POTENTIAL ASYLUM REQUEST FROM IRAQI DIPLOMAT IN

C O N F I D E N T I A L WARSAW 003650 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR CA/VO/F/P, DRL/CRA, DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR EUR/NCE, NEA/I E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2015 TAGS: CVIS PHUM PINR PL PREL IZ SUBJECT: POTENTIAL ASYLUM REQUEST FROM IRAQI DIPLOMAT IN WARSAW Classified By: DCM KEN HILLAS, REASON 1.4D ¶1. CONOFF was visited on October 19, 2005 by Mohammed N. Muthanna, Third Secretary and Consul for the Iraqi Embassy in Warsaw, in connection with a potential asylum request by Mr. Muthanna. Muthanna told CONOFF that he believes that he has been targeted for assasination by either "Baathists" or "al Quada" elements upon his return to Baghdad. According to Muthanna, he learned of this threat through his parents who reside in Baghdad. On or about August 16, 2005, a caller warned Muthanna's parents that their son would be returning to Iraq soon and upon his return, Muthanna would be "taught a lesson" that Muthanna's young son would never forget. Muthanna's parents contacted their son with this information, which the family interpreted as a death threat. Muthanna initially told them not to worry, as he was safe in Poland. A week later, Muthanna received orders from the Foreign Ministry to end his tour in Poland and return to Baghdad. According to Mr. Muthanna, the fact that the callers who threatened him apparently knew the Foreign Ministry's plans to recall him before he did convinced him that whoever threatened him has access to internal Iraqi government personnel information. ¶2. Mr. Muthanna told CONOFF that he came to Warsaw without previous diplomatic experience at the behest of the Coalition Provisional Authority to open up a liaison office here for the new Iraqi government. His Polish diplomatic identity card, issued when he arrived in Warsaw, shows his title as Charge d'Affaires. According to Muthanna, he has been trying without success since August 23 to convince the Foreign Ministry to find him another overseas posting. Muthanna stated that he is not a wealthy man and could not afford a personal bodyguard should he return to Baghdad. He approached CONOFF as a first step in an attempt to secure USG assistance for his situation. Muthanna stated that he has not told anyone at the Iraqi Embassy here of his decision to contact the USG. Muthanna has a wife in Warsaw (who he says is ailing),a one year old son, and a five week old child (born premature). ¶3. Embassy Warsaw is unable to verify Mr. Muthanna's claims. We are requesting Department guidance on how to proceed with Mr. Muthanna's request. ASHE