TFG01: SIERRA LEONE OFFICIALS CONFIRM THEIR BORDER

UNCLAS FREETOWN 000113 SIPDIS SIPDIS FOR GUINEA TASK FORCE, AF/W, AF/EX, CA/OCS, DS/IP/AF PLEASE ALSO PASS TO AID/AFR, PEACE CORPS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC CASC PREL GV SL SUBJECT: TFG01: SIERRA LEONE OFFICIALS CONFIRM THEIR BORDER REMAINS OPEN WITH GUINEA REF: CONAKRY 181 AND PREVIOUS ¶1. (SBU) On the morning of February 16, Post learned separately from Sierra Leone's Office for National Security (ONS),the Immigration Office, and the Ministry of Defense that the border between Sierra Leone and Guinea remains open. Also, nineteen American missionaries crossed safely into Sierra Leone and arrived at the town of Kabala inside the Sierra Leone-Guinea northern border at approximately 2300 hrs on February 15, according to Embassy sources. Post will confirm the names to CA, when known. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFA) said that it was continuing to monitor the situation. ¶2. (SBU) Post is sending a diplomatic note February 16 to the MFA requesting that Sierra Leone immigration officials continue to issue visas at the border and be aware that some American citizens may posses expired U.S. passports or Sierra Leonean visas that are no longer valid, and will need assistance to cross into Sierra Leone. The diplomatic note asks that officials contact the Consular Chief in the event any Amcits encounter difficulties entering Sierra Leone. ¶3. Embassy Freetown will continue to monitor the situation and inform Department and Embassy Conakry of any new information. HULL