SURINAME: MULLING OVER RESETTLEMENT OF PROTECTED CUBAN AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L PARAMARIBO 000504

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR WHA/CAR MSEIBEL
NSC FOR KRISTEN MADISON

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/09/2014
TAGS: PREF PREL SMIG MARR HA XL NS
SUBJECT: SURINAME: MULLING OVER RESETTLEMENT OF PROTECTED CUBAN AND
HAITIAN MIGRANTS AT GUANTANAMO NAVAL BASE

REF: STATE 139422

Classified By: Ambassador Marsha E. Barnes; reasons 1.5 (B)
and (D).


1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3.


2. (C) The Ambassador delivered reftel points on Cuban and Haitian
migrants at Guantanamo Naval Base to Surinamese Foreign Minister
Marie Levens on July 9, and asked for Suriname's assistance in
providing a resettlement opportunity for the migrants. Levens
responded, "We can discuss this." She told the Ambassador that it
would be helpful to have information on the refugees such as their
skills and if they have any friends or family already in Suriname,
noting that Suriname already has a Haitian community. Levens
reminded the Ambassador that Suriname had opened its doors to
Haitian refugees in 1996 and said that it would be willing to look
at the issue again.


3. (C) In light of Levens favorable response, the Embassy requests
copies of biographies for migrants seeking resettlement. Also,
information on any family or acquaintances currently living in
Suriname that any of the migrants have may also be helpful in
assisting the GOS in making a decision. Biographies may be sent via
classified email to Vernelle Trim.

BARNES


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