Information additional to that of Response to Information Request IRQ17657.E of 28 June 1994 on Iraqi government travel restrictions, difficulties or procedures regarding Iraqis travelling to Syria on Iraqi passports during the period 1980-1989, and whether these restrictions are still in force [IRQ17888.E]

According to a representative of Middle East Watch in Washington, DC, relations between Iraq and Syria became hostile in 1979 when Saddam Hussein accused the Syrian government of masterminding a military coup against him (28 June 1994). As a result, the Iraq-Syrian border was closed and should still be closed due to continuation of this hostility (ibid.).

The attached section of Encyclopedia of the Third World refers to the alleged Syrian-engineered coup attempt in Iraq.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Reference

Middle East Watch, Washington, DC. 28 June 1994. Telephone interview.

Attachment

Encyclopedia of the Third World. 1992. 4th ed. Vol. 2. Edited by George Thomas Kurian. New York: Facts On File, pp. 897-98.