EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 03/08/2006

S E C R E T MUSCAT 000346

SIPDIS

NOFORN

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

E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1
TAGS: AEMR ASEC AMGT PTER CASC KSAC KHLS KVPR MU EAC
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 03/08/2006

REF: MUSCAT 0317

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

--------------
Summary
--------------


1. (SBU) The DCM chaired a meeting of the core Emergency
Action Committee (EAC) on March 8 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.

--------------
Local Security Situation
--------------


2. (SBU) On March 8, the DCM 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 threat
reporting specific to Oman.

--------------
Upcoming Events
--------------


3. (SBU) In conjunction with a review of upcoming community
events, RSO confirmed that security arrangements, including
comprehensive Royal Oman Police (ROP) support, are in place
for a March 9 "International Day" event being hosted by The
American International School of Muscat. In addition, RSO
advised that security coordination is underway for the
Ambassador's March 13 farewell event, which is expected to
draw upwards of 1000 guests. RSO noted that during a recent
meeting at the ROP's Directorate General of Operations to
discuss the farewell event, senior officials commented that
they are not/not in possession of any information that would
point to a threat to Americans or American interests in Oman.

--------------
Sustained Vigilance
--------------


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 - 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.

--------------
EAC Conclusion
--------------


5. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there have been no
substantive changes in the local security environment since
the last meeting held on March 4 (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. DCM, P/E (Duty Officer),MGT, RSO, ARSO, SIMO, CONS,
DAO, and OMC (USDR) participated in the meeting, which
preceded a routine meeting of the Visas Viper Committee (to
be reported septel).
BALTIMORE