GERMAN MINISTRIES ON SCHENGEN SUSPENSION FOR WORLD

C O N F I D E N T I A L BERLIN 001389 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/19/2016 TAGS: PGOV PTER KHLS PINR ASEC GM EU SUBJECT: GERMAN MINISTRIES ON SCHENGEN SUSPENSION FOR WORLD CUP REF: 05 BERLIN 3500 (NOTAL) Classified By: Minister-Counselor for Economic Affairs Robert F. Cekuta for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) While Germany has announced it would suspend Schengen provisions and re-establish border controls if necessary during the World Cup June 9 - July 9, the reality seems to be the move is little beyond a legal step needed in case Germany decides it needs some additional specific measures against hooligans, terrorists, or criminal elements. ¶2. (C) Interior Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble announced at a World Cup Security Conference hosted by his ministry March 30 that Germany would re-impose border controls due to the World Cup. Interior Ministry staff had outlined the move in October 2005 (reftel) and Germany appears to be carrying it out as foreshadowed. Interior and MFA officials refer to provisions within the several Schengen Acquis texts that enable a Schengen country to notify other Schengen countries and reinstate border controls; they refer to France's reinstating of border controls at times during recent years. The Interior Ministry announced April 24 Schaeuble had written EU Council Secretary-General Javier Solana and all 25 EU Interior Ministers to officially notify them of the step. ¶3. (C) Deputy Justice Minister Lutz Diwell told EMIN May 10 that Germany could not completely re-impose border controls and no intention to do so, even with the help Germany sought from and will receive from its neighbors. Instead, Germany will reserve the right to inspect anyone who intends to cross its borders, and will do so if it believes that anyone -- particularly hooligans -- who could pose a threat intend to enter the country. Echoing remarks first made in reftel, he said Germany would constantly review its intelligence and other information, including which World Cups teams are scheduled to play and where, to determine whether or not to impose border controls. For example, MOI officials have told Emboffs that Germany might re-impose border controls only at certain border crossing points with the Netherlands if the Dutch team were to play at a venue in Germany near the Dutch border. ¶4. (C) MOI Diplomatic Advisor Lothar Freischlader confided May 19 the Schengen re-imposition was largely symbolic. The intention was to reassure the German public that Germany was doing everything possible to secure the World Cup, had taken appropriate steps, and was in the position to act if threats emerged. German officials repeatedly state they have no information of specific threats to the World Cup, but note the German media have begun a drumbeat of reporting on the alleged plans of hooligans, neo-nazis, and others to use the period of the World Cup to demonstrate, draw attention to themselves, and possibly engage in violent acts. The Mission World Cup Security Team members continue to monitor all reporting for any threats to U.S. citizens, the U.S. team, or U.S. interests. TIMKEN JR