TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT

UNCLAS E F T O SECTION 01 OF 04 ROME 000390 SIPDIS NOFORN SENSITIVE DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR S/S-O, S/CT, EUR, DS, AND CA E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/09/2007 TAGS: ASEC CASC CMGT ECON IT KOLY OVIP PTER OLYMPICS SUBJECT: TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT (SITREP) #3, 02/09/2006 REF: ROME 377 Classified By: Deborah Graze, Consul General Milan for reason 1.4 (d) ¶1. (SBU) The following cable provides information on security, public diplomacy, and consular activities in Turin, Italy, for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games as of 02/09/2006. ¶2. (SBU) The interagency Olympic Security Coordination (OSC) Office can be contacted on a 24-hour basis at the following numbers: USG Joint Operations Center (JOC) 39-011-55-99-793/794/564 (tel); 011-39-011-55-99-590 (fax) USG Threat Integration Center (TIC) 39-011-55-99-790/791 (tel); 011-39-011-55-99-590 (fax). ¶3. (SBU) Attached is a key for USG acronyms used within this cable: Olympic Security Coordination Office (OSC); Joint Operations Center (JOC); USG Threat Integration Center (TIC); Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC); First Lady of the United States (FLOTUS); Turin Olympics Committee (TOROC); International Olympics Committee (IOC); Public Affairs/Public Diplomacy (PA/PD); Consular Affairs (CA). SECURITY ISSUES -------------- ¶4. (U) Terrorist Activity: No activity has been identified. ¶5. (SBU) Threats: The US Government is unaware of any specific, credible threat information directed against the Olympic Games in Turin, or in the primary Olympics mountain sites of Bardonecchia and Sestriere. In addition, there is currently no information available to suggest a threat to FLOTUS and the Presidential Delegation scheduled to arrive in Turin on 02/10/2006. ¶6. (SBU) Demonstrations/Protests: In light of the violent protests in response to the cartoons depicting the Prophet Mohammad and recent incidents against Italian interests in Afghanistan, Italian authorities are sensitive to the prospect that similar events could occur in Italy. As of early February, members of the Islamic community in Turin had approached local imams to request that demonstrations be organized in response to the cartoons, publication. Though the congregants indicated that the protests would be legal and peaceful, the imams rejected the idea due to concerns that rogue elements may attempt to cause violence. ¶7. (SBU) Anarchist groups continue to plan disruptive activities targeting the Games, to include attacking Coca-Cola stands during the Opening Ceremonies. TOROC and the IOC have expressed their concerns regarding the negative press generated by the ongoing protests against Coke. As a result, they have reportedly asked the company to consider withdrawing from the last two days of the Olympic Torch Run. While Coca-Cola will comply with the request if necessary, the OSC feels that this action will be perceived as a success by the dissident groups and that it will ultimately encourage increased targeting of Coke. The OSC remains engaged with the Italian Polizia di Stato (National Police) and DIGOS (General Investigations and Special Operations) on the planned protests, as well as on all known and developed threats against US corporate sponsors. ¶8. (SBU) Incidents: On 02/09/2006, the Bank of America Hospitality House was cordoned off due to the possible presence of a gas canister in the back seat of a parked vehicle. Italian police closed the street until the item was determined to be benign. ¶9. (SBU) According to Corriere della Sera, on 02/06/2006, Italian authorities deported two Algerians on charges of document fraud; the individuals allegedly had connections to the Salafist Group for Preaching and Combat (GSPC),an Algeria-based Islamic extremist organization with a sizable presence in Europe. OSC notes that these deportations represent ongoing efforts by Italian authorities to disrupt and dismantle terrorist cells and criminal organizations within the country. SECURITY OPERATIONS -------------- ¶10. (SBU/NF) USG security activities -- ongoing liaison with host government entities, Olympics security officials, US corporate security and the FLOTUS USSS security detail -- continue. VIPs -------------- ¶11. (SBU) FLOTUS and the Presidential Delegation arrived in Rome on 02/08/2006 and are expected in Turin on 02/10/2006; they plan to depart Italy on/about 02/12/2006. Local news media continue to provide information on the FLOTUS itinerary, noting that she will attend the Opening Ceremonies on 02/10/2006 and will have