EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/09/2005

UNCLAS MUSCAT 000229 SIPDIS SENSITIVE DEPT. FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/DSS/OSAC, CA/OCS, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KHLS MU EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/09/2005 REF: MUSCAT 0203 -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee February 9 to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend, as well as to discuss security for upcoming events. The Committee concluded that there has been no change in the local security environment since its last meeting held on February 5 (reftel),and that the Embassy's FPCON and already heightened security posture remain appropriate. End Summary. -------------- A Quiet Week -------------- ¶2. (SBU) On February 9, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") to reassess the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend, as well as to discuss security for upcoming events. Members of the EAC cited no security incidents relative to the visit of the USS Milius (reftel),or among their staffs or family members during the week. Likewise, CONS confirmed that there were no security incidents or related queries from the private American citizen community. ARSO commented that their Omani government counterparts continue to affirm their full control of the local security situation. ¶3. (SBU) Members agreed that despite the relative calm, the EAC should continue reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need for vigilance regarding personal security practices. ARSO re-emphasized the importance of immediately reporting suspicious activity or security-related incidents, especially those involving suspected surveillance, to Post One. -------------- Monitoring the Security Environment -------------- ¶4. (SBU) The EAC concluded that there has been no change in the local security environment since its last meeting held on February 5 (reftel),and that the Embassy's FPCON and already heightened security posture remain appropriate. Nonetheless, the EAC remains acutely aware of the need to monitor both the regional and local security environments, and is prepared to take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either occur. AMB, DCM, P/E, ARSO, OMC (USDR),CONS, DAO, MGT, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. BALTIMORE