TFLE01: CYPRUS SITREP 02 AS OF 1830 LOCAL,

S E C R E T NICOSIA 001167

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FOR CMS TASKFORCEN1

E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/19/2016
TAGS: AEMR ASEC KPAO CMGT LE CY KFLO CASC AMGT
SUBJECT: TFLE01: CYPRUS SITREP 02 AS OF 1830 LOCAL,
TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2006

REF: NICOSIA 1166

Classified By: DCM Jane B. Zimmerman, reasons 1.4 B/D


1. (S) Summary: Nicosia coordination team met at 1700 local
time with latest updates on ships and accommodation for
incoming U.S. citizens. By July 20, under a best-case
scenario, Embassy expects to have received almost 2700 U.S.
citizens total since the Combined Task Force (CTF) began
operations.

POL/MIL


2. (S) The following are Pol/Mil updates:

--Support and cooperation from Government of Cyprus (GOC) and
Cypriot authorities is excellent. They are meeting all our
requests to the best of their ability, despite limited
resources.

--DAO has lead on an overall "thru-put" strategy for
Americans arriving from Beirut to leave Cyprus. It includes
logistical arrangements for receiving approximately 2,000
U.S. citizens per day beginning July 20. The strategy's
elements include consular affairs, public affairs, medical
support, and logistical coordination.

CONSULAR


3. (S) The following are consular updates:

--Embassy Nicosia is planning as of July 19 to send three
CONS officers daily by helicopter to assist Embassy Beirut.

--Between now and July 20, Embassy Nicosia is expecting to
receive the following numbers of U.S. citizens:

300 via Hoegh Norwegian transport (expected Larnaca
arrival July 19, 0230L)
120/day via helicopter by Beirut Air Bridge (BAB)
750 via MV Orient Queen (expected Larnaca arrival July
19 1900L)
1400 via Sandcak/S (expected Larnaca arrival July 19
evening)
100 via Canadian ship (name unknown, approximate
Larnaca arrival July 20)(per CMS Taskforce email)
unknown number (up to 1,000) via landing craft as
early as July 19 from the USS Nashville (per DAO)
unknown number via UK Carrier Strike Group
(approximate Cyprus arrival July 19)(per CMS Taskforce email)

--Three unaccompanied minors are expected to arrive on
helicopters July 18 evening; Nicosia consular operations are
in touch with parents who are arriving from Italy tomorrow.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS


4. (U) The following are public affairs updates:

--Our message: (1) Doing all we can to help fellow Americans
return home; (2) thank you for support from the Cypriots and
all others on the ground.

--Public Affairs Section office in Larnaca now operating,
number is (357) 24-846-746.

ECONOMIC/ADMINISTRATIVE AFFAIRS


5. (U) The following are economic/administrative affairs
updates:

--Permanent Secretary Lazaro Savvides at the Ministry of
Interior (and Cyprus Airways Chairman) contacted Cyprus Civil
Defense to obtain the use of 500 cots and blankets at the
Cyprus International Fairgrounds. Embassy ADMIN section
estimates the Fairgrounds will be set up and equipped by July
19 afternoon. Until then, hotel space in Larnaca and
Limassol should meet our needs.

--The Red Cross has donated diapers and sanitary napkins.
Embassy is arranging for their transport to Fairgrounds and
Larnaca.

--Embassy Nicosia travel agent will be present at Larnaca
seaport July 19 early morning to assist passengers arriving
via Hoegh Norwegian transport. The Cyprus Tourism Office
(CTO) is also planning to place travel agents at the Larnaca
seaport.

SECURITY



6. (S) The following are security updates:

--RSO has requested police presence at the Cyprus
International Fairgrounds and at the ports. It has conducted
security surveys at all locations where U.S. citizens will
gather and is in regular contact with local police.

--Approximately 150 demonstrators gathered at the Israeli
Embassy July 18. Another protest is planned in the city
center tomorrow.
SCHLICHER