EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/09/2004

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001978

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 - 11/09/2004

REF: A. SECSTATE 238787


B. MUSCAT 1954

Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III.
Reason: 1.4(c).

--------------
SUMMARY
--------------

1. (C) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency
Action Committee ("EAC") on November 9 to reassess the
Embassy's security posture prior to the holiday weekend and
to discuss any security implications of anticipated offensive
operations in Fallujah Iraq (reftel A).

-------------- --------------
Response to Anticipated Offensive Operations in Fallujah
-------------- --------------


2. (S/NF) The EAC reviewed the known facts regarding the
ongoing offensive military operations in Fallujah, Iraq. The
EAC determined that such operations would pose little to
no/no security implications for the Embassy. The EAC noted
that Omani public opinion would be shaped in large part on
how this latest offensive is portrayed in the regional and
local media. The EAC concluded that there has been no change
in the local security environment since its last meeting held
on November 6 (reftel B) and that the Embassy's FPCON (Bravo)
and already heightened security posture remain appropriate.
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.

--------------
Maintaining Personal Vigilance
--------------


3. (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, OMC (USDR),DAO,
P/E, MGT, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting.
BALTIMORE