT IMMEDIATE INFO CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE AMEMBASSY CANBERRA AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON
S E C R E T STATE 133238 E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/18/2018 TAGS: PHUM, PTER, PREL, PINR, KDRG, KR SUBJECT: OBTAINING A COMMITMENT FROM THE GOK TO RESETTLE THE GTMO UIGHURS REF: STATE 122112 Classified By: S/WCI Ambassador Clint Williamson for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). --------------------------------------------- ---- SUMMARY AND ACTION REQUEST --------------------------------------------- ---- 1. (S) This cable is being sent NIACT Immediate because the Ambassador needs to take immediate action prior to a December 21 cabinet meeting in Kiribati. 2. (S) The Department requests that the Ambassador use the information in this cable, including the nonpaper included in paragraph 5, to obtain a firm commitment from the Government of Kiribati (GoK) to resettle the 17 Uighurs being held by the United States in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (GTMO). 3. (S) The interagency has prepared an incentive package to offer the Government of Kiribati to resettle the Uighurs in Kiribati. We understand that GoK wishes only to take Uighurs who are willing to be transferred. It is possible that some or all the Uighurs may object to resettlement in Kiribati. Provided any Uighurs are resettled, the USG has agreed to thank Kiribati by implementing these projects in full. DOD has immediate access to the $1.5 million in resettlement assistance and intends to use its resources to undertake the projects identified below that would fulfill the USG commitment to the GoK. 4. (S) In recognition of the Government of Kiribati's firm offer of resettlement for the Uighurs, DoD is prepared to move forward with using $1.5 million for the culvert and de-salinization projects described in the reftel, regardless of whether any Uighurs are actually resettled in Kiribati. This is a component of the USPACOM theater engagement strategy. If, however, a firm offer of resettlement is received, but no Uighurs are resettled in Kiribati, the other projects referred to below will not proceed. End Summary. ----------------- OBJECTIVES ----------------- 5. (S) The Department requests that the Ambassador draw from the points included in the nonpaper in paragraph 5 to conclude an arrangement with the Government of Kiribati to resettle the GTMO Uighurs. The Ambassador may also deliver the nonpaper in full to the GoK. -------------- NONPAPER -------------- 6. (S/Rel Kiribati) Begin text. The United States government understands that the Government of Kiribati wishes to make available an option to resettle in Kiribati the 17 Uighurs currently located at the Guantanamo detention facility. The United States government understands that the Government of Kiribati would like to make this option available only to those Uighurs who wish to be resettled in Kiribati. Once a formal offer for resettlement is provided by the Government of Kiribati, the United States government intends to approach the attorneys for the Uighurs with the proposed resettlement option, to determine which (if any) Uighurs will take the option on a voluntary basis. The United States intends to provide a per capita resettlement "allowance" of $85,000 per each detainee that voluntarily accepts resettlement in Kiribati. These funds are to be provided at the time of resettlement and are intended to supply the government of Kiribati with appropriate resources to cover the costs associated with the successful resettlement of these individuals, i.e. appropriate housing, food, training, etc. Separately, if the Government of Kiribati shares our understanding with respect to the resettlement of the 17 Uighur detainees, the United States intends to implement assistance projects as follows: (1) if the Government of Kiribati makes a firm offer to accept Uighurs for resettlement but no Uighurs are ultimately resettled, the United States is nevertheless prepared to implement $1.5 million in assistance projects (culverts and desalinization) in recognition of this resettlement offer; (2) if at least one of the Uighurs is resettled in Kiribati, the United States government intends to implement assistance projects valued at approximately $3 million. The United States expects the assessment team currently in Kiribati to recommend what projects would be covered in the larger assistance package. Separately, the United States recognizes that repairs to the runway on Kiritimati (Christmas) Island are important to the transportation needs of the island. If at least nine Uighurs resettle in Kirbati, the United States intends to undertake a technical and logistical assessment into what will be required to make the runway serviceable. Upon conclusion of this assessment, the United States, in consultation with the Government of Kiribati, intends to find a way to make the necessary repairs. The timeline for implementing the humanitarian assistance projects and Kiritimati Island runway repairs will depend upon the requirements and costs of each project. The United States is aware of the desire of the Government of Kiribati to have Peace Corps volunteers return to Kiribati and will encourage the Peace Corps to favorably consider reopening the Kiribati program as soon as conditions and resources permit and subject to U.S. laws and regulations. The United States is also aware of the desire of the Government of Kiribati to facilitate the visa process for citizens of Kiribati traveling to the United States and intends to review this concern in light of applicable U.S. policies, laws and regulations. End text. -------------------------------- REPORTING DEADLINE --------------------------------- 7. (C) The Department requests that the Ambassador report the results of his efforts by front-channel cable to S/WCI Ambassador Clint Williamson by December 23, 2008. ---------------------------- POINT OF CONTACT ---------------------------- 8. (U) For additional information on this request, please contact S/WCI's Jason Gorey (202.647.8219) or EAP's Steven Schwartz (202.647.9990). Both may also be reached via e-mail or through the Department's Operations Center. RICE