IRISH RESPONSE TO UZBEK ASYLUM SEEKERS DEMARCHE

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000887 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PREF PHUM PGOV SUBJECT: IRISH RESPONSE TO UZBEK ASYLUM SEEKERS DEMARCHE REF: STATE 131485 On July 15, Post delivered reftel demarche to Austin Gormley, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) First Secretary for Russia and Eastern Europe. Gormley said that DFA would need to consult interagency, and particularly with the Irish Department of Justice, on the possibility of assisting UNHCR in transferring Uzbek asylum seekers out of Kyrgyzstan to avoid their refoulement to Uzbekistan. He commented that DFA had taken note of the urgency of reftel request and that the Irish Government was likely to consider the request with an open mind. He could not confirm that UNHCR had contacted the GOI, nor could he specify the time frame in which the GOI would be able to decide on assistance. Gormley pointed out that, under Irish law, the Uzbeks in question could request asylum in Ireland once in-country, a possibility that interagency discussions would have to consider. He also ventured that EU Foreign Ministers at the July 18-19 GAERC would not be in a position to consider reftel request at least on the first day of meetings. KENNY