N'DJAMENA SEEKS APPROVAL FOR REMOTE TDY RESIDENCE

UNCLAS NDJAMENA 000191 SIPDIS SIPDIS DS/IP/AF, DS/SPS/PSD, OBO/AM, OBO/REPM, AF/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: N'DJAMENA SEEKS APPROVAL FOR REMOTE TDY RESIDENCE IN ABECHE ¶1. (SBU) On February 18, 2007 the US Embassy EAC convened at 0915 to discuss the need to establish a remote residence in the Eastern Chadian city of Abeche. The purpose of this residence would be to provide a safe environment for Embassy personnel who are visiting or on TDY to the region. Currently, US Government organizations rely almost exclusively on the UNHCR or other NGO,s to provide a temporary lodging facility for official USG Tdy,ers to the area. The prospect of a UN Peacekeeping operation in Eastern Chad/Darfur would tax all current local resources and severely constrain the Embassy,s ability to safely work out of this strategic location. Obtaining a platform with which to live from and carry on reporting operations will become increasingly difficult if not impossible once the area becomes a focal point for peacekeeping and humanitarian aid projects. This facility would initially be a residence only. Meetings and other official business would still be conducted at UN or other NGO facilities. The EAC approved and agreed that such a facility is necessary for continued USG and Embassy operations. ¶2. (SBU) The EAC requests approval from the appropriate Washington Bureaus in order to continue moving forward. Several options were discussed as possibilities. They are: ¶1. A villa or residence would be leased and upgraded with the necessary security, safety and requirements. This house would be staffed by US DoS, USAID and DoD TDY personnel or Embassy personnel visiting and working in the area on a near continuous basis. ¶2. Existing space could be leased from the UNHCR compound and upgraded for habitability. The US Embassy would hold the rooms or space for its exclusive use but still be integrated into the UNHCR day to day operations. ¶3. If a suitable hotel can be located, the US Embassy could enter into a use agreement contract whereby the hotel provides accommodations upon notification. ¶3. (SBU) Upon DS/IP, DS/PSP/PSD, OBO/AM, OBO/REPM and AF/EX Bureau concurrence, the US Embassy will conduct preliminary plans to establish this residence and start the procurement, leasing and security process which will be necessary once a suitable location is found. WALL