Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ASMARA530
2008-11-03 13:05:00
CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
EU DIPLOMATS CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY, EVACUATION,
how-toR 031305Z NOV 08 FM AMEMBASSY ASMARA TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9987 INFO AMEMBASSY ADDIS ABABA AMEMBASSY DJIBOUTI 310 RUEHLO/AMEMBQSQY LONDON AMEMBASSY PARIS CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL CIA WASHDC CJTF-HOA J2X CAMP LEMONIER DJ COMUSNAVCENT DIA WASHDC JICCENT MACDILL AFB FL SECDEF WASHDC
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000530
NOFORN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR, AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2028
TAGS: ASEC CASC PGOV PREL ER
SUBJECT: EU DIPLOMATS CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY, EVACUATION,
AND HEALTH CARE
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000530
NOFORN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR, AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2028
TAGS: ASEC CASC PGOV PREL ER
SUBJECT: EU DIPLOMATS CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY, EVACUATION,
AND HEALTH CARE
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) RSO briefed European Union member country diplomats
on a broad range of security issue, particularly the security
situation in Eritrea. RSO expressed concern over the
potential food crisis in Eritrea, the continued increase in
crime associated with high unemployment, the increasing lack
of food in Asmara due to economic conditions and a poor rainy
season, and concerns about the stability of the Eritrean
government in light of these factors. EU representatives
stated this assessment matched their own. RSO spoke at the
periodically held EU contingency planning meeting.
2. (C) EU members expressed concern over the plight of dual
national Eritrean/European citizens in the event of an
evacuation or drawdown. All parties agreed there were no
guarantees the Eritrean government would allow any dual
national Eritrean citizens to depart Eritrea in a crisis
situation. The French Ambassador said the French government
would be responsible for evacuating all citizens of EU
countries if the situation dictates.
3. (C) EU members are also worried about the lack of
assurances from the Eritrean government that it would provide
clearances for medevac flights. The Eritrean government has
never delivered on promises to provide written procedures on
how to get aircraft clearances or contact information in the
event an emergency haQpQns after hour r on weekends.
Eritrean officials generally do not release their home or
cellphone numbers and have in the past been unresponsive to
appeals for emergency assistance. The EU Representatives
also stated each embassy had its own "certified" local doctor
they use for contract services, but are still troubled by the
quality of medical care in Eritrea.
3. (C/NF) Post comments: The meeting reflected the growing
concern within the diplomatic community over the current
situation in Eritrea. Despite the French announcement that
they would handle any evacuation of EU personnel, the French
Ambassador has told RSO and other EmbOffs in the past that
the French government has not provided assurances they would
use their military to support an evacuation of French or
other EU personnel should the need arise.
MCMULLEN
NOFORN
DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, INR, AF/E
LONDON AND PARIS FOR AFRICA WATCHERS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/03/2028
TAGS: ASEC CASC PGOV PREL ER
SUBJECT: EU DIPLOMATS CONCERNED ABOUT SECURITY, EVACUATION,
AND HEALTH CARE
Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d)
1. (C) RSO briefed European Union member country diplomats
on a broad range of security issue, particularly the security
situation in Eritrea. RSO expressed concern over the
potential food crisis in Eritrea, the continued increase in
crime associated with high unemployment, the increasing lack
of food in Asmara due to economic conditions and a poor rainy
season, and concerns about the stability of the Eritrean
government in light of these factors. EU representatives
stated this assessment matched their own. RSO spoke at the
periodically held EU contingency planning meeting.
2. (C) EU members expressed concern over the plight of dual
national Eritrean/European citizens in the event of an
evacuation or drawdown. All parties agreed there were no
guarantees the Eritrean government would allow any dual
national Eritrean citizens to depart Eritrea in a crisis
situation. The French Ambassador said the French government
would be responsible for evacuating all citizens of EU
countries if the situation dictates.
3. (C) EU members are also worried about the lack of
assurances from the Eritrean government that it would provide
clearances for medevac flights. The Eritrean government has
never delivered on promises to provide written procedures on
how to get aircraft clearances or contact information in the
event an emergency haQpQns after hour r on weekends.
Eritrean officials generally do not release their home or
cellphone numbers and have in the past been unresponsive to
appeals for emergency assistance. The EU Representatives
also stated each embassy had its own "certified" local doctor
they use for contract services, but are still troubled by the
quality of medical care in Eritrea.
3. (C/NF) Post comments: The meeting reflected the growing
concern within the diplomatic community over the current
situation in Eritrea. Despite the French announcement that
they would handle any evacuation of EU personnel, the French
Ambassador has told RSO and other EmbOffs in the past that
the French government has not provided assurances they would
use their military to support an evacuation of French or
other EU personnel should the need arise.
MCMULLEN