EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING, SEPTEMBER 23

UNCLAS DILI 000257 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS, DS, DS/DSS, DS/ITA/EAP, DS/IP/EAP AND EAP/EX E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PGOV PHUM TT SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING, SEPTEMBER 23 ¶1. (SBU) The DCM chaired a meeting of the embassy's Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on September 23 to review post's security posture in advance of local elections scheduled for October 9, and other matters. RSO, Mgt, Pol/PAO, IMO, AID and DOD participated in the meeting. ¶2. (SBU) The EAC discussed the preparations for the nationwide local Suco elections scheduled for October 9 and the National Parliament's expected consideration of a no-confidence motion against the government on October 5 and 6. The EAC assessed that political violence, if any occurs, is unlikely to be directed against the United States or American citizens. Collateral damage against Americans would be possible, however, if unrest occurs in Dili or hot spots in the districts. Post will continue to monitor developments and consult with international partners, including the security forces of the United Nations mission and Australia. Post will also draft and forward to Washington for approval a warden message to be distributed to the American citizen community prior to the local elections. The EAC noted that the possible release of indicted Indonesian militia leader Martenus Bere, currently held at the Indonesian embassy in Dili awaiting extradition or deportation to Indonesia, could also lead to increased tensions. ¶3. (SBU) The EAC next discussed a formal request from the Minister of Justice that a security barrier that Post had erected to block a public road in front of the USAID compound be removed. Post has replied to the message and requested that it be conveyed through proper diplomatic channels after which Post will evaluate and explore possible alternative security measures with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The EAC does not anticipate, however, that the GOTL will be amenable to any of the alternative security measures that we are considering. The EAC assessed the security implications of the removal of the barrier as minimal given that the road is a lightly used residential road and the existing jersey barriers can be quickly forced aside by a large vehicle in any case. As a result, the EAC recommended that the RSO prepare a new security waiver request for the USAID compound. ¶4. (SBU) Finally, the EAC began to review and update Post's Emergency Action Plan. The EAC in particular highlighted the need for effective tripwires to be identified and incorporated into the plan. Pol/PAO will review the embassy's warden system and RSO/IMO will evaluate the status of radio and phone communications. KLEMM