US embassy cable - 05WARSAW3650

C O N F I D E N T I A L WARSAW 003650 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR CA/VO/F/P, DRL/CRA, 
DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR EUR/NCE, NEA/I 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/20/2015 
TAGS: CVIS, PHUM, PINR, PL, PREL, IZ 
SUBJECT: POTENTIAL ASYLUM REQUEST FROM IRAQI DIPLOMAT IN 
WARSAW 
 
 
Classified By: DCM KEN HILLAS, REASON 1.4D 
 
1. CONOFF was visited on October 19, 2005 by Mohammed N. 
Muthanna, Third Secretary and Consul for the Iraqi Embassy in 
Warsaw, in connection with a potential asylum request by Mr. 
Muthanna.  Muthanna told CONOFF that he believes that he has 
been targeted for assasination by either "Baathists" or "al 
Quada" elements upon his return to Baghdad.  According to 
Muthanna, he learned of this threat through his parents who 
reside in Baghdad.  On or about August 16, 2005, a caller 
warned Muthanna's parents that their son would be returning 
to Iraq soon and upon his return, Muthanna would be "taught a 
lesson" that Muthanna's young son would never forget. 
Muthanna's parents contacted their son with this information, 
which the family interpreted as a death threat.  Muthanna 
initially told them not to worry, as he was safe in Poland. 
A week later, Muthanna received orders from the Foreign 
Ministry to end his tour in Poland and return to Baghdad. 
According to Mr. Muthanna, the fact that the callers who 
threatened him apparently knew the Foreign Ministry's plans 
to recall him before he did convinced him that whoever 
threatened him has access to internal Iraqi government 
personnel information. 
 
2. Mr. Muthanna told CONOFF that he came to Warsaw without 
previous diplomatic experience at the behest of the Coalition 
Provisional Authority to open up a liaison office here for 
the new Iraqi government.  His Polish diplomatic identity 
card, issued when he arrived in Warsaw, shows his title as 
Charge d'Affaires.  According to Muthanna, he has been trying 
without success since August 23 to convince the Foreign 
Ministry to find him another overseas posting.  Muthanna 
stated that he is not a wealthy man and could not afford a 
personal bodyguard should he return to Baghdad.  He 
approached CONOFF as a first step in an attempt to secure USG 
assistance for his situation.  Muthanna stated that he has 
not told anyone at the Iraqi Embassy here of his decision to 
contact the USG.  Muthanna has a wife in Warsaw (who he says 
is ailing), a one year old son, and a five week old child 
(born premature). 
 
3.  Embassy Warsaw is unable to verify Mr. Muthanna's claims. 
We are requesting Department guidance on how to proceed with 
Mr. Muthanna's request. 
 
ASHE