ATHENS EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING FOR

UNCLAS ATHENS 001644 SENSITIVE SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO DS/IP/EUR, DS/IP/EUR/ITA, CA, CA/OSC, ES-O/CMS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC SUBJECT: ATHENS EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING FOR EXPECTED ANARCHIST DEMONSTRATIONS DEC 8-9, 2008 ¶1. (SBU) On December 8, 2008, Embassy Athens Emergency Action Committee met to discuss the developing national crisis in reaction to the police shooting and subsequent death of a 15 year old student. Since then, there have been numerous spontaneous confrontations between the police and anarchist groups. DCM chaired the meeting and RSO, MGT, POL, ECON, CONS, MSG, ESC, PA, CLO, DAO, RAS, LEGATT, and DEA were in attendance. ¶2. (SBU) Funeral services are planned for tomorrow December 9, 2008 in the suburb of Psychico. All Embassy employees living in the immediate area of Psychico will report to the Embassy or predetermined safe house locations. Embassy supervisors may grant liberal leave to employees. In addition, all employees are asked to use caution when traveling around Athens especially to the downtown area where the potential for demonstrations exists. ¶3. (SBU) Embassy Warden Message released December 8, 2008 alerts U.S. citizens to the continuing possibility of civil disturbances and demonstrations throughout Greece in the wake of demonstrations over the weekend of December 6th and 7th. A national day of mourning is planned for Tuesday, December 9th and area schools will be closed. A general strike, to include the transportation sector, is planned for Wednesday December 10th. ¶4. (SBU) Post will evaluate the security situation Tuesday and determine a course of action. SPECKHARD