EAC MEETING - JUNE 17, 2008

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000299 DEPT FOR S/ES-O, DS/IP/AF, DS/DSS/ITA, AF/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC GV SUBJECT: EAC MEETING - JUNE 17, 2008 REF: CONAKRY 0298 ¶1. (U) Embassy Conakry convened the core EAC at 11:00 on June 17, 2008 to review the present security situation in Guinea. EAC members present included the Ambassador, A/DCM (POL),RAO, CONS, USAID, MGT, and CLO. ¶2. (U) Per reftel, there have been reports of casualties resulting from an exchange of fire between elements of the military and the police. The airport remains open, but commercial airlines continue to make independent decisions about whether or not to fly to Conakry. Air France and Air Senegal have reportedly canceled their flights for today. ¶3. (U) The Embassy made a radio announcement and is currently clearing an updated warden message with the Department. The EAC agreed to restrict employee travel within Conakry, and advised family members to remain at home. The International School has closed for the summer. Parents of students at other schools made personal decisions about whether or not to pick up their children early. ¶4. (U) As of 13:30, Embassy has not received any reports of Americans or other foreign expatriates being harmed. All roadways are currently clear. The gendarmerie is maintaining security in the city, and has set up roadblocks to inspect vehicles for police officers involved in the strike. Sporadic gunfire is still being reported throughout the city. We will continue to provide updated information as it becomes available. CARTER