Cablegate: Embassy Nicosia Eac Lebanon Crisis Update May 13

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UNCLAS NICOSIA 000300

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR D, P, M, DS, S/CT, CA, EUR, A, IO, S/ES, DS/CC,
DS/IP/EUR, LEBANON MONITORING GROUP

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC PREL PGOV LE CY
SUBJECT: EMBASSY NICOSIA EAC LEBANON CRISIS UPDATE MAY 13
0845 HRS

REF: NICOSIA 295

1. (SBU) At 0845 hrs local on May 13, Ambassador Schlicher
convened an Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting to
review political developments in Lebanon and follow up on the
May 12 EAC meeting (reftel). Post submitted an updated
staffing request to Washington on May 12. Contingency
planning for a Beirut Air Bridge (new name to be determined)
continues. Two members of the Embassy staff returned safely
yesterday to Cyprus from Lebanon via boat. The boat returned
with no staff on board. Katherine Ingmanson from Embassy
Sofia will arrive May 14 to provide TDY support. Public
Affairs continues to coordinate with EUCOM, and a EUCOM
Public Affairs point of contact, Lt. Commander Barker, will
arrive in Cyprus shortly. The Ambassador noted that since
two-thirds of the Embassy Nicosia's American staff (including
100% of the front office) will be turning over this summer,
Post will be short-staffed on direct hires and EFMs.
SCHLICHER

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