EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 05/29/2005

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000858

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI
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: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 05/29/2005

REF: MUSCAT 0850

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires, a.i. William R. Stewart.
Reason: 1.4 (c).

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Summary
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1. (SBU) The CDA chaired a meeting of the full Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) May 29 to review the Embassy's
security posture following the local holiday 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 FPCON remain appropriate. End Summary.

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Security Environment
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2. (SBU) On May 29, the CDA chaired a meeting of the full
EAC to review the Embassy's security posture following the
local holiday 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. Members cited a quiet
weekend with no security incidents.

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Emergency Preparedness
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3. (SBU) The CDA led a discussion of lessons learned from
the unannounced Embassy-wide "Duck and Cover" drill held on
May 29. A/RSO commented on the drill's overall effectiveness
and solid participation. Embassy Muscat will maintain its
increased drilling tempo in all areas of emergency
preparedness.

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Sustained Vigilance
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4. (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. A/RSO further re-emphasized the importance of
immediately reporting all suspicious activity or
security-related incidents to Post One.

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EAC Conclusion
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5. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no
substantive changes in the local security environment since
the last meeting held on May 25 (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. CDA, P/E, MGT, A/RSO, RMAS, PAO, MSG, DAO, OMC
(USDR),and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting.
STEWART