TF1Z01: SANAA EAC MEETING MARCH 25

S E C R E T SANAA 000597

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: 03/25/2013
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER CASC YM EAC COUNTER TERRORISM
SUBJECT: TF1Z01: SANAA EAC MEETING MARCH 25


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


1. (S/NF) The Ambassador convened an Emergency Action
Committee (EAC) March 23 to discuss current threat
information, security measures and Embassy security posture.
No new threats were reported. EAC decided to move from
MoveSafe to StandFast effective 3/27 at the close of business
in anticipation of possible demonstrations on Friday after
mosque sermons. Key offices and personnel represented at the
meeting included: AMB, DCM, POL/ECON, CONS, ADMIN, PD, RSO,
DATT, ORCA, OMC, SOC YEMEN and RMO. End Summary.

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No New Threats
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2. (C) DATT briefed EAC on developments with the war in
Iraq. Pol/Econ briefed on arrangements being made to provide
humanitarian assistance to the Iraqi people.


3. (S/NF) ORCA reported no new threats. RSO said the
Ministry of Interior had no information about upcoming
demonstrations but that concern remained for a potential one
on Friday after prayers.

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MoveSafe Posture for Non-official Americans
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4. (S/NF) PSO Chief Gamish proposed to Ambassador March 24
that Yemeni security provide escorts to non-official expat
Americans for any movements they want to make outside their
home for the duration of the Iraq war. PSO proposed an
operations center be established at or near the Embassy, to
be staffed by PSO, Embassy and MOI personnel, to which Amcits
could call when escorts are needed. Ambassador welcomed the
idea. RSO, PSO and MOI met on March 25 to discuss
implementation details and these will continue to be
discussed. The arrangement would parallel existing Embassy
MoveSafe system currently being used by official Americans.


5. (S/NF) PSO Chief Gamish also exchanged lists of expat
Americans in Yemen with Ambassador. At EAC, CONS reported
that the list of approximately 40 expat Amcits was
comprehensive though changing every day as Amcits arrive and
leave Yemen.

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Embassy Security Posture
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6. (C) Barring any new threats arising, EAC decided to
change security posture from MoveSafe to StandFast on
Thursday, March 27 at COB in anticipation of possible
demonstrations after Friday prayers. If no demonstrations or
other threats arise, Embassy personnel would revert to
MoveSafe posture at COB on Friday 3/28.

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Town hall Meeting 3/26:
Discussion on Possible Authorized Departure
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7. (C) Ambassador asked EAC members their opinion on
requesting authorized departure status. He said that if
anyone asks that we request it, Post will propose it to the
Department. EAC members reported that no one in their
sections had requested it. A town hall meeting will be held
on March 26 for all official Americans to discuss authorized
departure and to solicit views directly from staff. Post
will also hold a warden meeting next week.
HULL