ASMARA EAC REGARDING UNSC SANCTIONS ON ERITREA

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000438 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/AF, DS/TIA/ITA, DS/IP/SPC/SO, DS/OPO/FPD, AND AF/E E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/17/2029 TAGS: ASEC PTER PGOV PREL PINS ER SUBJECT: ASMARA EAC REGARDING UNSC SANCTIONS ON ERITREA REF: ASMARA 412 Classified By: Ambassador Ronald K. McMullen for Reason 1.4 (d) ¶1. (SBU) EAC met on 12/17/09 to discuss the ramifications of impending UNSC sanctions against Eritrea. Members in attendance were: Ambassador, DCM, MO, RSO, POL, PAO, and GSO. ¶2. (C) Ambassador briefed the EAC on the status of possible sanctions and stated the UNSC could vote as early as 12/18/09 on sanctions against Eritrea. Ambassador stated the Eritrean government (GSE) would likely lay the blame for any sanctions against the USG despite the fact the sanctions resolution was sponsored by Uganda. EAC members agreed they do not believe the GSE will take hostile actions against Post. EAC members agreed that the GSE would likely increase their levels of anti-American propaganda and exacerbate existing harassment against Post to include: ¶A. Continued reduction of TDY visas ¶B. Further refusal of in-country travel permits ¶C. GSE refusal to meet with post personnel and decreased levels of cooperation with post ¶D. Interference with Post's unclassified and classified pouches ¶E. Stonewalling of administrative services (UAB/HHE/consumables processing, vehicle registrations, response to diplomatic requests, and medevac flight clearances) ¶F. Possible arrests of FSN personnel ¶3. (C) RSO stated that during prior periods of high tension, there have been anti-American rhetoric and harassment against Westerners believed to be American citizens and also anti-American propaganda published in the Eritrean press. RSO told EAC that the Eritrean police have been uncooperative in requests for investigative or police assistance. EAC members unanimously agreed to request 24/7 residential Local Guard Force (LGF) coverage for a period of 3 months if sanctions are passed as a precautionary measure. ¶4. (SBU) The vast majority of AmCits in Eritrea are dual nationals. Historically, the GSE has limited its anti-American propaganda to only the USG and there have been no incidents of dual national AmCits being harassed by the GSE. EAC agreed that a Warden message was not warranted at this time, but agreed to discuss issuing one should the situation change. RSO and MO previously briefed the AmCit teachers at the Asmara International Community School (AICS) about possible UNSC sanctions against the GSE and warned them of possible administrative harassment against them for their affiliation with Post (Reftel). ¶5. (SBU) RSO instructed all Americans to carry their charged radios/cellphones, not to walk at night, and to maintain a low profile. EAC agreed to monitor the situation and meet again if sanctions pass or if the GSE conducts any retaliatory acts. Point of contact is RSO Sean McClanahan, IVG: 596-2778. McMullen