BEIRUT EAC MEETING OF JANUARY 8, 2009

Reference ID 09BEIRUT30
Date 2009-01-08 05:20
Released 2010-12-01 19:07
Classification SECRET//NOFORN
Origin Embassy Beirut


VZCZCXYZ0002
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLB #0030 0081720
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
R 081720Z JAN 09
FM AMEMBASSY BEIRUT
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 3940
INFO RUEHAM/AMEMBASSY AMMAN 4370
RUEHEG/AMEMBASSY CAIRO 1326
RUEHDM/AMEMBASSY DAMASCUS 3732
RUEHRH/AMEMBASSY RIYADH 3464
RUEHTV/AMEMBASSY TEL AVIV 1372


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



Source: Wikileaks