TBILISI EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE

UNCLAS TBILISI 002778

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/EUR, S/ES-O/CMS, DS/ITA/EUR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AEMR ASEC GG
SUBJECT: TBILISI EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE


1. (SBU) On November 2, 2007, Post convened the Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) in response to threat information
against Baku, to review our crisis preparedness status, and
to discuss the implications for armed conflict between Russia
and Georgia if and when the international community
recognizes Kosovo as an independent nation in December 2007.
In attendance were DCM, RSO, DAO, Legatt, Pol/Mil, MGT,
Health Unit, Pol/Econ, PAO, CLO, USAID, PC, and CONS.


2. (SBU) In light of the terrorist threat information
against the US Embassy Baku, the EAC determined that no known
security implications for Tbilisi have resulted from come out
of this matter. Since Tbilisi is a possible receiving post
for neighboring posts under drawdown, the EAC asked RSO to
contact Baku and Yerevan to discuss that possibility so that
Post, to the extent possible, could accommodate such a
request.


3. (SBU) The EAC conducted a line by line review of the
items recommended by the 2007 crisis management training to
ensure everything had been addressed. They agreed that
newly-arrived Incident Commanders and Floor Wardens should
meet to discuss their roles and responsibilities. RSO was
tasked with sending a quarterly reminder to mission members
to update contact information in the Emergency Action Plan.


4. (SBU) The EAC considered new locations for the alternate
safe haven and command center. Currently, Post maintains the
alternate safe haven and command center in the USAID building
in the former chancery. USAID will relocate to the main
chancery compound in 2008 so a new alternate safe haven and
command center will soon be needed. Although no final
determinations were made, several locations, such as the
Quality School International, were discussed. The EAC agreed
to consider alternate sites as they become known or available.


5. (SBU) The EAC revisited the issue of developing the
capability of transmitting warden messages for US citizens in
Georgia via commercial radio. It was not yet determined if a
dedicated frequency or borrowed air time from an established
local station would be the best option, but the new PAO was
briefed and was supportive of this initiative.
TEFFT