VZCZCXRO3030
RR RUEHCHI RUEHHM RUEHNH
DE RUEHDT #0257 2670538
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 240538Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY DILI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 4552
INFO RUEHBY/AMEMBASSY CANBERRA 1332
RUEHLI/AMEMBASSY LISBON 1165
RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RHHJJPI/PACOM IDHS HONOLULU HI
RUEHDT/AMEMBASSY DILI 4095

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