CAIRO CORE EAC MEETING 12/28/2008

S E C R E T CAIRO 002570 NOFORN SIPDIS DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/CC AND POSTS FOR RSO E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/28/2033 TAGS: AEMR ASEC PTER CASC EG SUBJECT: CAIRO CORE EAC MEETING 12/28/2008 Classified By: MATTHEW TUELLER, DCM. REASONS 1.4(B),(C),(D). ¶1. (S/NF) SUMMARY: On 12/28/2008, DCM chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to discuss Israel Military Operations into the Gaza Strip. The EAC agreed that there are no known specific threats directed at the Embassy or private Americans. DCM instructed RSO and CONS to issue a Security Notice and a Warden Message warning Americans to stay away from large crowds and demonstrations. END SUMMARY ¶2. (S/NF) The DCM chaired an EAC meeting with representatives from RSO, CONS, PAO, MGT, EC/PO, OMC, DAO, GRPO and LegAtt. The DCM opened the meeting with a discussion of current military operations being conducted by Israel. Websites and media report that several demonstrations are planned in Egypt. Egyptian State Security has turned down the permits to protest but believes people will still show up. RSO explained Egypt has sent several ambulances to the Rafah border crossing area to assist the injured. Reports from security contacts indicate that the wounded are not being allowed to leave Gaza by Hamas. ¶3. (SBU) DCM directed the RSO to issue a security notice and CONS to update current Embassy Warden Message warning Americans to stay away from large crowds and demonstrations. ¶4. (SBU) The text of the security notice issued to Mission Cairo employees is as follows: Begin text: The escalation of hostilities within the Gaza Strip has resulted in a strong possibility of large public demonstrations and potential for disruption of traffic throughout Egypt. As a reminder, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Embassy employees are therefore urged to avoid the areas where demonstrations are more likely to occur, to include government office building and large public gathering areas, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large public gatherings. All employee are reminded of the Mission Travel Policy and cautioned to be especially vigilant during this time. Security issues or concerns should be directed to the RSO at Embassy extension 2208 during business hours or the duty RSO through the Embassy operator after hours at 2797-3300. End Text. The security notice was quickly issued due to several small demonstrations reported in Cairo. Consular is currently working with CA for the issuance of a warden message, the text of which will be sent septel. SCOBEY