GUIDANCE ON ASYLUM CASE OF FARC TERRORIST

C O N F I D E N T I A L STATE 139878 E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/20/2016 TAGS: MARR PGOV PREL PTER BR CO SUBJECT: GUIDANCE ON ASYLUM CASE OF FARC TERRORIST REF: A) BRASILIA 1511 B) BRASILIA 1613 Classified By: WHA/FO DOUG BARNES FOR REASONS 1.5 b and d ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 3. ¶2. (C) Department understands the Colombian government has approached the GOB regarding the July 14 decision by the Brazilian National Committee on Refugees (CONARE) to grant political asylum to Francisco Antonio Cadena Collazos (ref B). The Department shares Post's and the GOC's concerns regarding CONARE's actions and the likely ratification of CONARE's decision by the Brazilian Supreme Federal Tribunal (STF). Despite GOB claims it cannot interfere with the judicial process surrounding Cadena's asylum claim, Department agrees it is important to request more information, express our concern, and reinforce the message by the Colombians that the decision should be reversed. ¶3. (U) Post is requested to approach the GOB at the appropriate level to raise USG concern on the issue. Post may draw on the below talking points: -- We are concerned about the July 14 decision by CONARE to grant political asylum to suspected FARC terrorist Francisco Antonio Cadena Collazos. We understand it is likely the STF will shortly rule on the CONARE decision. -- As you are aware, Cadena is wanted in Colombia on charges of murder for terrorist purposes, extortion, and terrorism. In these circumstances, we find it surprising Brazil would offer political asylum to Cadena. -- We would appreciate further information regarding the basis for the decision and how it can be reconciled with the GOB's obligation to deny safe haven to terrorists and to bring to justice (e.g., extradite or prosecute) terrorists found in their territory. This obligatin is consistent with Security Council resolution 1373, which calls on states ensure that those who commit or support terrorist acts are brought to justice. -- We strongly urge the GOB to ensure the STF's review of the CONARE decision is fair and takes into account the above considerations. -- We also urge you to engage further with the Colombian government on this issue. RICE