TFLE01: CYPRUS SITREP 03 AS OF 1300 LOCAL,

S E C R E T NICOSIA 001170 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR CMS TASKFORCEN1 E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/20/2016 TAGS: AEMR ASEC KPAO CMGT LE CY KFLO CASC AMGT SUBJECT: TFLE01: CYPRUS SITREP 03 AS OF 1300 LOCAL, WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2006 REF: A. NICOSIA 1166 ¶B. NICOSIA 1167 Classified By: Ambassador Ronald L. Schlicher, reasons 1.4 B/D ¶1. (S) Summary: The total number of U.S. citizens received by Embassy Nicosia stands at 346. We are expecting a significant increase in that number as more ships begin to arrive late July 19/early July 20. POL/MIL ¶2. (S) The following are pol/mil updates: --As of 1230L, the MV Orient Queen has not yet departed Beirut but will probably arrive in Larnaca port early July ¶20. --The Beirut Air Bridge (BAB) began using Larnaca today, July 19, for passengers from Beirut to Larnaca airport. 160 people are scheduled to arrive today, with the first arrival scheduled at 1100L. Departures will still take off from Akrotiri; any packages or personnel needing to go to Beirut should depart through Akrotiri (helicopters ferried 6 Canadian diplomats this morning). --The Sandcak/S will depart Beirut July 20 at approximately 1200 and transport 700-800 U.S. citizens to Larnaca port. --USS Nashville is in Limassol port today for refueling and will support operations. It is scheduled to begin transport of up to 1200 passengers by July 20. --DAO is going to Paphos today to check out the airport and other logistical arrangements. CONSULAR ¶3. (S) The following are consular updates: --Total headcount of U.S. citizens arrived in Cyprus is at 346 (includes 11 who arrived via helicopter July 16, 62 who arrived via ship and helicopter on July 17, 37 who arrived via ship on July 18, 94 who arrived via helicopter on July 18, 4 who arrived on a Greek military ship on July 19, and 138 who arrived on the Hoegh transporter on July 19). --Total headcount of U.S. citizens who have departed Cyprus is unknown; however, on July 18 Embassy assisted at least 30 U.S. citizens' departure to Brussels after arriving by ship. --Today, July 19, Embassy Nicosia sent two CONS officers via helicopter to assist Embassy Beirut CONS operations. These officers will return tonight via ship, if possible, but Embassy plans to continue to send officers to Beirut. TDYers are scheduled to arrive soon, but for the time being CONS staffing is thin. We are rallying LES and EFM assistance at the port. --Hoegh Norwegian transport arrived at 0330 July 19 with 133 U.S. citizens aborad. CONS staff established an effective system of greeting people, with very helpful assistance from the U.S. marines. Embassy travel agent at the Larnaca port was very popular and in great demand. Successful MED station at the Larnaca port included the Regional Medical Officer, Embassy nurse, a U.S. marine medic station, and medical assistance set up by the Cypriots. Ambassador Schlicher greeted American arrivals and did press interviews. --CONS has set up a system of compiling passenger lists as people disembark that include name, passport numbers and DOB. These lists will be forwarded to local and Washington task forces as they become available. --CONS is trying to set up July 19 a call center to handle calls from the public. We are receiving 120-200 calls per hour. --Ordinary Embassy Nicosia CONS operations are suspended with the exception of emergencies. Post is sending out a warden message to that effect. MANAGEMENT ¶4. (SBU) We are working with the Cyprus International Fairgrounds to expect approximately 325 U.S. citizens from the MV Orient Queen; we plan to provide buffet meals. USG staff and local volunteers plan to greet arrivals at the Fairgrounds. We are also planning to provide televisions, books, magazines, etc. donated by local U.S. citizens and Cypriots. PUBLIC AFFAIRS ¶5. (U) The following are public affairs updates: --Ambassador gave interviews the morning of July 19 and plans more throughout the day. --PAS is planning to update IIP website with photos of our support and help on the ground. REGIONAL AFFAIRS ¶4. (S) RA is providing 24-hour operations for continuous intelligence support. RA will also be producing a daily NEO intelligence sitrep. SECURITY ¶5. (S) The following are security updates: --RSO has cleared the arrival of air marshals to Nicosia, and are looking for two U.S. citizens currently on a watchlist who may arrive from Beirut. Nicosia Task Force and CONS will coordinate passenger manifests with RSO, RA, and law enforcement. --RSO is monitoring July 19 protests scheduled to take place in central Nicosia. Approximately 400 demonstrators led by House President and AKEL party leader Christofias plan to gather at AKEL headquarters. SCHLICHER