(S/NF) SUBJECT: PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDANCE FOR

SECRET STATE 151188 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/31/2017 TAGS: MARR PREL BC GB LI SUBJECT: (S/NF) SUBJECT: PUBLIC AFFAIRS GUIDANCE FOR AFRICOM SITE SURVEY VISITS TO BOTSWANA, GABON, AND LIBERIA Classified By: LTHOMAS-GREENFIELD Background -------------- ¶1. (S/NF) Over the next few weeks, DOD and State will jointly visit Botswana, Gabon, and Liberia to discuss security cooperation with host countries in the context of AFRICOM. Visiting teams will also collect data on security and infrastructure parameters relevant to siting an AFRICOM element. Participation in discussions does not imply a commitment by any country to host an AFRICOM element. Host country feedback and site survey data will assist senior officials in defining next steps in the site selection process. Public Affairs Approach -------------- ¶2. (FOUO) Site survey teams are only authorized to describe the purpose of the visits if asked, and only with the approved statement in paragraph 3. Site survey teams are not authorized to respond to other queries and should refer questions to the country team and/or to the host nation government. ¶3. (U) The following statement is authorized for public use by the site survey team and country team: "The United States Government is discussing bilateral security cooperation issues with (insert country). For additional information we would direct you to the Government of (insert country)." ¶4. (U) No media coverage of visit activities is planned. The site survey team will report any media coverage encountered to the country team, OSD Public Affairs, and AFRICOM Public Affairs. Points of Contact -------------- ¶6. (U) AF/RSA: Jun Bando (BandoJ@state.gov or 202-647-5781); Jerry P. Lanier (LanierJP@state.gov or 202-647-6476). AFRICOM Public Affairs: Eric Elliott (elliotte@eucom.mil or 49-(0)711-729-4959); Steve Wollman (wollmans@eucom.mil or 49-(0)711-729-4711). OASD Public Affairs: Elizabeth Hibner (elizabeth.hibner@osd.mil or 703-697-5131). RICE