Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
05MUSCAT280 | 2005-02-16 13:36:00 | SECRET//NOFORN | Embassy Muscat |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MUSCAT 000280 |
1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee February 16 to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend. Members of the EAC 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 FPCON remain appropriate. End Summary. -------------------------- Security Environment -------------------------- 2. (SBU) On February 16, the Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency Action Committee ("EAC") to review the Embassy's security posture prior to the local holiday weekend. The meeting opened with a discussion of the local and regional security situations; the EAC continued to characterize the former as stable. Members of the EAC noted no new threat reporting specific to Oman. -------------------------- Upcoming Events -------------------------- 3. (SBU) The discussion shifted to upcoming local events, specifically those being held in conjunction with the Middle East Air Symposium, scheduled for February 21-23, and The American International School of Muscat's "Festival of Choirs," scheduled for February 25. The latter event will host visiting American school students from India, Qatar, and the U.A.E. It was further noted that security planning is underway for approaching Free Trade Agreement negotiations, scheduled for March 11-14. Security for the aforementioned events is being fully coordinated with the Royal Oman Police, who remain responsive to the Embassy's security needs. -------------------------- Crisis Management -------------------------- 4. (SBU) The EAC also used the opportunity to review valuable "lessons learned" derived from the FSI-sponsored Crisis Management Training held on February 13 and 14. On a related note, RSO provided the EAC with updates to ongoing security upgrade projects, such as the installation of drop-arms in the approach to the Embassy's vehicle gate, and creation of an exterior "safe area" in the motorpool. -------------------------- Sustained Vigilance -------------------------- 5. (SBU) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO asked all members of the EAC to continue reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need for security awareness. RSO also re-emphasized that all suspicious activity or security-related incidents, as insignificant as they may appear, should be reported to Post One immediately. -------------------------- EAC Conclusion -------------------------- 6. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no substantive changes in previously reported assessments of the local security environment since the last meeting held on February 9 (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 and threat environments, and is prepared to take the necessary countermeasures should changes to either occur. AMB, DCM, RSO, ARSO, P/E, RMAS, CONS, MGT, DAO, OMC (USDR), and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting, which was followed by a meeting of the Visas Viper Committee. BALTIMORE |