DEMARCHE REQUEST: ENGAGE UN ON PLACING

UNCLAS STATE 057100 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREF PREL UN IZ SUBJECT: DEMARCHE REQUEST: ENGAGE UN ON PLACING IOM/BAGHDAD STAFF UNDER USG SECURITY UMBRELLA REF: A. A. FINERTY-PHEE EMAIL 5/22/08 ¶B. B. MANLOVE-THAYER EMAIL 5/8/08 ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 3. Background ¶2. (SBU) The International Organization for Migration (IOM), which runs the Overseas Processing Entity (OPE) in Baghdad under contract to the Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration, has requested that IOM caseworkers assigned on rotating TDYs to Baghdad be authorized to live and work under the security umbrella of the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad. These IOM caseworkers conduct interviews with refugee applicants and prepare their cases for interviews with DHS/USCIS adjudicators. As the UN Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) has a very limited staff ceiling, it has requested that IOM caseworkers be provided with housing, office space, and security coverage by the U.S. Embassy. The UNAMI Regional Security Officer and IOM/Baghdad representative inspected the "hardened" housing and office space designated for IOM caseworkers by the U.S. Embassy and confirmed that it meets UN security standards. The UNAMI RSO then drafted an MOU (ref B),which was approved by then-Acting DCM Ned Alford and Acting Management Counselor Terry Leech. Approximately two weeks ago, UNAMI brought the request before UN Under-Secretary-General (U/SYG) for the Department of Safety and Security (DSS) David Veness, who (we understand) will make the final decision on the request. ¶3. (SBU) USUN is instructed to engage DSS, at the level of U/SYG, if appropriate. USUN should emphasize the invaluable work conducted by the IOM OPE/Baghdad caseworkers and the readiness and ability of the U.S. Embassy to accommodate the additional staff. USUN should also stress the need to approve this request as soon as possible, preferably no later than June 1. ¶4. (SBU) USUN is requested to report on the results of its engagement with DSS. IO/UNP POC is Bridget Lines at LinesBM@state.sgov.gov or 202-647-7142. Additional PRM POC is Lawrence Bartlett at BartlettLE@state.sgov.gov or 202-663-1065. RICE