EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/03/2004

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001943 SIPDIS NOFORN DEPT. FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/OSAC, CA/OCS, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/03/2004 REF: A. MUSCAT 1912 ¶B. USDR DOHA DTG 291258Z OCT 04 Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. Reason: 1.4(c). -------------- SUMMARY -------------- ¶1. (S) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 3 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend, to discuss any security implications following the death of United Arab Emirates (UAE) President Sheikh Zayid bin Sultan al-Nahyan, and to re-evaluate the Embassy's Force Protection Condition in the wake of United States Defense Representative (USDR) Doha, Qatar's recent elevation from Bravo to Charlie (reftel B). -------------- -------------- Response to the Death of UAE President Sheikh Zayed -------------- -------------- ¶2. (SBU) The EAC reviewed the passing of Sheikh Zayed and possible security implications in Oman. The EAC determined that Zayid's death has little to no/no security implications for the Embassy. -------------- Re-evaluation of Embassy's FPCON -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) The EAC re-assessed the Embassy's FPCON following USDR Doha's recent increase from Bravo to Charlie (reftel B). The EAC concluded that Doha's actions are based on the recent threat reporting specific to Qatar and are not/not applicable to Oman. The EAC concluded that there has been no change in the local security environment since the last meeting held on October 31 (reftel A),and that the Embassy's FPCON (Bravo) and already heightened security posture remain appropriate. Likewise, members of the EAC cited no security incidents among their staffs or dependents during the week. CONS confirmed that there were no security incidents or related queries from the private American citizen community. RSO and RMAS affirmed that their Omani government counterparts continue to emphasize that they have control of the local security situation and are poised to respond to any imminent threat to American personnel or interests in Oman. -------------- Remaining Vigilant -------------- ¶4. (S/NF) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO reiterated that members of the EAC should continue reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need for vigilance regarding all aspects of personal security, including the need to maintain a low profile and to remain unpredictable. RSO also re-emphasized the importance of immediately reporting suspicious activity or security-related incidents, especially those involving suspected surveillance, to Post One. The EAC remains acutely aware of the need to monitor both the regional and local security environments, and is prepared to take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either occur. AMB, DCM, A/RSO, RMAS, CONS, OMC (USDR), and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. BALTIMORE