EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/13/2004

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001995

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 - 11/13/2004

REF: A. SECSTATE 241725

B. SECSTATE 241552

C. MUSCAT 1897

D. MUSCAT 1699

Classified By: DCM William R. Stewart.
Reason: 1.4(c).

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Summary
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1. (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency
Action Committee ("EAC") on November 13 to reassess the
Embassy's security posture prior to Eid al Fitr, to evaluate
the local implications per the Department's recent Public
Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa (reftel A),
and to discuss the information contained in reftel B.

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Response to the Department's Public Announcement
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2. (SBU) The EAC reviewed the Department's recent Public
Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa regarding
the death of Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Yasser
Arafat (reftel A). The EAC determined that Arafat's death
has had no/no security implications for the Embassy. The EAC
noted that the Embassy's already heightened security posture
continues to remain appropriate and that Arafat's death has
not resonated significantly with the Omanis. Despite the
relative calm, the Ambassador reminded the Committee to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take the necessary
steps to increase their security awareness.

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Response to Terrorist Tactics
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3. (SBU) In accordance with reftel B, A/RSO confirmed that
all consular, public diplomacy, and commercial personnel will
be briefed on recent trends in terrorist/extremist tactics in
targeting public access areas. In addition to the employees'
increased awareness, the Embassy recently installed a new L3
Security and Detection Systems x-ray machine in the public
access control facility (reftel C). This enhanced detection
capability helps prevent weapons, explosives, and other
contraband items from entering such public areas. The
Embassy also deploys its Surveillance Detection assets to
both the consular and Information Resources Center in an
unpredictable and irregular basis so as to provide critical
observation while maintaining essential operational cover
(reftel D).

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Local Security Environment
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4. (S/NF) Members of the EAC cited no security incidents
among their staffs or dependents during the long local
weekend. 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. Prior to concluding the meeting, A/RSO
reiterated that members of the EAC should continue
reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need
to maintain a low profile and to remain unpredictable. A/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,
CONS, PAO, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting.
BALTIMORE