BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 2009

S E C R E T BEIRUT 000030 NOFORN SIPDIS STATE FOR DS/CC; DS/DSS/ITA; DS/IP/NEA; NEA/EX; S/ES POSTS FOR RSO E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/08/2019 TAGS: ASEC CASC LE MOPS PTER SY SUBJECT: BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 2009 Classified By: ARSO Kenneth Greenblatt for reason 1.5 (c) ¶1. (C/NF) SUMMARY: On January 8, 2009, Charge chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) to discuss the Embassy,s security posture in light of the current situation in Gaza and the incident in which rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into northern Israel earlier that day. CDA, MGMT, LEGATT, INL, AID, ODC, CONS, PD, POL, GRPO, DAO, RSO, and AID attended the meeting. EAC does not see the need to adjust any of our activities or movements outside at this time. RSO discussed allowing off-compound moves to continue with the exception of areas south of Beirut. The EAC reviewed TDY scheduled travel to Beirut. EAC agreed that there is no new, specific, or credible threat directed at the Embassy, American Businesses, or private Americans at this time to warrant a change in TDYer travel to Beirut. ¶2. (C/NF) Charge highlighted what post had learned about the incident earlier in the day in which a number of rockets were fired from in southern Lebanon into northern Israel, followed by the Israeli government launching artillery into south Lebanon. Charge mentioned that Lebanese Prime Minister Siniora had showed restraint in his statement calling for an immediate investigation into the rocket attacks and measures to prevent future attacks. ¶3. (U) RSO reported that the situation continues to remain calm and that it is receiving excellent host government security support. RSO discussed allowing off-compound moves to continue with the exception of areas south of Beirut. Moves to Beirut International Airport would not be affected. ¶4. (S/NF) RAO noted that there is nothing to suggest that this is the start of a broader campaign and that everything appears to have been contained. ¶5. (U) Consular Chief advised that in light of current stable situation he did not see the need to send out a warden notice. EAC agreed with his assessment. ¶6. (U) Several section officers reported that our Lebanese Embassy Staff are concerned about events. Many of them worry that the situation could deteriorate quickly as it did in 2006, when Israel and Hizballah fought a month-long war in Lebanon. To reassure employees, two emails were sent out. The first message was sent shortly after opening of business this morning summarizing what we knew was happening from news reports. A follow up email was sent after the EAC meeting before employees left for the day, advising them that the situation continues to remain calm and that there have been no further reported rocket strikes from either Lebanon or Israel. ¶7. (U) EAC agreed to closely monitor Lebanese reaction to any developments in the Security Council and schedule a follow-up meeting if necessary to consider possible adjustments to Post,s security posture. EAC does not see the need to adjust any of our activities or movements and will continue to closely monitor the situation and keep all employees advised accordingly. There will be no Warden message issued at this time. GRANT