EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 06/01/2005

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000886

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 - 06/01/2005

REF: A. MUSCAT 0858

B. SECSTATE 098228

Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Michael G. Snowden.
Reason: 1.4 (c).

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Summary
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1. (SBU) The CDA chaired a meeting of the Emergency Action
Committee (EAC) on June 1 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 FPCON
remain appropriate. End Summary.

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Security Environment
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2. (SBU) On June 1, the CDA 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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Terrorist Tactics
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3. (S/NF) RSO briefed the EAC on reftel B, regarding
evolving vehicle-borne improvised explosive device
techniques, and confirmed that the provided tear line was
passed to all local guard force (LGF) and surveillance
detection (SD) personnel. RSO further confirmed, pursuant to
reftel B instructions, that the use of the Embassy's Imminent
Danger Notification System is routinely reviewed with LGF and
SD personnel, most recently during the May 29 unannounced
Embassy-wide "Duck and Cover" drill (reftel A) - initiated by
a local guard.

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Sustained Vigilance
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4. (SBU) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO reiterated
that members of the EAC must continue reinforcing to both
their staffs and family members the need for vigilance
regarding all aspects of personal security. 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 29 (reftel A). 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, A/DCM, RSO (Duty Officer),RMAS, PAO, CONS, OMC
(USDR),and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting.
STEWART