EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/11/2004

S E C R E T MUSCAT 002153 SIPDIS NOFORN DEPT. FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/OSAC, CA/OCS, DS/IP/SPC/MSG, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/11/2004 REF: MUSCAT 2144 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 December 11 to reassess the Embassy's security posture following the local weekend and to discuss any additional concerns relative to the upcoming series of Embassy-sponsored holiday events. -------------- A Quiet Weekend -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Members of the EAC cited no security incidents relative to the USMC Birthday Ball, or among their staffs or dependents over the local 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. A/RSO re-emphasized the importance of immediately reporting suspicious activity or security-related incidents, especially those involving suspected surveillance, to Post One. -------------- Monitoring the Local Security Environment -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there has been no change in the local security environment since its last meeting held on December 8 (reftel),and that the Embassy's FPCON (Bravo) and already heightened security posture remain appropriate. RMAS affirmed that their Omani government counterparts continue to emphasize that they have control of the local security situation and are poised to counter any imminent threat to American personnel or interests in Oman. A/RSO also noted that the Royal Oman Police remain responsive to the Embassy's security needs as was evident in its strong support of both the recent TAISM Tropical Ball and USMC Birthday Ball. 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, P/E, A/RSO, RMAS, OMC (USDR),CONS, DAO, MGT, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. BALTIMORE