CZECHS WILL RESETTLE UP TO 10 CUBAN MIGRANTS

UNCLAS PRAGUE 001302 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS NCE/EUR FOR ERIC FICHTE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF SMIG CU EZ SUBJECT: CZECHS WILL RESETTLE UP TO 10 CUBAN MIGRANTS REF: A. STATE 124445 ¶B. PRAGUE 01033 ¶1. (SBU) The Czechs have confirmed they will accept up to ten Cuban migrants this year. Ministry of Interior Head of the Unit for Policy, International Relations and Information on Countries of Origin Pavla Fridrichova said that if all goes well, the Czechs will consider accepting similar numbers in future years. Fridrichova and her deputy Katerina Sykorova are the primary points of contact for resettlement efforts (not the Czech MFA in Prague or the Czech Embassy in Washington). ¶2. (SBU) On timing and procedure, Fridrichova said the MOI is prepared to begin the selection process immediately, and hopes to conclude it this fall. The MOI prefers to resettle two to three families with minor children (for a total of up to ten people),and will give special consideration to humanitarian criteria such as an illness or handicap. Further, the MOI prefers candidates who were persecuted for their political beliefs rather than for practicing their religion. The MOI will determine whether travel to Cuba to meet the candidates is necessary after reviewing the files. After the preliminary selection is made, a security screening will be necessary. The MOI hopes to welcome the selected families to the Czech Republic in early 2007. ¶3. (SBU) Current status: The selection process is underway. Sykorova contacted PRM officials to confirm the MOI's offer to resettle the Cuban migrants. In response, PRM provided the files of five families that fit the profile described by the Czechs. GRABER