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