EXPULSION OF YEMENI DIPLOMAT

UNCLAS SANAA 000704 SIPDIS FOR NEA AND OFM E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS YM SUBJECT: EXPULSION OF YEMENI DIPLOMAT ¶1. MFA Protcol Director, Mohamed Taha Mustafa, called in DCM on March 28,2004 to discuss the pending expulsion from the U.S. of Yemeni diplomat Abdulla M. Al-Socotry. Ambassador Taha Mustafa reviewed the facts of the case explaining that the ROYG considers the expulsion decision "harsh," but would nonetheless accept it and comply. ¶2. Nevertheless, Taha Mustafa asked that the State Department not impose additional and undue hardship on Socotry's wife and family by enforcing the expulsion within the stipulated 30-day period. He asked that the State Department give all possible consideration to allowing Socotry, his wife and children to remain until the end of the school year -- approximately June 30. Taha Mustafa offered assurance that Socotry and his family would depart as soom as the children finish out the school year. ¶3. The Protocol Director added that he had conferred earlier in the day with the MFA assignments office and that Socotry's reassignment had already been approved. The effective date of his reassingment has been set at July 1, in the hope that the State Department will accede to Yemen's request to allow Socotry, his wife and children to remain until the end of the school year. ¶4. Post requests guidance on the case of Mr. Socotry and his family. HULL