SANAA EAC MEETING - OCTOBER 17, 2004

S E C R E T SANAA 002707

SIPDIS

NOFORN

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

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/16/2014
TAGS: ASEC AMGT PREL PTER EAC
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING - OCTOBER 17, 2004

Classified By: RSO Tim Laas, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (S/NF) Begin summary: The Chief of Mission (COM)
convened an EAC meeting on October 17, to address security
concerns as post moves closer to the U.S. election date and
enters Ramadan, raising the possibility of major attacks.
COM stated there was currently no information that there will
be attacks in Sanaa but the holy month of Ramadan combined
with the lead up to U.S. elections made caution warranted.
COM stated it was essential that post employees inform the
RSO if they planned large gatherings during Ramadan,
especially non-official social events. EAC discussed
security concerns regarding upcoming Marine Ball at post and
a planned Halloween party at post employee's residence. RSO
advised EAC to consider the merits of post's policy placing
the local Russian Club off limits to embassy personnel. Key
offices and personnel represented at the meeting included:
COM, A/DCM, POL/ECON, CONS, MO, RSO, POL/MIL, OMC, DAO, MED,
LEGATT and IMO. End summary.


2. (SBU) The EAC began with a discussion regarding the
upcoming Marine Ball to be held at post in November. COM and
RSO agreed that current security plans are sufficient to
support having the Marine Ball on the embassy compound,
provided the local Ministry of Interior complies with RSO
request to strengthen the embassy perimeter and to control
vehicular access surrounding the embassy grounds. RSO
advised EAC that post is in close contact with host
government regarding supplemental security for the Marine
Ball.


3. (SBU) RSO advised EAC that a Halloween party was being
planned by an embassy employee with a potential list of over
a hundred guests. RSO stated that access control at the
residence would be difficult to manage and the party would
present a good target during Ramadon. A German expatriate
recently hosted a party at a private residence with a large
contingent of western guests and security/access control was
not sufficient in the RSO's view. EAC determined that
currently it did not appear to be a good time to host such a
party and it was cancelled.


4. (SBU) RSO asked the EAC to examine the merits of
post's policy banning embassy personnel from visiting a local
Russian club in Sanaa. It was noted that, unlike other
social clubs and hotels in the area, the Russian Club is
located inside "Tourist City" compound with poor access
control. The club's high number of expatriate patrons
combined with alcohol and a perception of inproprities
between men and women highlight security concerns for the
club. COM did not desire to officially ban embassy personnel
from frequenting this establishment but recommended advising
personnel to heighten their awareness regarding the security
of public places to include the Russian club. EAC members
agreed with this assessment.


5. (SBU) At the conclusion of the EAC, COM reminded
personnel to keep the RSO informed regarding any plans to
have large gatherings at local restaurants, clubs, etc. COM
asked CONS to work with RSO in developing a warden message to
be released to the community regarding the increased
potential threat to westerners during the month of Ramadon in
advance of the U.S. elections.
KRAJESKI