RESPONSE FROM ADDIS ABABA REGARDING SADDAM HUSSEIN VERDICT.

UNCLAS ADDIS ABABA 003418

SIPDIS

SENSTIVE
SIPDIS

DEPT FOR: D, P, M, DS, S/CT, CA, INR, AF/EX AND DS/IP/AF

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC ET SO PTER PGOV PHUM CASC KAWC KJUS IZ
SUBJECT: RESPONSE FROM ADDIS ABABA REGARDING SADDAM HUSSEIN VERDICT.


REF: A) STATE 203665
B) ADDIS ABABA 03362
C) ADDIS ABABA 03392


1. (SBU) On December 26, the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) met
to review the general security situation in Ethiopia as well as
post's general security posture. The following offices were
represented at the EAC: Charge, A/DCM, PE, DATT, USAID, USAU, CONS,
RMO, ORA, CDC, MGT, GSO, A/PAO, MSG and RSO.


2. (SBU) The EAC discussed the following issues:

-- The ongoing situation between Ethiopia and Somalia. Between
December 24-26, the Government of Ethiopia (GOE) publicly
acknowledged sustained military operations in Somalia against
extreme elements of the Council of Islamic Courts (CIC).

-- Related security concerns, including the general security
situation within Addis Ababa and the rest of Ethiopia.


3. (SBU) The EAC briefly discussed the issue of the Saddam Hussein
verdict. However, the general consensus among key EAC members is the
Saddam Hussein verdict and Iraq has little or no interest within
Ethiopia. The focus of interest within Ethiopia is as follows:

--The on-going situation between Somalia and Ethiopia and possible
reprisals within Ethiopia;

--The on-going border dispute situation between Ethiopia and
Eritrea;

--The general internal economic, political and security situation
within Ethiopia;

Local press coverage of the Saddam Hussein verdict has been minimal.
Local public sentiment and interest in this matter is also minimal.



4. (SBU)The current situation in Addis Ababa remains normal and
permissive. However, the EAC approved and released a general warden
message (approved by the Department),advising the public of
Ethiopian military operations along the border and in Somalia, and
repeating cautionary information from the Consular Information
Sheet. This information already advises Americans to be cautious and
vigilant due to the elevated threat within Addis Ababa due to
possible reprisals regarding the Ethiopia - Somalia situation.
Additional warnings would be redundant.


5. (SBU) The RSO has already carefully examine our already strong
security posture, and made necessary adjustments. In the coming
days, we hope to begin work on extensive physical security
improvements to the highly visible and accessed gate to the Embassy
compound.


6. (SBU) The primary EAC members are in daily contact with each
other, and will convene another EAC regarding the Saddam Hussein
verdict and Iraq if the situation merits it.

WILGUS