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