Cablegate: Media Reaction: Defense Minister Claims 24 Jewish Groups

VZCZCXRO5162
PP RUEHGI RUEHMA RUEHROV
DE RUEHKH #1174 2101101
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 291101Z JUL 07
FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8018
INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE
RUEHJI/AMCONSUL JEDDAH 0016

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 001174

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR AF/SPG, SE NATSIOS, NEA/ARP

SIPDIS
SENSITIVE

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UN KPAO UN SU
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: DEFENSE MINISTER CLAIMS 24 JEWISH GROUPS
INCITE CONFLICT IN DARFUR

1. (U) SUMMARY: On July 26 the Arabic pro-government "Al-Rai'
Al-Aam" reprinted an interview with Sudanese Minister of Defense
Abdelrahim Hussein in which he claims that 24 Jewish organizations
are provoking the conflict in Darfur. In the article, reprinted
from an earlier interview from the influential Saudi newspaper
"Al-Ukaz," Hussein claims "holocaust groups" have penetrated tribes
in Darfur, carried out a propaganda campaign, and used their
political and financial power to influence decision makers. He also
alleges that the U.S. wants to turn Sudan into another Iraq or
Afghanistan. The Saudis invited Hussein on this official visit
following by only a few days a similar visit by Minni Minnawi, the
Senior Assistant to President Bashir. END SUMMARY.

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U.S. WANTS SUDAN TO BE ANOTHER IRAQ
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2. (U) In his interview, Hussein said that foreign countries have
used rebel movements in Darfur for their own purposes. He says
there are now about 18 rebel factions that "alien countries use to
meet their objectives." According to Hussein, although the West was
originally supportive of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA), "now the
ones who are ruining the DPA are in Paris, London and the United
States." According to Hussein, these countries "do not want
stability in Darfur, but they would like to see Sudan as another
Iraq or Afghanistan."

3. (U) He added that the West has intentionally distorted the
facts in Darfur, alleging that the U.S. and U.K. issue false reports
which contradict real facts. He then rhetorically asks "When did
America meddle and resolve a problem? When did America intervene and
succeed? See what is happening in Iraq. It is far better ten years
ago than today. Is Afghanistan more peaceful than before? Did
America stabilize Somalia?"

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JEWS CREATING CONFLICT
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4. (U) According to the article, Hussein believes that there are
more than 24 Jewish groups dividing and motivating the rebels in
Darfur. He said that "holocaust groups" carry out a propaganda
campaign in Darfur. He further claimed that these Jewish groups
provide financial and political support, especially through "their
control of the media and their influence in the highest circles in
America and Britain." When asked how these Jewish organizations
were able to penetrate tribal leadership, Hussein responded, "They
exploit inter-tribal conflicts which existed for about 200 years.
These conflicts could have been resolved by tribal elders'
efforts."

5. (U) In this interview Hussein also addresses military
cooperation with China, the difference between a hybrid force and a
"mixed force," and the 2009 elections and 2011 referendum.

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