TFGV01 SITUATION REPORT NO. 002 AS OF 1530 EST

UNCLAS STATE 018359 SIPDIS SIPDIS, SENSITIVE INFORM CONSULS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PINS AEMR MARR CASC GV KHLS SUBJECT: TFGV01 SITUATION REPORT NO. 002 AS OF 1530 EST TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2007 Sensitive But Unclassified Telegram Text D Heflin, Coordinator. -------------- SITUATION ON THE GROUND -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Embassy Conakry comments the capital was relatively quiet throughout the day, with no vehicular and little pedestrian traffic. There were some small, sporadic protests. The curfew remains in effect. Shops and offices remain closed. Post reports military patrols were on the street, but with no major deployment of heavy military equipment. There were unconfirmed reports of violence in other parts of the country as well as military closures of land borders. (TF/Embassy Conakry telcon) ¶2. (SBU) Embassy Conakry reports they are receiving calls from Amcits requesting assistance in departing Guinea and are suggesting they try to make private arrangements and to keep the Embassy informed. (TF/Embassy Conakry telcon) ¶3. (SBU) Embassy Conakry reports the airport remains officially open. Embassy Conakry reported at 1715 local time (1215 EST) that there are no empty seats on tonight's Air France flight and sent out a warden message advising Amcits not to proceed to the airport without confirmed seating. Embassy Conakry reports that another Air France flight is due to arrive in Conakry tomorrow. Embassy Dakar reports that Air Senegal has cancelled all its flights. (TF/Embassy Conakry telcon/Embassy Paris email/Embassy Dakar telcon) ¶4. (SBU) Embassy Conakry reports that U.S. company ALCOA is working with the Guinean government and the Embassy to secure authorization for a private charter flight to evacuate approximately 20 expatriate employees (2-3 Amcits) from Kamzar in northern Guinea. (TF/Embassy Conakry telcon) -------------- DEPARTURE/DRAWDOWN STATUS -------------- ¶5. (SBU) Embassy Conakry confirmed the ESAT military aircraft departed Conakry at 1717 local time (1217 EST), and Embassy Dakar confirmed wheels down at 1837 local time (1337 EST). Embassy Dakar will assist with onward travel arrangements. (TF/Embassy Conakry telecon/Embassy Dakar telecon) ¶6. (SBU) Embassy Conakry is operating on critical staffing. (TF/Embassy Conakry) -------------- POLITICAL SITUATION -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Embassy Conakry noted "hardliners" were in control of the government, but civilian ministers remain in place. (TF/Embassy Conakry telecon) ¶8. (U) MINIMIZE CONSIDERED. RICE