Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
03SANAA1191
2003-05-28 16:09:00
SECRET
Embassy Sanaa
Cable title:  

SANAA EAC MEETING MAY 27

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S E C R E T SANAA 001191 

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA, NEA/ARP, NEA/EX, S/CT, CA, DS/IP,
DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, CENTCOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2013
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER CASC YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING MAY 27

REF: STATE 137077

Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull, for Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).

S E C R E T SANAA 001191

SIPDIS

DEPARTMENT FOR NEA, NEA/ARP, NEA/EX, S/CT, CA, DS/IP,
DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, CENTCOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/27/2013
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER CASC YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING MAY 27

REF: STATE 137077

Classified By: Ambassador Edmund J. Hull, for Reasons 1.5 (b) and (d).


1. (S/NF) Summary: The Ambassador convened an Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) meeting on May 27 to assess Embassy
security posture in light of recent unspecified threat
information. Post is working closely with ROYG to review
security, and continues to endorse the return of minor
dependents. EAC also discussed confusion surrounding the
text of a recent travel warning. End summary.


2. (S/NF) Key offices and personnel represented at the
5/27 EAC meeting included: ADMIN, AMB, CONS, DCM, FPD,
LEGATT, MSG, OMC, ORCA, PD, POL/ECON, RSO, and SOC YEMEN.


3. (S/NF) LEGATT, ORCA, and RSO reported ongoing efforts to
clarify unspecified threat information recently provided by a
U.S. law enforcement agency. Post has identified no specific
area of concern based on this information, and numerous
security enhancements are already in place including
increased security at the Hadda and Tourist City compounds
and the Sheraton Hotel. Efforts are underway to seek
clarification of the information.

--------------
Minor Dependents
--------------


4. (S/NF) In light of recent events in the region, members
of the EAC reviewed and upheld post's decision to recommend
the return of minor dependents. Several participants noted
the impossibility of proving a negative, i.e. that no
terrorist strike against U.S. interests would occur in Yemen,
despite the absence of information indicating a current
threat. The Ambassador noted that work undertaken to enhance
the security posture of U.S.-related sites after the attacks
in Riyadh and Casablanca demonstrates the continuing
effectiveness of security cooperation with ROYG authorities.


5. (S/NF) The EAC noted that, in March 2002, post requested
and received approval for the return of adult dependents.
Eighteen months later the security measures employed by Post
with ROYG cooperation have proven effective. No adult
dependent has been targeted, victimized, or identified as a
security liability. Post reiterates its recommendation for
the return of minor dependents.

--------------
Travel Warning
--------------


6. (S/NF) EAC members expressed concern over confusion
caused by a recent travel warning announcing the cancellation
of authorized departure while reiterating advice to American
citizens to leave Yemen. Some Embassy contacts apparently
interpreted this announcement as an indication of a new
threat and a signal of the Embassy's eminent closure. EAC
members will review the text of the announcement to identify
areas that should be considered for revision.

HULL