Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06DUBAI4511
2006-07-18 14:19:00
SECRET
Consulate Dubai
Cable title:  

DEMONSTRATORS IN DUBAI VOICE SUPPORT FOR LEBANON

Tags:  ASEC PGOV PREL SOCI AE LE 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO2165
RR RUEHDE
DE RUEHDE #4511 1991419
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
R 181419Z JUL 06
FM AMCONSUL DUBAI
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2334
INFO RUEHAD/AMEMBASSY ABU DHABI 1647
RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
RUEHDE/AMCONSUL DUBAI 5320
S E C R E T DUBAI 004511 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 7/18/2016
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL SOCI AE LE
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATORS IN DUBAI VOICE SUPPORT FOR LEBANON

REF: DUBAI 04510

CLASSIFIED BY: Jillian L. Burns, Acting Consul General, Dubai,
UAE.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)


S E C R E T DUBAI 004511

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 7/18/2016
TAGS: ASEC PGOV PREL SOCI AE LE
SUBJECT: DEMONSTRATORS IN DUBAI VOICE SUPPORT FOR LEBANON

REF: DUBAI 04510

CLASSIFIED BY: Jillian L. Burns, Acting Consul General, Dubai,
UAE.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)



1.(C) Summary: Dubai has seen two small, peaceful demonstrations
in support of Lebanon in the past few days. Neither police, nor
RSO, nor the Lebanese Consulate anticipate demonstrations
turning violent. End summary

2.(U) A demonstration in support of Lebanon was held in Dubai
Media City (DMC) July 17. Local English language newspapers
reported that "hundreds of people" participated in the
demonstration near the CNN and MBC buildings. Lebanese Muslims
and Christians, along with non-Lebanese Arabs, demonstrated
against Israeli military action. Many of the demonstrators were
reported to have participated in a peaceful vigil held outside
of the Lebanese Consulate on Saturday July 15.

3.(C) In contrast to press reporting, Major Abdullah Khalefah of
the Dubai Police's Protection Security Department told RSO that
only 20 - 30 people held an impromptu gathering in DMC July 17.
Khalefah called it gathering, rather than a demonstration or a
protest. Newspaper photographs showed a small group of people,
consistent with the Dubai Police's estimate. Khalafah said that
the police did not give permission for the assembly. He added
that no group had submitted an application to hold a
demonstration.

4.(S) RSO Dubai does not consider the threat potential of these
two "gatherings" to be of concern nor a reason to escalate the
increased security posture at Post. RSO Office inquired with
Dubai Police this morning at 0800 local time after reading the
front page of the above-mentioned article. RSO Office reiterated
to police that those incidents deemed to be "gatherings" should
also be reported to ConGen. Dubai Police responded very quickly
to our request for information and are keen on perception
management.

5.(S) USG-funded Radio Sawa resides in a low-profile building
within Media City approximately one kilometer drive from the
location of this incident. Radio Sawa did not report any
problems with personnel being harassed or property damage
regarding the July 17, 2006 "gathering ". The head of Radio Sawa
stated that they did not even know the "gathering" occurred
until reading today's paper.

6.(C) A/RSO will continue to monitor and make another request if
an increase in patrols is not noted (reftel). A/RSO will also
monitor any changes in the security environment and
demonstrations within the Northern Emirates or Dubai.

7.(C) In a July 18 meeting, the Lebanese Consul General told
Acting Consul General that she does not see the potential for
violent, anti-American demonstrations in UAE over the Lebanon
issue. The UAE government would not allow it, she said.
Furthermore, it would not serve Lebanon's interest, as it views
the US as a friend.

BURNS