Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA332
2008-06-24 11:47:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
MEETING WITH ERITREAN SOLDIERS IN ASSAB
how-toVZCZCXRO1891 RR RUEHROV DE RUEHAE #0332 1761147 ZNY SSSSS ZZH R 241147Z JUN 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9755 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUMICEA/JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL RUEKDIA/DIA WASHDC RUEPADJ/CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHMFISS/CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
S E C R E T ASMARA 000332
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E, AND INR
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2028
TAGS: MOPS PREL PGOV ASEC ER
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH ERITREAN SOLDIERS IN ASSAB
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
S E C R E T ASMARA 000332
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E, AND INR
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2028
TAGS: MOPS PREL PGOV ASEC ER
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH ERITREAN SOLDIERS IN ASSAB
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (S/NF) RSO source relayed the following second-hand
information provided by a member of the Eritrean National
Security Agency. According to source, an unidentified group
of Eritrean military colonels and one general went to Assab
from 06/20-21/08 to meet with a group of approximately 200
Eritrean troops about the 6/10-12/2008 military engagements
with Djiboutian troops. Source stated this meeting lasted
over three hours and was designed to boost morale among
Eritrean soldiers stationed in the border area and of those
who fought in the skirmishes. NOTE: Source had no
additional information where in Assab the meeting took place
or which Eritrean military unit was present at this meeting.
END NOTE. The assembled group of soldiers reportedly
criticized the officers, and raised questions about why they
were fighting with Djibouti, why the Eritrean military was
beefing up forces in the Ras Doumeira area, and where the
Eritrean military leadership had been when the fighting took
place. The officers allegedly responded that Eritrea had not
invaded Djibouti and Eritrean troops were only occupying land
that belonged to Eritrea. At the end of the meeting, six of
the most vocal questioners were detained by unknown security
personnel and taken away from their unit. The following
morning, ten Eritrean soldiers who attended the meeting
deserted to Djibouti, NFI.
2. (S/NF) Source also stated President Isaias is not staying
at his Asmara residence (located near the U.S. Embassy
compound),but has started residing at the more secure
Presidential Palace in downtown Asmara. Source felt this
change was unusual and indicates Isaias' increasing fears
about his personal security.
MCMULLEN
NOFORN
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, AF/E, AND INR
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/23/2028
TAGS: MOPS PREL PGOV ASEC ER
SUBJECT: MEETING WITH ERITREAN SOLDIERS IN ASSAB
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (S/NF) RSO source relayed the following second-hand
information provided by a member of the Eritrean National
Security Agency. According to source, an unidentified group
of Eritrean military colonels and one general went to Assab
from 06/20-21/08 to meet with a group of approximately 200
Eritrean troops about the 6/10-12/2008 military engagements
with Djiboutian troops. Source stated this meeting lasted
over three hours and was designed to boost morale among
Eritrean soldiers stationed in the border area and of those
who fought in the skirmishes. NOTE: Source had no
additional information where in Assab the meeting took place
or which Eritrean military unit was present at this meeting.
END NOTE. The assembled group of soldiers reportedly
criticized the officers, and raised questions about why they
were fighting with Djibouti, why the Eritrean military was
beefing up forces in the Ras Doumeira area, and where the
Eritrean military leadership had been when the fighting took
place. The officers allegedly responded that Eritrea had not
invaded Djibouti and Eritrean troops were only occupying land
that belonged to Eritrea. At the end of the meeting, six of
the most vocal questioners were detained by unknown security
personnel and taken away from their unit. The following
morning, ten Eritrean soldiers who attended the meeting
deserted to Djibouti, NFI.
2. (S/NF) Source also stated President Isaias is not staying
at his Asmara residence (located near the U.S. Embassy
compound),but has started residing at the more secure
Presidential Palace in downtown Asmara. Source felt this
change was unusual and indicates Isaias' increasing fears
about his personal security.
MCMULLEN