US embassy cable - 04KINSHASA1245

UNCLAS KINSHASA 001245 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DS/PSD/PCB, DS/IP/AF, PLEASE PASS TO SECURITY ENGINEERING 
BRANCH 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ABLD, AMGT, ASEC 
SUBJECT: OSPB EXCEPTION REQUEST FOR CONSULAR BUILDING 
 
REF: JORDAN/MEDVIGY EMAIL DATED 07/02/04 
 
1. The ARSO has completed an exceptions request package in 
regards to the Consular upgrade project in the ref email sent 
to DS/PSD/PCB on July 02, 2004. This cable provides a 
synopsis of the exceptions package. 
 
2. The Consular Section has an ongoing project to address 
many of the shortcomings listed in a 2002 OIG report. In this 
report, the OIG noted that the consular officers' ability to 
provide services to citizens and visa applicants was severely 
hampered due to their current physical layout. Some of the 
planned upgrades include reconfiguring internal office space 
and adding new hard-line doors. The funding for this project 
is currently blocked because exceptions to OSPB standards 
were not obtained prior to the Consulate's relocation in 
October 1999. 
 
3. After the 1998 Embassy bombings, there was a strong push 
to collocate offices within the same compound. Since the 
Consulate was located directly on a heavily traveled street 
where there was not a protected perimeter, the former post 
administration decided to move the Consulate to the Chancery 
compound. This new facility was an existing structure on the 
compound. This structure formerly housed equipment for a 
telecommunication's project. The walls were built to FE/BR 
standard. Additionally it is located off Dumi Street which is 
a lightly traveled thoroughfare. There is also a ring of 
bollards which prevent vehicles from driving right into the 
building. Unlike the former location, the new structure does 
not have several large glass windows. In sum, the current 
Consular facility is located in a much more secure location. 
However, the prior post administration did not submit the 
required OSPB exception's package before they relocated. 
 
4. Without the requested Consular building improvements, the 
officers' ability to accomplish their mission will be 
considerably diminished. They cannot restart the immigrant 
visa process without line of sight supervision of the local 
staff. Furthermore, OIG noted that Embassy Kinshasa should 
"ask the department for urgent assistance to remedy the 
problems." The Consular building is now located in far better 
protected structure. The Consulate is in close proximity to 
the Embassy and with the existing physical security measures 
mean that they are better protected. We firmly believe that 
the security of the Consular officers is not compromised in 
their current location. 
 
5. The following exceptions to OSPB standards will need to be 
granted: 
 
    a. A CAC allowing passage through the perimeter. 
    b. A blast vulnerability study. 
    c. Exterior walls that provide 15 minute FE/BR protection. 
    d. Exterior doors that provide 15 minute FE/BR protection. 
    e. Interior hardline that provides 15 minute FE/BR 
       protection. 
    f. A guard booth that provides 15 minute FE/BR protection. 
    g. A clear zone on new office buildings. 
    h. Setback requirements 
 
6. Please review the exceptions package at your earliest 
convenience and let us know if additional information is 
required. 
 
7. We look forward to your positive response. POC is ARSO 
Michael T. Jordan at 243-81-88-43128 (cell) or 934 ext. 2054 
(IVG). 
HOOKS