INDEPENDENT NEWS

Cablegate: Emergency Action Committee Meeting, September 23

Published: Thu 24 Sep 2009 05:38 AM
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DE RUEHDT #0257 2670538
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240538Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY DILI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4552
INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 1332
RUEHLI/AMEMBASSY LISBON 1165
RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RHHJJPI/PACOM IDHS HONOLULU HI
RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI 4095
UNCLAS DILI 000257
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS, DS, DS/DSS, DS/ITA/EAP, DS/IP/EAP AND EAP/EX
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PGOV PHUM TT
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING, SEPTEMBER 23
1. (SBU) The DCM chaired a meeting of the embassy's Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) on September 23 to review post's security
posture in advance of local elections scheduled for October 9,
and other matters. RSO, Mgt, Pol/PAO, IMO, AID and DOD
participated in the meeting.
2. (SBU) The EAC discussed the preparations for the nationwide
local Suco elections scheduled for October 9 and the National
Parliament's expected consideration of a no-confidence motion
against the government on October 5 and 6. The EAC assessed
that political violence, if any occurs, is unlikely to be
directed against the United States or American citizens.
Collateral damage against Americans would be possible, however,
if unrest occurs in Dili or hot spots in the districts. Post
will continue to monitor developments and consult with
international partners, including the security forces of the
United Nations mission and Australia. Post will also draft and
forward to Washington for approval a warden message to be
distributed to the American citizen community prior to the local
elections. The EAC noted that the possible release of indicted
Indonesian militia leader Martenus Bere, currently held at the
Indonesian embassy in Dili awaiting extradition or deportation
to Indonesia, could also lead to increased tensions.
3. (SBU) The EAC next discussed a formal request from the
Minister of Justice that a security barrier that Post had
erected to block a public road in front of the USAID compound be
removed. Post has replied to the message and requested that it
be conveyed through proper diplomatic channels after which Post
will evaluate and explore possible alternative security measures
with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The EAC does not
anticipate, however, that the GOTL will be amenable to any of
the alternative security measures that we are considering. The
EAC assessed the security implications of the removal of the
barrier as minimal given that the road is a lightly used
residential road and the existing jersey barriers can be quickly
forced aside by a large vehicle in any case. As a result, the
EAC recommended that the RSO prepare a new security waiver
request for the USAID compound.
4. (SBU) Finally, the EAC began to review and update Post's
Emergency Action Plan. The EAC in particular highlighted the
need for effective tripwires to be identified and incorporated
into the plan. Pol/PAO will review the embassy's warden system
and RSO/IMO will evaluate the status of radio and phone
communications.
KLEMM
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