C O N F I D E N T I A L TBILISI 001342
FOR U/S KENNEDY, EUR A/S FRIED AND DAS BRYZA, AND S/ES DAN SMITH
FROM AMBASSADOR TEFFT
E.O. 12958: 
DECL: 08/08/2018
TAGS: ASEC, PREL, AEMR, CASC, GG
SUBJECT: GEORGIA: AUGUST 8 EAC REPORT
Classified By: AMBASSADOR JOHN F. TEFFT. REASONS: 1.4 (B) AND (D).

1. (C)
Embassy's EAC met twice on August 8 to review the Embassy's
security posture and to consider EAP tripwires in response to
continued violence in South Ossetia. At the end of the
discussion, the EAC recommended the issuance of a warden
notice and a travel warning with regard to travel in the
separatist regions and within Georgia, but was divided over
the question of authorized departure.

2. (C)
Currently, no embassies in Tbilisi have taken action beyond
the issuance of warden notices and travel warnings. The UK
Ambassador confirmed to me the evening of August 8 that all
the EU embassies, including the UK, French and German
missions, are remaining in place and will assess the situation
in South Ossetia again following the weekend. In fact, a large
number of high-level European officials, including the French,
Swedish and Lithuanian Foreign Ministers, are expected to
arrive in Tbilisi on August 9, to take part in ongoing
negotiations.

3. (C)
The EAC agreed that although some tripwires had been crossed,
others have not. If other tripwires are crossed, including an
explosion or attack in Tbilisi or a cut-off of utilities or
air traffic, we would need to immediately reassess our
position on authorized departure.

4. (C)
The situation in South Ossetia is dangerous; however, there is
no indication or evidence that Tbilisi is under immediate
threat. The situation is currently the subject of high-level
discussions with the Russian Government and others that are
directed toward a ceasefire and a negotiated settlement. If
the situation persists and these negotiations are unsuccesful,
we will need to consider requesting authorized departure for
those who wish to leave. Although we cannot predict the
outcome of these high-level negotiations, we would not want to
be in a position to tell everyone to leave at the same time
the situation is stabilizing.

5. (C)
Meanwhile, we continue to review our security and possible
drawdown procedures, making contact with neighboring posts
that might be called upon to assist in an evacuation,
reviewing our lists of essential personnel and ensuring that
our motorpool is ready to move at short notice. We have also
tested the embassy telephone tree to ensure that all personnel
can be reached over the weekend if necessary. The EAC will
reconvene the morning of Saturday, August 9, to assess the
latest situation in South Ossetia and any potential effect
upon the safety and security of the American community.

TEFFT