SHIKHMURADOV DEPORTATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABU DHABI 001878 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, EUR/CACEN, PRM E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/19/13 TAGS: PHUM PGOV TX TC SUBJECT: SHIKHMURADOV DEPORTATION REF: STATE 98760 ¶1. (U) Classified by Ambassador Marcelle M. Wahba for reasons 1.5 (B) and (D). ¶2. (C) Upon notification Polchief engaged with multiple layers of the UAEG on the Boris Shikhmuradov case. The Ambassador followed-up with MFA Assistant U/S for Political Affairs Abdullah Rashid. We are pleased to report that as a result of our efforts, the Emiratis have made the following assurances: -- The Shikhmuradov family will not/not be deported to Turkmenistan or Russia under any circumstances; -- They are free to go wherever they want; -- The family can remain in the UAE until April 24. ¶3. (C) Abdullah Rashid, in providing the above assurances, explained to the Ambassador that when Mr. Shikhmuradov's residency visa was cancelled in March, the UAE immigration authorities explained that he would need to leave the country and advised him not to seek reentry. (Note: The Shikhmuradovs flew to Cyprus in late March where they obtained visit visas to reenter the UAE. End Note.) Thus the UAEG believes Shikhmuradov wilfully ignored their instructions by obtaining a visit visa. ¶4. (C) In our various conversations with Mr. Shikhmuradov, he noted that he does not have visas to any European countries. However, he obtained an airport visa when he entered Cyprus in March. ¶5. (C) On April 19. we contacted UNHCR liaison office representative May Kadkoy who explained that it would be preferable for the Shikhmuradovs to apply for refugee status in a country other than the UAE, because the UAEG is not a party to the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. She noted that Cyprus is a signatory to the convention and that it would be preferable for him to file there. ¶6. (C) Comment: We see little chance that the UAEG will permit Shikhmurdov to remain in the UAE beyond April 24. We suggest that he find a country, such as Cyprus, which is signatory to the refugee convention, and file his claim there. We would strongly advise against him remaining in the UAE where filing a refugee claim is difficult and lengthy even in the best of circumstances. End Comment. WAHBA