R 071948Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY LA PAZ
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8172
INFO AMEMBASSY ASUNCION
AMEMBASSY BRASILIA
AMEMBASSY BUENOS AIRES
AMEMBASSY CARACAS
AMEMBASSY LIMA
AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
UNCLAS LA PAZ 001694
SENSITIVE
DEPARTMENT FOR DS COMMAND CENTER, DS/IP/WHA, DS/OSAC, S/CT,
D, P, M, INR, CA, WHA/EX AND BL
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR AMGT ASEC CASC BL
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE (EAC) MEETING - LA PAZ
- 05 AUGUST 2008
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED (SBU) - PROTECT ACCORDINGLY
1. (SBU) On Tuesday, 05 August 2008, EAC La Paz was convened
to review current threat posture and to assess the political
situation in preparations for the recall referendum vote
scheduled for Sunday, 10 August 2008. The EAC generally
agreed that no serious violence or civil unrest is expected
prior to 10 August, but depending on the results of the
referendum, a greater political divide will ensue thus
increasing the chances of greater civil unrest. At present,
there is a very tense political environment nationwide. A
warden message, was approved and released late Tuesday, 05
August, providing referendum information and guidance to US
citizens. This was also forwarded to OSAC Bolivia.
2. (SBU) While travel to Bolivia is permitted on 10 August,
and American Airlines is still scheduled to fly,
transportation (public and private) throughout Bolivia is
prohibited without special permission granted by the
Government of Bolivia (GOB). Without a special permit,
travelers will have a greater difficulty obtaining
transportation upon arrival at Bolivian airports. As a
result, travel to Bolivia on 10 August is highly discouraged.
3. (SBU) In addition to the transportation restrictions, the
sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited from 00:01,
Friday (08/08/08) until noon, Monday (08/12/08) to include
consumption in private residences. The carrying of firearms,
political campaigning, and rights to assemble (i.e., strikes,
rallies, manifestations, protests, and marches, etc) are also
prohibited during this time frame. Rumors of marches to the
US Embassy continue, but it appears unlikely as there is
little support (unlike the last minute boost the protesters
received prior to the 09 June march with the announcement of
political asylum granted to a former senior government
official now residing in the US). There was a rumor of a 07
August march, but this now appears very unlikely.
4. (SBU) A test of the internal notification cascade system
has been updated and will be tested prior to 10 August. In
addition, all section/agency heads were instructed to have
all USG employees conduct a radio check with MSG Post 1. On
Monday, 11 August, if there is civil unrest or a
transportation strike (as rumored), employees will not be
permitted to drive to or park at the US Embassy. Shuttle
service will then be arranged for employees identified to
report to work.
5. (U) POC is RSO Patrick J. Moore; IVG 547-8300; email:
(moorepj@state.gov). Regards.
GOLDBERG