SANAA EAC MEETING MARCH 20 2003

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 000567

SIPDIS

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

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/20/2013
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER CASC YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING MARCH 20 2003

REF: A. SANAA 521

B. SANAA 520

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


1. (S/NF) Begin Summary: The Ambassador convened an
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) meeting on March 20 to
assess threat information in light of developments with the
Iraq contingency and further information on the shooting
incident at the Hunt Oil facility in Marib (refs a, b and
septel). Embassy will move to StandFast posture at the close
of business March 20. Key offices and personnel represented
at the meeting included: AMB, DCM, POL/ECON, CONS, ADMIN, PD,
RSO, ORCA, OMC, SOC YEMEN and RMO.

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MOI, PSO and Protection of Americans
--------------


2. (S/NF) Ambassador, DCM and RSO met with Interior
Minister Alimi and Political Security Organization (PSO)
Chief Gamish for two hours on March 19 (details reported
septel). Gamish said that President Saleh has given PSO/MOI
the mission of protecting Americans and close coordination
would be key. MOI agreed. Ambassador briefed on Embassy
plans for MoveSafe and StandFast postures, which was welcomed
by MOI and PSO Chief. Ambassador brought up a number of
items, including getting needed ammunition out of customs
limbo, obtaining enough civilian (non-diplomatic) license
plates for Embassy vehicles, having security provided for the
YALI teachers shuttle and noting several Iraq-related issues.



3. (S/NF) MOI brought up the following:

-- request for name and contact information on all/all
Americans in Yemen to facilitate strong protection;

-- closure of the road in front of the Embassy;

-- assurance that Embassy personnel movements would be
minimal and coverage be provided by Yemeni security;

-- announcement of a 24-hour ROYG security hotline staffed by
English speakers for Amcits with the phone number
disseminated via Warden Message and other means;

-- request for Americans to avoid known Western gathering
places for the time being.

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Update on Shootings in Marib
--------------


2. (S/NF) Embassy investigative team returned from Marib
the evening of March 19, and at this stage, there is no
information indicating that the tragic incident was anything
other than a criminal attack. Investigators have several
strong leads to continue their inquiry. A clear picture is
emerging of how the slayings occurred; however, the shooter's
motive remains unclear. Investigation has yet to uncover any
anti-Western or extremist views by the perpetrator.
Witnesses confirm that the shooter had sleeping problems and
was involved in a family dispute, and he was on several kinds
of medication. Contrary to press reports, no evidence
confirms allegations that the shooter had been a poor
employee or fired at any time. Embassy is providing other
assistance as needed. Details reported septel. See
paragraph 8 for the March 20 public statement.

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Threats, Security and
StandFast 3/20 COB for Iraq Contingency
--------------


3. (S/NF) ORCA said there was no change to current threat
information. EAC members discussed the possibility of
demonstrations, particularly after mosque sermons on Friday,
March 21, but had no information of planned demonstrations at
this time. RSO reported that airport officials indicated
that so far only Egyptair would curtail operations.


4. (S/NF) EAC members agreed to move the StandFast posture
today (March 20) at close of business as previously planned.
FSNs were notified at a DCM-led meeting in the afternoon,
where the decision to alter parking access for FSNs was also
discussed.


5. (C) RSO reported the guidance on the access of vehicles
and personnel (American and FSN) would be disseminated via
Administrative Notice. He also said that a room in the
Sheraton Hotel had been identified to act as a gathering
point for Embassy personnel staying there. The Alternate
Command Center is ready and three employees will staff it
during StandFast.
--------------
Consular and Warden Messages
--------------

6. (C) CONS Chief said they were coordinating with all
sections on the request from MOI for information on Americans
for protective purposes. Per privacy act provisions, CONS is
contacting all Americans to get permission for release of
information before providing it to the government
authorities.


7. (U) A Warden Message will be sent March 20 to announce
Embassy closure/StandFast posture and the MOI hotline number,
warn about possible demonstrations and give an update on what
is known about the Marib incident. It will also advise that
the consular section will also be closed during StandFast,
except for emergency services.


8. (U) Text of Public Statement on the investigation of the
Marib attack follows:

The investigation of the March 18 attack in Marib, in which
an American, a Canadian and a Yemeni were killed, is still
continuing.

At this time, we are unable to ascertain the motivation
behind the attack. However, we have no evidence at this
stage that this was anything other than a criminal attack.
HULL