TFUK01: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/07/2005

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001064 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: TFUK01: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 07/07/2005 REF: A. SECSTATE 126209 ¶B. SECSTATE 126055 ¶C. SECSTATE 125943 ¶D. DSCC/RSO TELCON DTD 07/07/2005 ¶E. MUSCAT 1058 Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. Reason: 1.4(c). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) Pursuant to references A through D, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on July 7 to review the Embassy's security posture in light of the terrorist bombings that targeted London's transport system. 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 Situation -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On July 7, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core EAC to assess the Embassy's security posture in light of the apparent terrorist bombings that targeted London's transport system. The meeting opened with a review of the known facts surrounding the bombings, then moved to a discussion of the local security situation. Members noted unique conditions in the Sultanate, such as no system of mass transit and a reduced number in the expatriate community during the summer season. The EAC continued to characterize the local security situation as stable. Likewise, the EAC noted no/no new threat reporting specific to Oman. Members, including Duty Officer, confirmed that there have been no security-related queries from the private American citizen community during the local weekend (Thursday-Friday). -------------- EAC Conclusion -------------- ¶3. (S/NF) Despite the London bombings, the EAC concluded that there have been no changes in the local security environment since the last meeting held on July 6 (reftel E). With the exception of additional local guard coverage at a July 7 event taking place at the Muscat Employee Association's recreation facility, 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. AMB, A/DCM, RSO, ARSO, RMAS, MGT, PAO, DAO, OMC (USDR),ECA (USCENTAF), and Duty Officer participated in the meeting. BALTIMORE