EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/22/2006

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000262

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DEPARTMENT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/IP/ITA, NEA/ARPI, AND NEA/EX
DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/DSS/CC, AND CA/OCS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1
TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KSAC KHLS MU EAC
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 02/22/2006

REF: MUSCAT 0234

Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission William R. Stewart.
Reason: 1.4(c).

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Summary
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1. (SBU) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core
Emergency Action Committee (EAC) on February 22 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, and agreed that the
Embassy's already heightened security posture and force
protection condition (FPCON) remain appropriate. End Summary.

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Local Security Environment
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2. (SBU) On February 22, the Ambassador 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 quiet and stable. Likewise, the
EAC noted no/no security incidents or new threat reporting
specific to Oman.

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Upcoming Events
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3. (SBU) In conjunction with a review of upcoming community
events, RSO confirmed that security preparations are in place
for a February 24 "Festival of Choirs" concert, expected to
host up to 500 invitees, to be held at The American
International School of Muscat. RSO and OMC also confirmed
that security coordination is underway for the February 27-28
visit of Lieutenant General Gary L. North, Commander, U.S.
Central Command Air Forces. The Royal Oman Police will
provided security support for both of the aforementioned
events.

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Sustained Vigilance
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4. (SBU) Prior to concluding the meeting, and despite the
relative calm, 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 - to include maintaining a low profile, and
remaining unpredictable and situationally aware. 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 February 19 (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. AMB, DCM, P/E, MGT, RSO, SIMO, PAO, CONS, OMC (USDR),
ECA (USCENTAF),and Duty Officer participated in the meeting.
BALTIMORE