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