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). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶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. -------------- --- Response to the Department's Public Announcement -------------- --- ¶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. -------------- Response to Terrorist Tactics -------------- ¶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). -------------- Local Security Environment -------------- ¶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