SANAA EAC MEETING 08/28/2004

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 002274

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DS/DSS, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA, NEA/
ARP, NEA/EX, NEA/P, CA, CENTCOM FOR POLAD

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2014
TAGS: AMGT ASEC PREL PTER YM EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 08/28/2004


Classified By: Acting RSO Paul O'Keefe, for reasons 1.4 (d) and (g).

Classified By: DCM Nabeel Khoury, for reasons 1.4 (d) and (g)


1. (S/NF) Begin Summary: The Ambassador convened a
core EAC meeting on August 28, 2004, to share security
concerns with regard to potential tensions in Yemen.
Attention to Emergency Action Plan (EAP) awareness and
updating were also addressed. Embassy employees were
reminded to remain vigilant in light of recent threat
reporting and to report all security related incidents
immediately to the RSO. EAC members noted no current
specific threats against Embassy Sanaa. The American
community continues to remain in a high state of security
alertness even in the absence of specific threat against
Americans or the Embassy. Key offices and personnel
represented included: DCM, FPD, OMC, ORCA, POL/ECON ,HU, MO,
CCE-Yemen, DAO, and RSO. END SUMMARY.



2. (C) EAC members began their discussion with a
review of the security situation in light of recent
events in Yemen. The Ambassador emphasized communication
between EAC members and stressed the need for each
section to complete the update of the EAP and to
review emergency procedures.


3. (S/NF) DCM referred to the recent issuance of a
general public warning for the Middle East. DCM
noted that the large turnover of personnel at
Embassy Sanaa has increased the need to update the
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and to review the
updated version for accuracy. DCM also stated that
an EAC core group of six to seven people should meet
on a monthly basis regardless of any direct threat
reporting. The information shared by this core
group will be disseminated to the members of each
section and discussed openly at country team meetings.


4. (C) The Ambassador expressed his desire to have a
warden meeting in September. CONS also stressed the need
to share information with the American community to
include NGOs and AMCITS in Aden.


5. (S/NF) DCM pointed to several events that have
the potential to affect the American community
including the upcoming trial of an alleged Yemeni
Al-Qaida member in Guantanamo Bay, and the sentencing
today of Yemenis convicted in the attack on the
French supertanker Limburg and for plotting to attack
the U.S. Embassy and other foreign missions in Yemen.
DCM also noted the increased reporting concerning threats
against maritime interests which were also of great
concern.


6. (C) In view of increased security concerns, the
Ambassador asked EAC members to assess the level of
cooperation and communication each section has with
their respective contacts in the ROYG in order to how they
would gauge the Yemeni governments level of assistance in
the event of a crisis such as hostage taking or an
evacuation.


7. (S/NF) RMO stated hospitals have been identified
in the event of an emergency but medical care would be
substandard. RMO added that the medical portion of
the EAP has been updated and a first responder exercise
has recently been conducted with the Regional Security
Office.

-- RSO reported excellent working relationship with
Yemeni officials in relation to law enforcement and
security matters.

--AID reported good contacts with officials in the
regional provinces. AID added that they will be
increasing their staff in Yemen which will raise
their profile.

--DAO and ORCA conveyed the reluctance of
Yemeni officials to share information. ORCA added
however that their information sharing with the
Yemenis is above average compared with that of
other embassies.
--FBI stated their contacts with the Ministry
of Interior were mixed but noted their
communication with the newly created National
Security Bureau (NSB) have so far been positive.

-- OMC and CCE-Y section heads have recently
arrived in Yemen and will be pursuing closer
cooperation with their Yemeni counterparts.

--MO noted he was part of the Embassy Sanaa
evacuation in 1994 and the assistance from
governmental officials was excellent.



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Post Advisory Actions
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8. (C) Embassy Sanaa will convene a wardens
meeting in September to discuss security concerns
among community members. EAC members agreed to convene
an EAC meeting once a month regardless of any direct
threat against the American community. EAC members were
also asked to complete their portion of the Emergency
Action Plan.



KRAJESKI