EAC RECOMMENDS RETURNING TO 24 HOUR OPERTATIONS IN GOMA

UNCLAS KINSHASA 000985 DEPT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/IP/ITA, AF/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC CG SUBJECT: EAC RECOMMENDS RETURNING TO 24 HOUR OPERTATIONS IN GOMA REF: (A) 08 KINSHASA 968 (B) 08 KINSHASA 960 ¶1. (SBU) On November 7, Post convened its EAC to discuss returning its personnel in Goma to 24-hour operations. After carefully weighing the current security environment in and around Goma, and Post's recent security enhancement initiatives, the EAC recommended unanimously that Post immediately return to 24-hour operations in Goma. ¶2. (SBU) RSO stated that the Diplomatic Security Special Agent of the S/CRS team arrived in Goma yesterday and has already begun to meet with MONUC and local security contacts. He will serve as the security expert in Goma and coordinate closely with our Goma personnel and the RSO office. In addition, Embassy Kigali loaned Post one of its armored vehicles and it has arrived in Gisenyi on November 5. It will be re-located to Goma today and fitted with DRC diplomatic plates. Mission personnel will continue to follow all MONUC security advisories and curfews. ¶3. (SBU) Post will release a Goma housing policy today that defines approved lodging. The new policy will serve to consolidate our staff in Goma. RSO will continue to assess the improving but still precarious situation in Goma. ¶3. (SBU) POC is RSO Christopher K. Gu at 243.81.884.4608 (cell) or 243.81.556.0151 ext. 2207 (IVG 934). BROCK