The Tribune

By KYLE WALKINE

Tribune Staff Reporter

kwalkine@tribunemedia.net

UNITED States Chargé d’Affaires John Dinkleman said yesterday that the relationship between The Bahamas and the US has “never been stronger” and that it is not affected by the public uproar produced as a result of the purported recording of cell phone conversations in the Bahamas by the US’ National Security Agency (NSA). Mr Dinkleman told reporters that the two countries will continue to be close allies.

“. . . We struggle together for freedoms, for peace and most importantly for the security of both our nations,” Mr Dinkleman said.

He added: “The United States government is working very closely with the government of the Bahamas to meet any queries that the government of the Bahamas may have regarding any programmes that the US is engaged in.”

Last week the government indicated that US officials were investigating the accuracy of reports that the NSA was recording phone calls in the Bahamas and storing some phone data for up to 30 days.

However, Mr Dinkleman refused to comment on the accuracy of that information, saying “I’m neither confirming nor denying.”

“The US does not comment on such things and we will maintain communications between the governments through a diplomatic channel.”

He added that he will not comment on matters of intelligence.

Last week the NSA released a statement to The Tribune which did not confirm or deny the claims.

It read: “Every day, NSA provides valuable intelligence on issues of concern to all Americans – such as international terrorism, cyber crime, international narcotics trafficking and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. The fact that the US government works with other nations, under specific and regulated conditions, mutually strengthens the security of all.

“NSA’s efforts are focused on ensuring the protection of the national security of the United States, its citizens, and our allies through the pursuit of valid foreign intelligence targets. Moreover, all of NSA’s efforts are strictly conducted under the rule of law and provide appropriate protection for privacy rights.”

Claims that the US is monitoring cell calls in the Bahamas emerged last week in an article posted on Firstlook.org which reported that the NSA is “secretly intercepting, recording and archiving” the audio of every cellphone conversation in the Bahamas.

The information is reportedly one of many documents leaked by NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden, who was granted a year’s asylum in Russia last June after being sought by his native America.

According to the article, SOMALGET, is a part of the NSA programme MYSTIC that is being used to monitor telecommunications companies in countries like the Bahamas, the Philippines and Mexico.

SOMALGET is being used to locate international narcotics traffickers and special interest alien smugglers, according to the article.