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.

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A Quiet Weekend
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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.

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Monitoring the Local Security Environment
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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