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