EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING-LA PAZ 9/15/2008

S E C R E T LA PAZ 001972 NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/15/2018 TAGS: AEMR AMGT ASEC PTER BL SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING-LA PAZ 9/15/2008 REF: LA PAZ 1958 AND PREVIOUS Classified By: RSO Patrick Moore for reasons 1.4 c,d ¶1. (SBU) Summary: 0n 9/15 at 0930 the Post Emergency Action Committee met to discuss the impending demonstration at the Embassy, the possible impact of an announcement on counter-narcotics certification, next steps in authorized departure, the possibility that some USG agencies will be expelled, and the situation for non-Mission American citizens. End summary. - - - - - - - - - - - - Protest at the Embassy - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶2. (C) Current information suggests that around 4000 people are marching toward the embassy as of 1000 9/15. The group reportedly still plans to march down to the southern residential zone to attack opposition leaders' homes. All mission housing is located in the southern residential area. The alternate command center (in the USAID/NAS building) is also in the outskirts of the southern residential area: personnel currently in the alternate command center are prepared to evacuate should the protesters threaten to enter. Post will issue further sit reps as warranted during the protest. ¶3. (C) The Chancery has protective devices in place (metal sheeting for the windows of the CAAC, razor wire in the stairwells, tear gas ready.) Charge again emphasized that lethal force would be authorized only as a last resort in the event that lives are in danger. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Overall Political Situation - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶4. (S/NF) Sources report that President Evo Morales is losing confidence in Defense Minister Walker San Miguel and is considering replacing him. Foreign Minister Choquehuanca hopes to use the UNASUR emergency meeting in Santiago as "a propaganda opportunity." Opposition Tarija Prefect Cossio also hopes to speak at UNASUR. The government "informercial" accusing Ambassador Goldberg and the USG of conspiracy continues to run on the government television station and is reportedly aimed at garnering international support. ¶5. (S/NF) Sources inform us that Morales disagreed with Chief of Defense Trigo over the way the operation to retake the Cobija airport (by military action) was coordinated. Morales was reportedly angry that UNITEL television reporters (UNITEL is a private station based in Santa Cruz) were present in Cobija during the operation. Sources inform us that Morales had only intended for state news reporters to be present. Media are reporting today that the government is forbidding media access into Cobija. ¶6. (S/NF) There are still unconfirmed reports that high-level military commanders have been arrested. Military contacts inform us that they have heard that if government (military) forces enter Santa Cruz, opposition guerrilla groups will attack hydrocarbons installations. We have reports that the government intends to surround Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz opposition groups have removed their road blockades and are taking a "defensive posture", anticipating that the military or government-aligned social groups will try to enter by force. Sources also inform us that the ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) groups in neighborhoods in Santa Cruz are distributing dynamite to their followers. ¶7. (S/NF) Sources indicate that President Morales believes the USG has "funded snipers" in opposition departments. Morales also reportedly believes that active and retired military are planning a coup against him. ¶8. (S/NF) Sources inform us that the Spanish Charge has received a request from high-level Bolivian officials (possibly Vice Minister of Social Coordination Sacha Llorenti) for sanctuary for Bolivian officials. ¶9. (C) The government is claiming the discovery of many more bodies in Cobija (Pando) but there is no information regarding whether these are government-allied compesinos or opposition members. Also, the government is currently prohibiting private media from entering the area, so the only source of news is the government. Opposition sources have informed us that one of the supposed-campesino dead has been confirmed as active duty military (implying government involvement in the violence) but the opposition does not have plans yet for using this "smoking gun" evidence. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Counter-narcotics Certification - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶10. (C) Charge mentioned to FM Choquehuanca that the certification decision would be released sometime today: Choquehuanca was either unconcerned or unaware of the significance, because he did not follow up with any questions. EAC discussed the possibility that the announcement could increase the violence level of either the 9/15 protest or a protest scheduled for 9/16 involving university students. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Agencies' Plans if Expelled - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶11. (C) EAC discussed possibility that Morales will expel other agencies, most likely DEA, NAS, and USAID. (USAID and NAS Directors were not present at the EAC, as they were in the alternate command center.) DEA Country Attache explained that he has been in contact with DEA Headquarters and Ambassadors in the Southern Cone, and that there are plans underway for DEA agents to move (at least temporarily) to neighboring countries to "work Bolivia from the outside in." DEA has destroyed all sensitive files in Santa Cruz and Cochabamba and rendered any weapons in Santa Cruz inoperable. Charge recommended that agency heads check their agreements with the Bolivian government to see if there are stipulations for phase-out periods. - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Authorized Departure Update - - - - - - - - - - - - - - ¶12. (C) EAC reviewed status of authorized departure processing. CLO, Consular and GSO personnel were at the Ambassador's Residence processing non-essential personnel and EFMs who wish to take advantage of authorized departure. Charge held a townhall meeting at the American school the morning of 9/15 to inform non-Mission Americans of the situation and provide packets of information including evacuation options (commercial air, land). The session was attended by about 80 Amcits; most did not appear to be planning to leave the country. ¶13. (C) DEA stated that they have three King Air aircraft (seating 9 people each) on standby, and DAO informed EAC that Southcom is working to approve a C17 which is scheduled to arrive on 9/18 for trasnport of departing staff and Amcits. The C17 can seat up to 134 people. EAC discussed the need to make half of the seats available for non-Mission personnel under the "no double standard" rule. ¶14. (C) NAS confirmed that 72 Peace Corps volunteers were evacuated 9/14 and the rest of the 120 total will hopefully leave 9/15 (pending Peruvian approval of flight plans.) - - - - - - - - - - Actions Considered - - - - - - - - - - ¶15. (SBU) The EAC reviewed actions to take and notifications needed for Mission personnel and U.S. wardens. The following is provided: a. The Embassy is at minimal staffing 9/15 due to a protest. The alternate command center was set up at the USAID/NAS building. (Note: As of 10:50a.m. 9/15 the alternate command center was evacuated. End note.) b. A townhall meeting for non-Mission Amcits was held 9/15 at the American school, classes were canceled. f. The cascade system will again be used to inform mission personnel and dependents of the any decision to go to minimal staffing and set up the alternate command center on 9/16. g. PAS has updated the blackberry email contact list to facilitate information sharing. h. POCs are RSO Patrick Moore (moorepj@state.gov) and DRSO Daniel Hernandez (hernandezd@state.gov),IVG 547-8300. URS