THE GAMBIA: VERDICT IN SADDAM HUSSEIN CASE

UNCLAS BANJUL 000692 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL CASC GA SUBJECT: THE GAMBIA: VERDICT IN SADDAM HUSSEIN CASE REF: STATE 182968 ¶1. (SBU) In response to reftel, Ambassador convened the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to assess the possible impact on the local security environment of the conviction and sentencing to death of Saddam Hussein. There was agreement among EAC members that the verdict was not likely to generate a significant negative reaction among The Gambia's populace. Prospects of protest demonstrations or acts of violence were judged to be remote. There was also a consensus among EAC members that the Embassy's current security posture remained appropriate and that no warden message was warranted. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT: In the absence of any official Gambian reaction, the local media have given limited, factual coverage to the verdict, drawing largely from Western wire service reports. In our canvassing of both private and official Gambian contacts, all have ruled out any prospect of untoward activities here, whether directed against the U.S. or otherwise, following the verdict. END COMMENT. STAFFORD