EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/06/2005

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001058 SIPDIS NOFORN DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI, NEA/EX DEPT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/CC, DS/DSS/OSAC, CA/OCS E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/06/2005 REF: MUSCAT 1036 Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michael G. Snowden. Reason: 1.4(c). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The Acting Deputy Chief of Mission (A/DCM) chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 6 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local weekend. Members noted no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting. Accordingly, the EAC agreed that the Embassy's already heightened security posture and force protection condition (FPCON) remain appropriate. End Summary. -------------- Local Security Environment -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On July 6, A/DCM chaired a meeting of the core EAC to review the Embassy's security posture 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) The EAC also discussed the Embassy's official Independence Day event, which took place, without incident, on Monday, July 4, at the Intercontinental Muscat hotel (reftel). The Regional Security Officer (RSO) highlighted the comprehensive and formidable security coverage provided by numerous elements of the Royal Oman Police. -------------- Continued Vigilance -------------- ¶4. (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. -------------- EAC Conclusion -------------- ¶5. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no substantive changes in the local security environment since the last meeting held on July 3 (reftel). 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. A/DCM, P/E, MGT, RSO, ARSO, RMAS, CONS, OMC (USDR), and Duty Officer participated in the meeting. BALTIMORE