EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/22/2005

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 001001 SIPDIS NOFORN DEPT FOR DS, S/CT, D, P, M, INR, CA, NEA/ARPI, NEA/EX DEPT ALSO FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/DSS/OSAC E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/22/2005 REF: A. MUSCAT 0977 ¶B. SECSTATE 110699 Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Michael G. Snowden. Reason: 1.4(c)(g). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The Charge chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on June 22 to review security arrangements for the Embassy's upcoming Independence Day celebration, as well as to assess the overall security environment prior to the local weekend. The EAC agreed on both security measures for the celebration and the appropriateness of the Embassy's already heightened security posture and force protection condition (FPCON). Members noted no changes in their previous assessment of the local security situation (reftel A). End Summary. -------------- Local Security Environment -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On June 22, the Charge chaired a meeting of the EAC to review security arrangements for the Embassy's upcoming Independence Day celebration, as well as to assess the overall security environment prior to the local weekend. The meeting opened with a discussion of the local security situation, which the EAC continued to characterize as stable. Likewise, the EAC noted no/no new threat reporting specific to Oman. -------------- Independence Day Celebration -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Pursuant to reftel B, the EAC reviewed security preparations for the Embassy's official Independence Day event, scheduled for Monday, July 4, at the Intercontinental Muscat hotel. The event will be open only to invited guests, primarily Omani officials, resident diplomats, and other important contacts, as well as Embassy personnel and spouses. ¶4. (C) RSO advised that security for the event will be coordinated closely with the Intercontinental Muscat's management and security staff, as well as numerous elements within the Royal Oman Police (ROP). ROP support will include extensive uniformed and plain-clothed coverage in and around the venue, including EOD support and the enforcement of a no-parking standoff zone. Both the ROP and Intercontinental Muscat are familiar with, and remain very responsive to, the Embassy's security concerns and requirements. ¶5. (C) Carefully considering reftel B guidance, and in light of the aforementioned guest list, the EAC agreed that screening of invited attendees bearing invitations would not be necessary. However, RSO confirmed that the ROP, which will provide access control for the duration of the event, will be poised to physically screen guests who are unable to produce their serialized invitation or a valid form of identification. ¶6. (SBU) Per reftel B, the EAC also discussed the option of issuing a warden message with general security information to the private American citizen community. Given the absence of specific threat information, consensus was that previously published Worldwide Caution and Middle East/North Africa Public Announcements were sufficient. -------------- Sustained Vigilance and the Transfer Season -------------- ¶7. (SBU) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO reiterated that, despite the relative calm, members of the EAC must continue reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need for vigilance regarding all aspects of personal security - to include maintaining a low profile and remaining unpredictable. CDA highlighted that such reinforcement is essential as new personnel and family members begin arriving in conjunction with the summer transfer season. RSO further re-emphasized the criticality of immediately reporting all suspicious activity or security-related incidents, particularly incidents of possible surveillance, to Post One. -------------- EAC Conclusion -------------- ¶8. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting held on June 18 (reftel A). Accordingly, members agreed that the Embassy's already heightened security posture and FPCON remain appropriate. Embassy Muscat remains acutely aware of the need to monitor both the regional and local security and threat environments, and is prepared to take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either occur. CDA, P/E, MGT, RSO, RMAS, CONS, PAO, CLO, DAO, OMC (USDR),ECA (USCENTAF),and Duty Officer participated in the meeting. SNOWDEN