a full schedule of meetings and appearances on 02/11/2006. ¶12. (SBU) On 02/10/2006, Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney is scheduled to arrive in Turin on private travel. OSC has provided assistance to state troopers accompanying Gov. Romney during his stay in Italy. PENDING MATTERS -------------- ¶13. (U) OSC continues to work with Italian counterparts to monitor and resolve potential security concerns related to the Games and the period immediately prior to the Italian General Elections. In light of ongoing anti-Olympics and anti-Coca-Cola protests, Italian authorities remain on a high state of alert in advance of tomorrow's Opening Ceremonies. Despite the exhortations of public officials for a cessation of the protest activity, further demonstrations are expected to occur during the upcoming days. ¶14. (U) OSC continues to coordinate efforts with Italian authorities to investigate the reported theft of a vehicle containing a Turin Olympic Committee access pass. PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY -------------- ¶15. (U) The US Public Affairs Office in Turin may be reached at 39-011-55-99-368. The US office at the TorinoPiemonte Media Center is open and is monitoring non-Olympics related news stories. ¶16. (U) Daily news media has focused on the FLOTUS visit, security concerns related to the Olympics, and the ongoing cartoon controversy. Both the media and Italian officials continue to note the absence of any specific threats against the Games. The following summary contains highlights from local media: ¶17. (U) FLOTUS: Turin-based daily La Stampa featured an exclusive interview with FLOTUS in which she expressed her enthusiasm for her visit to Italy, promoted the positive role of the Games in fostering cooperation between countries, and noted the close US-Italian bilateral relationship. She also took the opportunity to comment on the cartoon controversy, remarking that the issue has emphasized the need to develop dialogue among nations. In a separate article, La Stampa also published a copy of the anti-Olympics anarchist manifesto entitled "No to the Olympics of War, Bush Go Home." Media entities continue to publish information regarding the FLOTUS itinerary and Italian security forces remain on high alert in advance of her visit. ¶18. (U) Security Concerns: The OSC office was the topic of the La Repubblica article "Even US Intelligence in the Field, The Level of Observation Remains High." Subtitled "A Task Force of FBI, CIA, and TSA Watches Over the Games," the report claimed to quote a high level US security official who stated that the potential exists for terrorist activity during the Games and that public safety officials continue to guard against possible incidents. The tone of the article was positive and concluded with praise for the Italian security forces. This story was neither approved nor admitted to by USG security officials based in Turin; USG security personnel have been reminded to not discuss security information or operations with members of the media. ¶19. (U) Public Statements: Interior Minister Pisanu is using increasingly strong language when calling for an end to anti-Olympic protests. Corriere della Sera and La Repubblica published Pisanu,s comments outlining the capabilities of the security personnel in place for the Games and noting that there are 20 high-risk targets in Turin, including the Olympic Villages and the media village where NBC is housing many of its 3,000 employees. Corriere della Sera pointed out that these venues could be targeted by improvised explosive devices or by sabotage to critical infrastructure. However, Italian law enforcement entities remain fully engaged in their efforts to prevent hostile activity. ¶20. (U) According to L,Unita, the rerouting of the Olympic torch around the town of Avigliana prompted mayors of the Piedmont region to implore protesters to temper their disruptive actions in advance of the Games. The mayors, statements echoed the calls of national figures for calm during the Olympics. CONSULAR AFFAIRS -------------- ¶21. (U) CA remains engaged in dialogue with Turin emergency service agencies. They also recently hosted a representational event for the international Consular corps, met with the Central Police command, and distributed consular information cards at airports, train stations, and info kiosks. As of this filing, the Turin Consular Office has not received any requests for American citizen service. ¶22. (U) The Consular Office may be contacted at the following numbers: 011-5599-330 (tel.); 011-5599-551 (fax). Additional information may be found at http://milan.usconsulate.gov. SPOGLI