Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08ISLAMABAD3106
2008-09-23 13:22:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Islamabad
Cable title:
ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 09/23/08
how-toO 231322Z SEP 08 FM AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9013 INFO AMEMBASSY KABUL PRIORITY AMEMBASSY LONDON PRIORITY AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY AMCONSUL KARACHI PRIORITY AMCONSUL LAHORE PRIORITY AMCONSUL PESHAWAR PRIORITY CDR USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY NSC WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY USCINCCENT MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY USCENTCOM INTEL CEN MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY SECDEF WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 003106
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2018
TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC PK
SUBJECT: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 09/23/08
REF: A. ISLAMABAD 3096
B. ISLAMABAD 3078
Classified By: DCM Gerald M. Feierstein for reasons 1.4 (b,d)
S E C R E T ISLAMABAD 003106
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2018
TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC PK
SUBJECT: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 09/23/08
REF: A. ISLAMABAD 3096
B. ISLAMABAD 3078
Classified By: DCM Gerald M. Feierstein for reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (SBU) DCM chaired the EAC on 09/23/08 to review Mission
security posture. All sections/agencies were represented.
2. (S/NF) RSO briefed EAC on the status of the recovery
efforts at the Marriott. A joint inter-agency team got
access to and searched the upper floors of the Marriott on
9/23. The team did not discover the remains of our missing
employee. The consensus of the team is the Marriott has been
searched and the potential for discovering any additional
bodies at the site are slim. The next step for the Mission
is to send DNA samples of the unidentified bodies still
remaining from the Marriott attack for appropriate testing.
ODRP is coordinating this effort. Post continues to canvass
hospitals and morgues to identify all possible remains for
samples and testing purposes. LEGATT advised they are
beginning the interview process of all Mission personnel that
were present at the scene for their investigative purpose.
RSO reported a joint DS/FBI team is enroute to Islamabad to
assist with post-blast investigation.
3. (SBU) DCM and MGT reported on the favorable M response to
our request for prefabricated housing to support the large
TDY contingent in Islamabad. Post continues with our efforts
to conduct preliminary surveys on the compound to support the
housing.
4. (S/NF) Intelligence reporting, and also news media
reporting, indicate a number of suicide bomber threats that
continue to impact the security climate. The loss of the
Marriot has made the Serena Hotel (the only other hotel
considered "safe" for Mission personnel in Islamabad) a
possible next target. EAC decided to suspend use of the
Serena for TDY visitors. Additionally, the hotel and its
restaurants are off-limits for Mission personnel. The EAC
put all restaurants off-limits through the coming Eid.
5. (S/NF) The EAC discussed the hotel arrangements for TDY
personnel in Peshawar, Karachi and Lahore. The EAC
determined that the Marriott in Karachi and the Pearl
Continental fall in the same vulnerability category as the
Serena and that the respective consulates would suspend use
of them. Embassy expects these hotels to be vacated by USG
personnel by Thursday. The EAC determined hotel situation in
Lahore remains manageable, with a choice of three appropriate
(non-western chain) hotels and minimal visitors spread among
them. The EAC did not recommend a change to Lahore's TDY
policy at this time.
6. (S/NF) The EAC reaffirmed Mission policy on visitors: each
visit will be carefully scrutinized and only essential travel
authorized (full reporting septel). For those TDY personnel
cleared to travel, lodging will be provided from existing
housing pool assets. To extent possible, visitors will be
encouraged not to overnight in Pakistan. In addition,
visiting delegations will be strictly limited to four
individuals. This highlights the importance of the
prefabricated TDY housing for long-term Mission efficiency.
7. (SBU) CONS and RSO will draft appropriate changes to
Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet to reflect
current security conditions and Mission guidance.
PATTERSON
NOFORN
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/23/2018
TAGS: ASEC PTER CASC PK
SUBJECT: ISLAMABAD EAC MEETING 09/23/08
REF: A. ISLAMABAD 3096
B. ISLAMABAD 3078
Classified By: DCM Gerald M. Feierstein for reasons 1.4 (b,d)
1. (SBU) DCM chaired the EAC on 09/23/08 to review Mission
security posture. All sections/agencies were represented.
2. (S/NF) RSO briefed EAC on the status of the recovery
efforts at the Marriott. A joint inter-agency team got
access to and searched the upper floors of the Marriott on
9/23. The team did not discover the remains of our missing
employee. The consensus of the team is the Marriott has been
searched and the potential for discovering any additional
bodies at the site are slim. The next step for the Mission
is to send DNA samples of the unidentified bodies still
remaining from the Marriott attack for appropriate testing.
ODRP is coordinating this effort. Post continues to canvass
hospitals and morgues to identify all possible remains for
samples and testing purposes. LEGATT advised they are
beginning the interview process of all Mission personnel that
were present at the scene for their investigative purpose.
RSO reported a joint DS/FBI team is enroute to Islamabad to
assist with post-blast investigation.
3. (SBU) DCM and MGT reported on the favorable M response to
our request for prefabricated housing to support the large
TDY contingent in Islamabad. Post continues with our efforts
to conduct preliminary surveys on the compound to support the
housing.
4. (S/NF) Intelligence reporting, and also news media
reporting, indicate a number of suicide bomber threats that
continue to impact the security climate. The loss of the
Marriot has made the Serena Hotel (the only other hotel
considered "safe" for Mission personnel in Islamabad) a
possible next target. EAC decided to suspend use of the
Serena for TDY visitors. Additionally, the hotel and its
restaurants are off-limits for Mission personnel. The EAC
put all restaurants off-limits through the coming Eid.
5. (S/NF) The EAC discussed the hotel arrangements for TDY
personnel in Peshawar, Karachi and Lahore. The EAC
determined that the Marriott in Karachi and the Pearl
Continental fall in the same vulnerability category as the
Serena and that the respective consulates would suspend use
of them. Embassy expects these hotels to be vacated by USG
personnel by Thursday. The EAC determined hotel situation in
Lahore remains manageable, with a choice of three appropriate
(non-western chain) hotels and minimal visitors spread among
them. The EAC did not recommend a change to Lahore's TDY
policy at this time.
6. (S/NF) The EAC reaffirmed Mission policy on visitors: each
visit will be carefully scrutinized and only essential travel
authorized (full reporting septel). For those TDY personnel
cleared to travel, lodging will be provided from existing
housing pool assets. To extent possible, visitors will be
encouraged not to overnight in Pakistan. In addition,
visiting delegations will be strictly limited to four
individuals. This highlights the importance of the
prefabricated TDY housing for long-term Mission efficiency.
7. (SBU) CONS and RSO will draft appropriate changes to
Travel Warning and Consular Information Sheet to reflect
current security conditions and Mission guidance.
PATTERSON