DEMARCHE - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE RETURN AND REINTEGRATION OF AFGHAN REFUGEES, NOVEMBER 19

UNCLAS CANBERRA 001138 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREF SUBJECT: DEMARCHE - INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON THE RETURN AND REINTEGRATION OF AFGHAN REFUGEES, NOVEMBER 19 REF: SECSTATE 118597 ¶1. (U) Jon Merrill, Director of the Afghanistan section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) told PolOff November 12 that Australia stands shoulder to shoulder with USG on the International Conference on the Return and Reintegration of Afghan Refugees. He said that Australia is prepared to support USG efforts to garner support from Pakistan and Iran for an extended reintegration window in line with that proposed by the Afghan National Development Strategy. Merrill noted that GOA would be open to a statement of support that would back the USG position. He said that GOA looked forward to demonstrating to Afghanistan's neighbors that this policy was to their benefit as well. ¶2. (U) Merrill said that return and reintegration had become particularly important issues for GOA. He offered that the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) would play a central role in drafting briefing papers for the Australian delegation to the conference. He said that there is some self-interest in a solid, common sense plan for Afghan refugees because it meant that GOA would be less likely to need to deal with Afghan refugees on its shores. MCCALLUM