AMBASSADOR REITERATES USG REQUEST FOR CHILE TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SANTIAGO 002574

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/27/2015
TAGS: PREL SMIG CU CI
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR REITERATES USG REQUEST FOR CHILE TO
ACCEPT GTMO MIGRANTS

REF: A. SANTIAGO 01875

B. STATE 86436

C. STATE 113426

D. MURPHY-GEHRING 6/21 E-MAIL AND PREVIOUS

Classified By: A/DCM Sean Murphy. Reasons: 1.4 (b and d).


1. (C) The Ambassador reiterated the USG request (refs b-c)
to resettle in Chile protected migrants from the Guantanamo
Naval Base during a December 23meeting with Foreign Minister
Walker. The Ambassador noted the Embassy had conveyed the
requests to the Foreign Ministry in May (ref d) and again in
September (ref A). In response to Walker's question, the
Ambassador assured him the U.S. sought permanent resettlement
of these migrants outside of the U.S.


2. (C) After conferring with MFA Director General for
External Relations Carlos Portales (who was present at the
meeting, and to whom the Ambassador had delivered a similar
demarche last September -- ref A),Walker directed Portales
to work with MFA Director for Consular Affairs Ambassador
Ricardo Concha to review the request.


3. (U) Post intends to follow up with Ambassador Concha on
this matter.
KELLY