EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/22/2004

S E C R E T MUSCAT 002017 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 - 11/22/2004 REF: MUSCAT 2009 Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. Reason: 1.4(c). ¶1. (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") on November 22 to reassess the Embassy's security posture following the local holiday weekend and to discuss any possible security concerns relative to a series of upcoming Embassy and community events. -------------- Upcoming Events and Local Security -------------- ¶2. (S/NF) The EAC reviewed the security implications for a number of upcoming Embassy-sponsored and community events to include the scheduled ship visits of the USS Juneau from 11/28 - 12/02, USS The Sullivans from 12/7 - 12/13, USS Barry from 12/23 - 12/27, and the USS Underwood from 01/11 - 01/14; both the USMC Birthday Ball on 12/09 and The American International School's Tropical Ball on 12/02; and a popular craft bazaar sponsored by a local American women's organization on 11/26. The EAC concluded that there has been no change in the local security environment since its last meeting held on November 17 (reftel) 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 Security -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) Members of the EAC cited no security incidents among their staffs or dependents over the extended holiday weekend. Likewise, CONS confirmed that there were no security incidents or related queries from the private American citizen community. Members agreed that despite the relative calm, the EAC should continue reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need to maintain a low profile and to remain unpredictable. RSO 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, CONS, P/E, RSO, ARSO, RMAS, OMC (USDR),DAO, MGT, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. BALTIMORE