VZCZCXRO5383
OO RUEHBC RUEHDA RUEHDE RUEHIHL RUEHKUK
DE RUEHC #7100 1492100
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 282052Z MAY 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 1936
INFO IRAQ COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD IMMEDIATE 8372
RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO IMMEDIATE 6247
UNCLAS STATE 057100
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL UN IZ
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE REQUEST: ENGAGE UN ON PLACING
IOM/BAGHDAD STAFF UNDER USG SECURITY UMBRELLA
REF: A. A. FINERTY-PHEE EMAIL 5/22/08
B. B. MANLOVE-THAYER EMAIL 5/8/08
1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3.
Background
2. (SBU) The International Organization for Migration (IOM),
which runs the Overseas Processing Entity (OPE) in Baghdad
under contract to the Bureau of Population, Refugees and
Migration, has requested that IOM caseworkers assigned on
rotating TDYs to Baghdad be authorized to live and work under
the security umbrella of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. These
IOM caseworkers conduct interviews with refugee applicants
and prepare their cases for interviews with DHS/USCIS
adjudicators. As the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI)
has a very limited staff ceiling, it has requested that IOM
caseworkers be provided with housing, office space, and
security coverage by the U.S. Embassy. The UNAMI Regional
Security Officer and IOM/Baghdad representative inspected the
"hardened" housing and office space designated for IOM
caseworkers by the U.S. Embassy and confirmed that it meets
UN security standards. The UNAMI RSO then drafted an MOU (ref
B), which was approved by then-Acting DCM Ned Alford and
Acting Management Counselor Terry Leech. Approximately two
weeks ago, UNAMI brought the request before UN
Under-Secretary-General (U/SYG) for the Department of Safety
and Security (DSS) David Veness, who (we understand) will
make the final decision on the request.
3. (SBU) USUN is instructed to engage DSS, at the level of
U/SYG, if appropriate. USUN should emphasize the invaluable
work conducted by the IOM OPE/Baghdad caseworkers and the
readiness and ability of the U.S. Embassy to accommodate the
additional staff. USUN should also stress the need to
approve this request as soon as possible, preferably no later
than June 1.
4. (SBU) USUN is requested to report on the results of its
engagement with DSS. IO/UNP POC is Bridget Lines at
LinesBM@state.sgov.gov or 202-647-7142. Additional PRM POC
is Lawrence Bartlett at BartlettLE@state.sgov.gov or
202-663-1065.
RICE