LONDON BOMBINGS: VILNIUS EMERGENCY ACTION MEETING

UNCLAS VILNIUS 000711 SIPDIS STATE FOR S/CT, EUR/EX, DS/IP/EUR, AND DS/IP/ITA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC PTER LH SUBJECT: LONDON BOMBINGS: VILNIUS EMERGENCY ACTION MEETING REF: STATE 126209 ¶1. CDA chaired a meeting of the core EAC at OOB July 8 to review the Mission's security posture in the wake of the terrorist attacks in London. RSO, DIA, ORA, MGT, CONS, POL, and PAS attended. The EAC noted that that a group claiming responsibility for the bombings had indicated its intent to target Denmark and Italy for their support for the Global War on Terror (GWOT) in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that Lithuania fit this target selection criteria. At the same time, after reviewing the available evidence, the EAC concluded that there was no increased terrorist threat to Lithuania or to the U.S. Mission in Vilnius at this time. ¶2. The Embassy contacted Lithuanian authorities in the bombings immediate aftermath to ask if they were aware of any increased threat to the American Embassy or to Lithuania. All responses were negative. Lithuanian authorities know of no increased threat to the Embassy or to Lithuania. The Embassy will continue to stay in contact with Lithuanian authorities to monitor any changes in the threat situation. ¶3. The RSO has briefed the Local Guards, Surveillance Detection Team, and MSG's to increase their vigilance. The Embassy has provided appropriate background information on the London bombings to Lithuanian authorities. ¶4. A local newspaper reported that the Police Commissioner General has no reports of any terrorist threats in Lithuania. As a precaution, he ordered increased Police vigilance of important locations, including foreign embassies. This includes the American Embassy. ¶5. We anticipate no change in Lithuania's stalwart participation in the GWOT in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere as a result of the attacks. The Commanding General of the Lithuanian Armed Forces told the press yesterday "no terrorist acts will intimidate us or the international community. Terror will not be tolerated. Neither NATO nor the international coalition will reduce their resolve to assist in establishing democracy in Iraq and Afghanistan." KELLY