EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/05/2005

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001498

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI, NEA/EX
DEPT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/DSS/CC, CA/OCS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1
TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 10/05/2005

REF: MUSCAT 1461

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission William R. Stewart.
Reason: 1.4(c).

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Summary
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1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) on October 5 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.

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Local Security Situation
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2. (SBU) On October 5, the Ambassador 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.

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Sustained Vigilance
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3. (SBU) Prior to concluding the meeting, A/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 and situationally aware. Furthermore,
A/RSO stressed the importance of immediately reporting any
security-related concerns or incidents to Post One. The EAC
was reminded that extra care should be taken during Ramadan
to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to oneself, and to
remain aware of cultural sensitivities during Islam's holy
month of fasting.

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EAC Conclusion
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4. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no
substantive changes in the local security environment since
the last meeting held on October 1 (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. AMB, DCM, P/E, PAO, MGT, A/RSO, SIMO, CONS, OMC
(USDR),and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting.
BALTIMORE