Korean Rally Update, Friday 08-04-2006

UNCLAS KABUL 003480 SIPDIS SENSITIVE, SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/FO (DAS GASTRIGHT),SCA/A, S/CRS, SCA/PAB, S/CT, EUR/RPM STATE PASS TO USAID FOR AID/ANE, AID/CDHA/DG NSC FOR AHARRIMAN, KAMEND OSD FOR BREZINSKI CENTCOM FOR CG CFC-A, CG CJTF-76, POLAD REL NATO/AUST/NZ/ISAF E.O. 12958 N/A TAGS: CASC PREL PGOV PTER PHUM AF KS SUBJECT: Korean Rally Update, Friday 08-04-2006 REF: A) Kabul 3320 B) Kabul 3345 C) Kabul 3456 D) State 125681 E) Kabul 3479 ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The situation in Kabul and the provinces with regard to the Korean groups remains calm. Hundreds of Koreans were deported today through Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat. Some groups of Americans have been identified, contacted, and offered assistance. We expect most will leave the country on Saturday, August 5. There are no signs indicating widespread demonstrations or violence for Saturday, although as always, Kabul is not completely secure. END SUMMARY. AMERICAN CITIZENS ¶2. (SBU) Consular section continues to locate and contact groups of Americans to check on their welfare and safety. A group of 44 Americans and some Canadian citizens are expected to return to Kabul from Bamiyan tomorrow. Three groups of Americans have already been contacted in Kabul, totaling approximately 12. We have heard of more Amcits in Kabul but are unable to confirm their location or welfare. Some of the Americans have been told by the GoA that they will be sent back to Dubai, their transit city, tomorrow. SECURITY ¶3. (SBU) The situation remains calm in Kabul, Herat, Bamiyan, and Mazar-e-Sharif. There were no known demonstrations today and no indications that they will occur tomorrow. The MOI has created a detailed and comprehensive plan in case of disruptions tomorrow. (COMMENT: CSTC-A and the Embassy have reviewed the plan and consider it effective. See SEPTEL. END COMMENT.) The GoA has responded to the situation by splitting up the groups of Koreans and spreading them throughout the city while preventing them from gathering in large groups to protect their security. Koreans in the provinces are also not being allowed to return to Kabul without special authorization. DEPARTURES ¶4. (SBU) Post has received word that hundreds of Koreans have been ushered out of the country today. The Korean Embassy and GoA worked together to provide flights back to Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif for those who entered via Iran and Uzbekistan. About 100-200 others were slated to depart today and tomorrow for Kazakhstan, China, India, and UAE. COMMENT ¶5. (SBU) The situation seems to be under control. The GoA has effectively eliminated any chance for the Korean group to hold events. The GoA has also created a very thorough plan to deal with potential emergencies. Post has seen no indications of potential violence but will continue to track the continuing situation. END COMMENT. NEUMANN