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