EMBASSY SANAA EAC MEETING - 7/31/05

S E C R E T SANAA 002094 SIPDIS NOFORN DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, S/CT, NEA/ARPI, NEA/EX DEPT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/CC, DS/DSS/OSAC, CA/OCS CENTCOM FOR POLAD E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/31/2015 TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC YM EAC SUBJECT: EMBASSY SANAA EAC MEETING - 7/31/05 Classified By: Ambassador Thomas C. Krajeski for Reasons 1.4(b) and (d) . (U) 1. Embassy EAC convened on 7/31/05 to assess the current security situation in Yemen. EAC was chaired by the Ambassador and included representatives from POLE, POLM, RSO, CONS, PD, MGT, DAO, OMC, FPD, LEGATT, USAID, and CCE-Y. (S) 2. EAC members discussed possible security implications of Sheikh Al-Moayed's recent sentencing in the United States. While there has been widespread sentiments expressed in the media and on the street that the 75-year sentence was excessive, all reports from committee members indicate that public action against Americans in Yemen is highly unlikely, especially given the heightened security presence on the streets in the wake of last week's rioting. EAC members will continue to monitor the issue closely for any new developments. (S) 3. The EAC also reviewed an incident which occured on July 30 in which the vehicle of a Ministry of Interior colonel was detonated outside his home. RSO has confirmed the incident with MOI, who have stated that the incident is of a tribal or criminal nature and is not connected with the series of attacks linked to supporters of al-Houthi earlier this year. (U) 4. Turning to the subject of fuel subsidies and the violent demonstrations last week, EAC members concurred that the period of significant public protest on this issue has come to a close for the present, but that related political and economic concerns remain. The consular section will be releasing a new Warden Message informing the public that the Embassy has lifted its own restrictions on travel for official personnel. Krajeski