DEMARCHE ON FLEEING IRAQI OFFICIALS

C O N F I D E N T I A L GUATEMALA 001036

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2013
TAGS: PREL PGOV IZ GT
SUBJECT: DEMARCHE ON FLEEING IRAQI OFFICIALS

REF: A. STATE 98747

B. STATE 95180

C. GUATEMALA 995

Classified By: Ambassador John Hamilton for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).

(C) In the absence of Foreign Minister Gutierrez, Embassy
raised ref A points with Giovanni Castillo, Director General
for Multilateral Affairs on April 21. Castillo assured us
that the GOG would immediately inform the Embassy of any
cases of former Iraqi regime officials attempting to enter
Guatemalan territory. Castillo added that in the wake of our
previous demarche on this subject (refs B and C),he had been
in consultations with the Ministry's Legal Department
regarding procedures for potential asylum claims by Iraqi
officials. The GOG would look to the Embassy for
information, coordination, and support, he said, in any such
claims. Castillo said he doubted any Iraqi officials would
attempt to take refuge in Guatemala but repeated his
assurances that we would be immediately consulted if the GOG
detects possible Iraqi officials in Guatemala.
HAMILTON