PANAMANIAN AMBASSADOR TO SWEDEN QUESTIONS VISA REVOCATION

UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000688 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CVIS PREL PM SW SUBJECT: PANAMANIAN AMBASSADOR TO SWEDEN QUESTIONS VISA REVOCATION REF: (A) STATE 103325 (B) STOCKHOLM 000663 ¶1. (SBU) Panamanian Ambassador to Sweden Cecilio Eduardo Simon English (DPOB: 01-OCT-1951, Panama) met with DCM and Consul on 14 October in reference to reftel A notice that his B1/B2 visa has been revoked under INA 212(A)(3). The visibly distressed Ambassador stated that he was not an enemy of the United States and that the revocation was bewildering and personally embarrassing. ¶2. (SBU) English voiced concern that he was being punished for his past political opposition to the U.S. invasion of Panama, or his later studies in Cuba. If so, he wondered why he had later received a number of U.S. visas and had traveled to the United States on at least six different occasions without incident, including once with the International Visitors Program, and another in connection with a USAID grant he received to promote rule of law in Central America. ¶3. (SBU) The DCM assured Ambassador English that the revocation was not in response to any perceived political position or opinion he held. Instead, he reviewed with Ambassador English the text of INA 212(A)(3),and noted the visa had been revoked on Department orders as a precaution due to to what appeared to be an allegation of criminal activity, for which the Embassy had no further information. He advised the Ambassador to inquire directly with the Department through the Panamanian Embassy in Washington. The DCM added that the Ambassador should reapply at the Embassy if he wished to determine his eligibility for a future visa. Ambassador English said he understood the Embassy's position, and that he would do the same in our shoes. He added that both his Ministry and Embassy in Washington were informed of the case and may inquire further. WOOD