US embassy cable - 03COLOMBO503

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Identifier:	03COLOMBO503
Wikileaks:	View 03COLOMBO503 at Wikileaks.org
Origin:	Embassy Colombo
Created:	2003-03-25 12:01:00
Classification:	UNCLASSIFIED
Tags:	ASEC AEMR PTER CASC CE MIssion Security
Redacted:	This cable was not redacted by Wikileaks.

UNCLAS COLOMBO 000503 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR DS/IP/SA, DS/DSS/ITA, DSERCC AND SA/INS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC, AEMR, PTER, CASC, CE, MIssion Security 
SUBJECT: COLOMBO EAC MEETING MARCH 25, 2003 
 
REF: (A) COLOMBO 465 
 
1.   (SBU) On March 25, 2003 Colombo Emergency Action 
  Committee (EAC) met to discuss the local security situation. 
  The DCM chaired the EAC. 
 
2.   (SBU) The EAC agreed that the situation in Colombo is 
  calm.  The anti-U.S. protest on March 21, 2003 mobilized 
  about 2000 people and was non-violent.  No other protests 
  are planned, however mission expects another will take place 
  this Friday afternoon. 
 
3.   (SBU) The RSO briefed the EAC on the status of the 
  security upgrades reported in reftel.  The EAC decided to 
  continue with Sri Lanka Police coverage on all residences. 
  The EAC also agreed to continue using an LAV shuttle for 
  transport to and from the Embassy for at least one more 
  week.  The RSO also informed the EAC that the Ambassador is 
  now travelling with a police Special Task Force (STF) follow- 
  car. 
 
4.   (SBU) RSO also noted that the British and Australian 
  Embassies - reacting to our request for police coverage - 
  now have police and military at all their official 
  residences as well. 
 
5.   (SBU) The EAC agreed to maintain the current 
  restrictive travel policy for at least one more week. 
  Polchief noted that although the political situation is 
  stable, reaction to a potentially bloody battle for Baghdad 
  is unpredictable. 
 
6.   (SBU) The EAC agreed to meet again as needed, but no 
  later than April 1. 
 
Wills