EMBASSY NICOSIA EAC - 19 JANUARY 2006 - AVIAN FLU

S E C R E T NICOSIA 000071

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

DS/IP/EUR, DS/IP/ITA, AMMAN FOR RMO

E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/23/2016
TAGS: ASEC AMED CY
SUBJECT: EMBASSY NICOSIA EAC - 19 JANUARY 2006 - AVIAN FLU
UPDATE

REF: E-MAIL DS/IP/EUR 09 JANUARY 2006

Classified By: DCM Jane Zimmerman: Reason 1.4 (C,D)


1. (S/NF) As instructed in reftel, the DCM convened Embassy
Nicosia's EAC on January 19, 2006 to brief the Ambassador and
review the Embassy's and Cypriot progress in managing a
potential outbreak of the Avian Flu (AI). Also discussed
were actions the Embassy will take should problems arise with
American citizens who come to the Embassy seeking assistance.
Developments concerning Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot
preparations will be described in greater detail septel. The
meeting was attended by AMB, DCM, RSO, DAO, PAS, CONS, MGT,
POL, ECON, OSC (formally FBIS),USAID, DEA and SIMO.


2. (SBU) Members of the EAC commented that both the Turkish
Cypriots and the GOC are jointly taking steps in addressing a
potential out break of AI on the island, although cooperation
is still limited. Veterinarians from both sides of the Green
Line have been meeting informally and will continue to
conduct meetings focused on preventing AI. Cooperation like
this is not/not the norm on the island.


3. (SBU) Consular section released a Warden Message last
month relaying basic facts about AI and related web-sites
where individuals can go for additional updates and
information regarding AI. Specifically stated in the Warden
Message is the American Embassy will not/not be distributing
Tamiflu or any other vaccines or medicine.


4. (SBU) Consular section will send out another Warden
Message that could be released as early as next week with
updated information. Post is working to schedule a visit
from the RMO in Jordan to coincide with the release of a
second Warden Message and a meeting of Wardens on the island.
This meeting will take place at the Embassy and strives to
answer questions and discuss concerns.


5. (SBU) The above measures should diminish the need for
American citizens to visit the Embassy for further assistance
or information concerning AI. Of the approximate 3500
Americans registered with the consular section, most are
Cypriot-American and fully integrated into Cypriot society.
The possibility of an American citizen coming to the Embassy
and causing any disturbance as a result of an outbreak is
minimal.


6. (S/NF) The EAC agreed that should unarmed, belligerent
individuals gain access to the compound, the local guard
force will use standard control techniques in restraining
combative persons. They are trained and are capable of
handling this type of situation. If a larger crowd or armed
individuals gain access to the compound, several actions can
be taken. The RSO Office has an excellent relationship with
the local police department, specifically with members of
MMAD, the GOC's special anti-terrorism police unit. This
unit is an integral part of the Embassy's perimeter security.
Their responses to all requests from the Embassy have always
been prompt and they have the training and capability to
disperse large crowds.


7. (S/NF) In an escalating situation, the use of the force
continuum will be adhered to in restoration of order and to
discontinue disturbances involving any crowd with hostile
intent.
SCHLICHER