Cablegate: Irish Three Extradition Request Submitted

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

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

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