TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 000398

SIPDIS

NOFORN
SENSITIVE

DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR S/S-O, S/CT, EUR, DS, AND CA

E.O. 12958: DECL: X1
TAGS: ASEC CASC CMGT ECON IT KOLY OVIP PTER OLYMPICS
SUBJECT: TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT
(SITREP) #4, 02/10/2006

REF: ROME 390

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 Organizing Committee
(TOROC);
International Olympics Committee (IOC); Public Affairs/Public
Diplomacy (PA/PD); Consular Affairs (CA).


KEY EVENTS
--------------


4. (SBU) After years of preparation, the 2006 Winter
Olympics are scheduled to begin this evening in Turin with a
gala Opening Ceremonies. In honor of the Games, FLOTUS
arrives in Turin on 02/10/2006 to represent the US at the
Opening Ceremonies and on the first day of events. For the
first time, the Olympic Games themselves are being featured
on the front pages of every newspaper; whereas attention has
previously been focused on protests and politics, the
spotlight is now also on the athletic events scheduled to
take place in Turin over the next 16 days. There has been
widespread coverage of the 02/09/2006 visit by Italian
President Ciampi to the Italian Olympic Team, as well as
Prime Minister Berlusconi's statements echoing Ciampi's calls
for a positive, safe Games. It is notable that the Italian
head of state and the head of government are in agreement
that the Olympics will proceed without disruption or
violence, implying that the Italian Government is prepared to
take a strong stance in terms of security. According to
press sources, far-left political parties have privately
pressured "no-global" and anarchist groups to temper their
activities in the upcoming days, as the eyes of the world are
now on Italy. Eyewitness accounts of the Olympic Torch Run
through Turin indicate that the public is enthusiastic about
hosting the Olympic Games.


SECURITY ISSUES
--------------

5. (U) Terrorist Activity: No activity has been identified.
However, should an incident occur in conjunction with
tonight's Opening Ceremonies, all OSC members have been
placed on alert for immediate recall.


6. (SBU) Threats: The US Government is unaware of any
specific, credible terrorist threat directed against the
Olympic Games in Turin, or in the primary Olympics mountain
sites of Bardonecchia and Sestriere. However, multiple
reports from media and other sources indicate that the
potential for disruptive actions by anarchist and
anti-globalization groups remains high. Italian security
authorities have categorically stated that demonstrations
will not interfere with the Olympic events or with the FLOTUS
visit; public statements by high level Italian Government
officials have indicated that security forces are prepared to
take all appropriate measures to ensure the sanctity of the
Games and the safety of the participants.


7. (SBU) Demonstrations/Protests: Italian officials continue
to expect opposition and anarchist groups to conduct
anti-American and anti-Olympic demonstrations, as well as
other disruptive activity. On 02/09/2006, the Olympics Torch
Run was diverted from its route through Piazza Sabotino due
to the presence of anarchists; both Coca Cola and Samsung
agreed to the diversion after being briefed on the potential
for hostile activity should the Torch proceed through the
area. While the Torch detours have at times been painted in
a negative light, the fact that the Torch has continued on
its way largely unimpeded is evidence of the success of
Italian security measures intended to ensure the integrity of
Olympic events. Italian law enforcement authorties have
attempted to avoid confrontation with protesters by
controlling sites of interest and employing alternate routes
and times. While these actions have thus far been successful,
Italian officials are aware that opposition groups are likely
studying alternate routes for the Torch, so that protesters
can be standing by in case of diversion. OSC and OSAC
continue to work closely with Coca-Cola and DIGOS (General
Investigations and Special Operations) to take appropriate
countermeasures to safeguard US Olympic corporate sponsors
and to minimize the possibility of hostile actions by
protesters.


8. (S/NF) Separate from the anti-Olympic demonstrations, the
prospect of protests in Italy in response to cartoons
depicting the Prophet Mohammed continues to be a concern of
Italian authorities. Please refer to TD-314/08911-06
regarding possible activity to occur in Milan before the
opening of the Olympic Games in connection with the cartoon
controversy. OSC continues to liaise with the Italian
officals to obtain additional information relating to any
planned protests or demonstrations.



9. (SBU) Incidents: Italian media reported that on
02/10/2006, a metal detector was set off by an American
citizen carrying a suitcase near Piazza Castello, the
location of the medal ceremonies for the Games. Italian
police reponded to the scene and ascertained that the object
of concern was actually two camera batteries taped together.
OSC is continuing their liaison with Italian counterparts in
order to be made aware of similar events in the future.

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.


11. (SBU) TSA has advised that the airspace surrounding
Turin will be restricted for the duration of the Olympics.
During the Opening Ceremonies on 02/10/2006, the airspace
will be closed to all traffic from 1800-2300 hrs.


12. (SBU) The TIC has developed a Risk Assessment Model
(RAM) that includes information on Olympic activities, the
movements of US athletes and sponsors, and potential threats.
The RAM is intended to be an internal operations tool to
support the protective liaison efforts of the OSC and its use
will be specific to OSC entities.


