REQUEST FOR ADVISORY OPINION ON REFUGEE INQUIRY

C O N F I D E N T I A L RANGOON 000009

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR CA/VO; PRM/A; EAP/MLS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/03/2017
TAGS: CVIS PREF BM
SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR ADVISORY OPINION ON REFUGEE INQUIRY

REF: 06 STATE 25824

Classified By: CDA SVILLAROSA for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d)


1. (U) On 29 December 2006, Post received an e-mail forwarded
by AskCA@state.gov, requesting the inquirer to contact the
U.S. Embassy or nearest consulate for information and
assistance. The original 19 December 2006 e-mail from
Journalist.sss@gmail.com reads as follows:

Begin text.

Dear Sir,
We have just learnt that our request for information has been
forwarded to your section. We are former Myanmar customs
officials dodging the arrest of Myanmar government. They
have charged with corruption, but there is no way for a
Myanmar government employee to survive without corruption.
Our colleagues who have been arrested have been sentenced to
disproportationate (sp) imprisonment. We would like to know
whether we are eligible to some of the refugee program of
your department. Reply as soon as possible.

End text.


2. (C/NF) Although this individual(s) has not walked in and
Post has therefore not been able to assess any imminent
danger, we note the example in para 26 of reftel that
"temporary refuge may not be granted to foreign nationals who
simply wish to ... evade local criminal law but who are not
in such danger." At face value of the e-mail, one can infer
an admission of corruption. Thus, while subject to
prosecution under Burmese law, the charges may be well
founded. As the inquirer has made no reference to any offer
of information to the USG, Post does not see a compelling
necessity to invite the inquirer to the Embassy for
consultation. If/when the inquirer does appear as a walk-in,
Post would of course follow procedures as outlined in reftel.
Post seeks the Department,s guidance how to respond to this
written inquiry.


3. (C/NF) The Department should keep in mind the peculiar
conditions in Burma. UNHCR does have an office in Rangoon.
We are concerned about jeopardizing the good work UNHCR does
here to protect Burmese citizens from an abusive government.
Referring doubtful cases of Burmese citizens to UNHCR might
prompt the regime to retaliate against UNHCR.

VILLAROSA