Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
05DAMASCUS5973
2005-11-16 15:52:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Damascus
Cable title:  

EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING (EAC) NOVEMBER 16, 2005

Tags:  ASEC SY IS CASC 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
S E C R E T DAMASCUS 005973 

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR NEA, DS/IP, DS/ICI/ATA, DS/ICI/PII, SY

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2013
TAGS: ASEC SY IS CASCSY
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING (EAC) NOVEMBER
16, 2005

REF: DAMASCUS 5886

Classified By: CDA Steve Seche for reason 1.5(C)

S E C R E T DAMASCUS 005973

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR NEA, DS/IP, DS/ICI/ATA, DS/ICI/PII, SY

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2013
TAGS: ASEC SY IS CASCSY
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING (EAC) NOVEMBER
16, 2005

REF: DAMASCUS 5886

Classified By: CDA Steve Seche for reason 1.5(C)


1. (S/NF) The EAC convened on November 16, 2005 at 1430
hours to discuss the security situation in Syria after
receiving several intelligence reports indicating
specific/general threat information.


2. (S/NF) The EAC discussed three different pieces of
intelligence:

First, a report that the Syrian Public Relations
Association's ongoing protest about a hundred meters from the
Embassy (see Damascus 5886) may be a staging area for a group
to conduct sabotage activities against the Mission or the
kidnapping of a US diplomat.

Second, a non-specific assertion in the same report that the
US Embassy will be a target for some sort of terrorist
operation in the next few days.

Last, a report describing the consideration being given by a
Sweden-based terrorist group with affiliates in Syria to the
kidnapping of a US diplomat in Syria.


3. (S/NF) The EAC discussed the ongoing protest in Rawda
Circle, about 100 meters from the Embassy. The Charge noted
that he had met last week with the head of the Syrian Public
Relations Association (SPRA) to urge re-location of the
protest, and received assurances that the demonstrations were
specifically not/not anti-American in nature, and were
intended to provide a venue where Syrians can engage in a
national dialogue. The Charge told the SPRA director that he
would continue efforts to have the "national dialogue"
re-located to another venue. He has tried unsuccessfully to
meet this week with the Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss
this issue; efforts to schedule that appointment continue.
In addition to the assurances given by the demonstration's
organizers, it was noted that the protests to date have been
small, sporadic and non-violent. The Syrian authorities have
increased the police presence around the embassy and have
thus far effectively controlled the crowds that have gathered
each night.


4. (S/NF) The EAC then discussed intelligence reporting
regarding preliminary stages of a plan to kidnap a US
diplomat. The EAC instructed supervisors to convey to
American staff the need for increased vigilance, including
continuing to vary their times and routes, and maintenance of
a low profile. Further, the EAC recommended that US
personnel should to the extent possible avoid areas were
Americans/Westerners congregate in large groups and should be
aware of their immediate surroundings. The Embassy will
issue a warden's notice advising the larger American
community to exercise similar caution in their own daily
routines.


5. (S/NF) The RSO's office will meet with the Commanding
General of the Emergency Police to discuss enhancing the
security around the Embassy, beyond additional measures that
have been taken since the protests at Rawda Circle began.
Further, the RSO will pass the tear-line information to the
Syrian police.
SECHE