VIPs
--------------


13. (SBU) FLOTUS and the Presidential Delegation arrive in
Turin on 02/10/2006; they are scheduled to depart on
02/11/2006. Daughter Barbara Bush will remain in the city on
private travel until 02/15/2006.


14. (SBU) Local news media continue to provide information
on the FLOTUS itinerary, noting that she will attend the
Opening Ceremonies on 02/10/2006. Opposition groups have
allegedly planned protests to coincide with the FLOTUS visit,
particularly with her appearance at the University of Turin
on 02/11/2006. In addition, the Italian dissident website
"Indymedia" has posted an alert to activists of the FLOTUS
arrival, as well as a statement that "Laura Bush invites us
to Villa Matilde on 02/10/2006." Included in the posting is
a map showing the location of Villa Matilde, where FLOTUS is
staying while in Turin. OSC has provided this information to
members of the FLOTUS USSS advance team and the USSS
Intelligence Lead advance. With the exception of the
potential for demonstrations, there is no information to
indicated a specific, credible threat to FLOTUS or the
Presidential Delegation.


15. (SBU) Italian authorities are aware of the potential for
disruptive activity targeting the FLOTUS visit and they
remain focused on detecting and deterring any such actions.
According to eyewitness accounts, security has been visibly
increased at sites to be visited by FLOTUS, including the
area near the University and Villa Matilde.

PENDING MATTERS
--------------

16. (U) OSC continues to coordinate efforts with Italian
authorities to investigate the reported theft of a vehicle
containing a Turin Olympic Committee access pass. While the
incident is of interest, Italian authorities have indicated
that the additional layers of security near the venues (to
include individual access checkpoints and bag searches) will
help to mitigate the risk of access to the venues by
individuals seeking to utilize the stolen pass. OSC has
noted that even though hostile individuals may not be able to
gain access into a venue, the vehicle pass would still allow
them to approach large numbers of spectators and security
elements gathered near sites of interest. OSC has expressed
its concern that the theft remains unresolved.


PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
--------------


17. (U) With the day of the Opening Ceremonies at hand, all
daily media have featured Prime Minister Berlusconi's
statements on the TV talk show Otto e Mezzo, in which he
assumes a hardline stance against demonstrators and takes
personal responsibility for the security of the Games.
Italian and international press noted the deviation of the
Olympic Torch as it made its way into Turin, but did not
comment on the enthusiatic welcome the Torch received from
onlookers. Turin-based daily La Stampa has initiated general
coverage of the Olympics, and will include an
English-language supplement in their circulation for the
duration of the Games. While media attention is turning to
focus on the Olympic Games, the FLOTUS visit, security
concerns, and public statements of Italian officials continue
to receive coverage. The following summary contains
highlights from local media:


18. (U) Security Concerns: Corriere della Sera reprised an
NBC Nightly News report on the NCTC Fusion Center in Langley,
Virginia, adding that the Government of Italy rebuffed the
USG intention to locate the Fusion Center in Italy.


19. (U) La Repubblica published the article "Islamists,
Possibly an Isolated Gesture," which outlines purported
Italian security preparations for the Olympics. Included in
the preparations are supposedly a satellite system used to
surveil the Turin region, closed airspace for the Opening
Ceremonies, Eurofighter overflights of the city, and
anti-aircraft missiles. The article also reports that
Italian Government officials have stated that the greatest
threat to the Games comes from the actions of protesters and
that the three days considered to be at highest risk for
disruptive activity are 02/17/2006-02/19/2006, when anarchist
and other groups will be joined by demonstrators from France,
Austria, and Spain.

20. (U) Public Statements: Communist daily Il Manifesto
commented on Prime Minister Berlusconi's remarks regarding
Olympic security. Berlusconi is quoted as stating that he
wishes protesters to know that he will take drastic measures
to defend Italy's reputation and to deter subversive acts. On
a related topic, Il Riformista reported that interest in the
Turin Olympics will focus more on the domestic political
dispute about protests and security than it will on the
performance of the Italian athletes.


21. (U) FLOTUS: In a follow-up to yesterday's exclusive
interview with FLOTUS, La Stampa has re-published the
interview in its special English edition. In the interview,
FLOTUS notes the positive impact of the Olympic Games and the
need for more dialogue between nations. Il Manifesto noted
the comments of an unidentified Italian authority that the
FLOTUS visit on O2/11/2006 to a local university presents a
risky situation.


22. (U) The US Public Affairs Office in Turin is developing
interviews with US athletes and the US Olympics delegation in
order to supply material to the English edition of La Stampa.
The Public Affairs Office in Turin may be reached at
39-011-55-99-368.


CONSULAR AFFAIRS
--------------


23. (U) CA continues outreach efforts with Turin emergency
service agencies. CA staff have met with a specialized Rape
Crisis Unit at Sant'Anna Hospital. They have also visited
the Central Information Office in Turin to disseminate
consular information cards and brochures. As of this filing,
the Turin Consular Office has not received any requests for
American citizen service.


24. (S/NF) CA has established contact with the Foreign
Emergency Support Team (FEST) to assist them in making
contacts with the local consequence management community.


25. (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