Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09ASMARA438
2009-12-22 07:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Asmara
Cable title:
ASMARA EAC REGARDING UNSC SANCTIONS ON ERITREA
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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)
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
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