A professor of political science specializing in Iranian issues at the University of York in the United Kingdom provided the following information during a telephone interview on 30 September 1996.

There is no law specific to the possession of Iraqi-produced gold. However, since Iraq is considered to be an enemy country, those found in possession of Iraqi-produced gold could be suspected of having collaborated with and received a reward from the enemy, and could face arrest.

While the professor is not aware of any specific cases of arrest of individuals on the above-mentioned charges, or of any specific penalty for being found in possession of Iraqi-produced gold, the professor speculated that the penalty would be determined by the specifics of each case.

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. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

Professor of political science specializing in Iranian issues, University of York, UK. 30 September 1996. Telephone interview.

Amnesty International country file (Iran). 1992-96.

Amnesty International Report. 1992-96.

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices. 1992-95.

DIRB Indexed Media Review. 1992-96.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Daily Reports. 1992-96.

Human Rights Watch World Report. 1992-96.

Keesing's Record of World Events [Cambridge]. 1992-96.

The Middle East [London]. 1993-96.

Middle East International [London]. 1993-96.

News from Middle East Watch [New York]. 1996.

On-line search of news articles.