KRG TELLS UNCHR THEY OPPOSE MAKHMOUR INTEGRATION

C O N F I D E N T I A L BAGHDAD 003036 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/16/2016 TAGS: PREF PTER PHUM UNHCR IZ TU SUBJECT: KRG TELLS UNCHR THEY OPPOSE MAKHMOUR INTEGRATION IN KURDISTAN REF: A. A) 06 BAGHDAD 02768 ¶B. B) 06 BAGHDAD 02377 Classified By: PolCouns Margaret Scobey for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: UNHCR-Iraq officials Burgi Englbrecht and Charlie Lynch met August 6-8 with KRG officials and residents of the Makhmour refugee camp. According to Englebrecht and Lynch, KRG Deputy Prime Minister Omar Fattah Hussayn, KRG Minister of Interior Osman Haji Mahmud, and Chief of Staff to the KRG President Fuad Hussein expressed opposition to local integration in Kurdistan for Makhmour residents unwilling to repatriate to Turkey. The Minister of Interior claimed that since February 22, more than 200,000 IDPs had migrated to Kurdistan, causing a severe strain on housing and services. The KRG officials told UNHCR that they viewed Makhmour as a GOI-led issue and would support any GOI security and repatriation efforts. End Summary. KRG Embrace Repatriation, Oppose Resettlement -------------- ¶2. (C) According to a readout provided to PolOff, in separate meetings August 6-8 UNHCR-Iraqi head of delegation Janvier de Reidmatten and UNHCR reps Charlie Lynch and Burgi Englbrecht informed KRG officials that their support for the Makhmour refugee camp could soon halt due to indications that the camp,s civilian nature had been compromised by PKK infiltration. UNHCR officials highlighted the importance of finding durable solutions for the 10,000 Turkish Kurd refugees located in the camp. KRG officials responded by saying although they would support repatriation, they would oppose resettlement in KRG areas. The KRG Minister of Interior explained that the current living situation in the KRG was already strained due to an influx of 200,000 displaced Iraqis. ¶3. (C) The KRG officials also emphasized to UNCHR that they neither were nor wanted to be the primary authority for Makhmour camp for security or repatriation issues. They explained they would support the GOI in its efforts, but were not willing to take lead. The KRG currently provides administrative services to the camp, while the Iraqi Army provides security support. UNCHR: Voluntary Repatriation Difficult but Better -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) Based on these meetings, Englebrecht opined to PolOff that repatriation would be the most viable solution for the majority of the Makhmour refugee camp. During the visit, the UNHCR group talked with 100 Makhmour residents who confirmed their desire to return to Turkey if provided with full amnesty. Englebrecht admitted, however, that the amnesty that residents desired would most likely not be granted by the Turkish government. Englebrecht added that if repatriation occurred, it would require a long administrative process spanning a year or more. Mayor Invites Inspection of Camp -------------- ¶5. (C) During UNHCR,s visit to the camp, the mayor claimed that the civilian nature of the camp had not been compromised by the PKK. He asserted that no weapons existed in the camp and that it was not providing direct or indirect support to PKK members. He invited an inspection to take place to confirm this assertion. Despite the mayor,s claims, a resident told UNHCR reps that 30 members of PKK had come to the camp to rest the week of July 15. The UNHCR reported to PolOff that they were eager to take the mayor up on his offer of an inspection, and would encourage the GOI to support a formal inspection and assessment through the auspices of the Iraqi Army (3rd Battalian of the 3rd Brigade). This battalion currently monitors and inspects the camp. SPECKHARD