RESPONSE TO DAMASCUS REFUGEE SITREP 1

UNCLAS STATE 040480

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: IZ SY PHUM PREF PREL
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO DAMASCUS REFUGEE SITREP 1

REF: DAMASCUS 236


1. (SBU) Department appreciates Post's update on Iraqi
refugee resettlement (reftel).


2. (SBU) PRM and DHS/USCIS authorize GSO or a contractor to
drill additional tennis ball-sized holes in the Plexiglass in
each interview room to facilitate better communication. We
understand this will cost approximately 800 USD and require
roughly 8 hours of labor to be done after hours. PRM also
authorizes the purchase of approximately 150 USD of local
rugs to hang on the walls of the interview rooms to improve
acoustics. PRM will provide funding via IOM and we will ask
IOM to coordinate directly with the Embassy regarding payment
for the contractors and rugs.


3. (SBU) PRM has discussed UNHCR,s proposal to change the
DHS work week to allow UNHCR to have access to the interview
rooms for one additional Syrian work day with DHS/USCIS and
IOM. All are in agreement to implement a Monday-Friday DHS
interview schedule starting on May 5.
RICE