SWEDEN: REQUEST FOR RESETTLEMENT OF GUANTANAMO

C O N F I D E N T I A L STOCKHOLM 000315 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/23/2017 TAGS: PREL PTER PHUM PINR KAWC XG SW SUBJECT: SWEDEN: REQUEST FOR RESETTLEMENT OF GUANTANAMO DETAINEES REF: A. STATE 36991 ¶B. STATE 37005 Classified By: DCM Stephen V. Noble, reason 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (c) DCM accompanied by Polcouns met 3/23 with MFA Political Director Olof Skoog to urge Sweden to consider resettlement of Guantanamo refugees (refs A and B). Skoog said the GoS would study the request, and noted that Sweden had received and seriously considered (but ultimately declined) a prior request to resettle two Uighurs from Guantanamo. He said that the GoS would likely have additional questions, and may seek additional information regarding the persons proposed for resettlement. (c) Skoog asked if the individuals concerned would need continued monitoring and security follow-up. DCM replied that the U.S. would not be seeking security assurances with 11 of the 25 for whom resettlement was being sought. Regarding the other 14, we would apparently request follow-up. Skoog also asked, and DCM disclosed, the other countries that were being approached. Skoog said that GoS decision-making process would take some time, and said he would provide us information as soon as available. The DCM noted that we hoped to have some indication be 28 March. WOOD