Cablegate: Finnish Efforts On Behalf of Uzbek Refugees In

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UNCLAS HELSINKI 000924

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREF PREL PHUM NL SW FI KG UZ
SUBJECT: FINNISH EFFORTS ON BEHALF OF UZBEK REFUGEES IN
KYRGYZSTAN

REF: A. STATE 1531333
B. STOCKHOLM 1498
C. BISHTEK 1194
D. SCHLAEFER/THOME-EUR/NB E-MAILS 22-24 AUG 05

1. (SBU) PolChief met August 24 with MFA Human Rights Unit
Director Johanna Suurpaa and Legal Officer Janina Hasenson to
request additional assurances regarding the 15 Uzbek refugees
in Kyrgystan. Both reiterated their office's willingness to
draft a note to Kyrgyz authorities in accordance with the
guidelines outlined in Ref A. However, they highlighted
minor problems that might delay slightly the note's delivery.
First, Finnish refugee resettlement law, like that of many
countries, does not permit the granting of refugee status
without a UNHCR determination. The MFA's legal office is
already working with the Human Rights Unit to find a
compromise on suitable language, but this may take a few
days. Second, Finland intends to consult with the
Netherlands and Sweden on both the language and the form of
communication before delivering anything to the Kyrgyz
procurator general. Finally, they said, Finland's
non-resident ambassador was seeking clarifications from the
Kyrgyz MFA regarding the issue.

2. (SBU) Suurpaa suggested that there was some hope that
Kyrgyz authorities might simply relent and release the 15
Uzbeks to UNHCR, based on previous assurances and in response
to the pressure currently being applied by UNHCR, the U.S.
and the resettlement countries. If not, however, she and
Hasenson expressed confidence that Finland, Sweden and the
Netherlands would eventually come up with an adequate joint
response that would serve to secure the Uzbeks' release.
MACK

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