Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06ROME407
2006-02-12 11:46:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT

Tags:  ASEC CASC CMGT ECON IT KOLY OVIP PTER OLYMPICS 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 000407 

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

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

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC CMGT ECON IT KOLY OVIP PTER OLYMPICS
SUBJECT: TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT
(SITREP) #6, 02/12/2006

REF: ROME 406

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 000407

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE

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

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC CASC CMGT ECON IT KOLY OVIP PTER OLYMPICS
SUBJECT: TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT
(SITREP) #6, 02/12/2006

REF: ROME 406


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 02/12/2006.


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: unified USG interagency Olympic Security Operations
Center (OSOC);
sub-set of OSOC, Joint Operations Center (JOC); sub-set of
OSOC, Threat Integration Center (TIC); Overseas Security
Advisory Council (OSAC); First Lady of the
United States (FLOTUS); Turin Olympics Organizing Committee
(TOROC);
International Olympics Organizing Committee (IOC); Public
Affairs/Public
Diplomacy (PA/PD); Consular Affairs (CA).


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


4. (U) On 02/11/2006, the first day of Olympics sporting
events took place, with residents and visitors alike reveling
in the spirit of the Games. The events went off without
incident and crowds enjoyed the first medals ceremony,
including a fireworks display and a serenade by
world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli. The enthusiasm of the
multinational spectators and the energy of the crowds
downtown have emphasized the official Olympics motto that
"passion lives here." Italian security forces are visible
throughout the city and protests have markedly diminished
over the past two days.


SECURITY
--------------


5. (U) Terrorist Activity: No activity has been identified.
Italian officials remain alert for indications of terrorist
operations and OSOC personnel are available for immediate
recall to supplement existing 24/7 JOC and TIC staff, should
an Olympics-related incident occur.




6. (SBU) Threats: There is no indication of a specific,
credible terrorist threat to the Olympic Games. Italy is
home to a large Islamic population and the possibility of
terrorist operations occurring in Italy cannot be
conclusively discounted. Italian authorities have
historically been asssertive in detecting and deterring
extremist activity throughout the country, and the arrest and
deportation of individuals of concern in the months leading
up to the Olympics has shown that the Italians are on highest
alert for problems originating from the Islamic community.
In addition to terrorism concerns, Italian anarchist and
anti-globalization groups continue to promote their agenda to
protest and disrupt the Games. The Italian Government has
visibly increased security throughout Turin to counter
possible anarchist activity and Italian authorities at the
highest levels have publicized their readiness to enact
strong measures to ensure the safety of athletes and
spectators.


7. (U) Demonstrations/Protests: According to the OSOC liaison
to the multi-national Italian National Olympics Information
Sharing Center, the web site Independent Media Center
(www.indymedia.org) has expressed strong criticism of the
Olympic Games and encouraged unspecified actions against
Italian law enforcement entities and TOROC. Indymedia has a
history of posting calls for action and was the site that
promoted disruptions of the FLOTUS visit by publishing maps
showing her movements while in Turin.


8. (U) Concerns persist that large-scale demonstrations will
occur in the Turin area over the period
02/17/2006-02/19/2006. Media reports have indicated that
protesters from elsewhere in the European Union will travel
to Turin to participate in anti-globalization and
pro-environment gatherings; however, Belgian, German,
Spanish, French, and Greek law enforcement representatives to
the National Olympics Information Sharing Center have stated
that they have been unable to verify the travel of opposition
group members to Turin. All above-named countries will
continue to monitor for indications of movement and will
report any activity to Italian and OSOC counterparts through
the Olympics Information Sharing Center.


9. (U) Incidents: On 02/11/2006, the USOC videographer
assigned to the short track and figure skating practice venue
requested security assistance from OSOC field elements after
a minor altercation with Korean Olympic team representatives.
The videographer had been filming the practice of the US
short track team when she was requested to stop her activity
by the venue press manager and representatives of the Korean
team. Upon her refusal, two Korean representatives physically
attempted to prevent her from taping. The venue Press
Manager contacted OSOC field agents to report the incident,
and they provided the videographer with a secure escort from
the venue. OSOC elements are prepared to respond in the event
that further problems arise during the practice of the US and
Korean teams on 02/12/2006.


SECURITY OPERATIONS
--------------


10. (SBU) USG security activities -- ongoing liaison with
host government entities, Olympics security officials, US
corporate security and the FLOTUS USSS security detail --
continue.


11. (SBU) According to OSOC field elements, as of
02/11/2006, Italian authorities are searching for a known
No-TAV (anti-high-speed train) protester who is in possession
of credentials for the mountain Cesana San Sicario venue and
who is working on the shooting range for the biathlon. The
individual in question has reportedly caused disturbances at
the venue and Italian law enforcement plan to revoke his
credentials and remove him from the site.


12. (SBU) Over the night of 02/10/2006, the OSOC conducted a
text message communications check via cell phone; the results
of this test are being used to identify any lapses in OSOC
communications capability with security elements throughout
the Olympics theater.


13. (SBU) In response to the widely-reported recent outbreak
of the Avian Flu virus among migratory birds in southern
Italy, the State Department medical professional in Turin
will provide a factual briefing to personnel about the virus
and the Mission Italy plan of action to address an outbreak.



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


14. (SBU) Despite numerous attempts by opposition groups to
disrupt their visit, FLOTUS and the Presidential Delegation
attended a number of public events without incident on
02/11/2006. The absence of protests underscored the promise
of Italian authorities that no actions would be allowed to
detract from the visit, which has received generally positive
comment in the local media.


15. (SBU) The departure of FLOTUS and the Presidential
Delegation was delayed due to adverse weather conditions in
the US; FLOTUS was confirmed as wheels up from Turin as of
approximately 0930 hrs on 02/12/2006. Daughter Barbara Bush
will remain in Italy on private travel until 02/15/2006 and
is expected to attend a number of Olympics events. On
02/12/2006, she will be present at mountain venue events;
OSOC continues to work with the USSS security detail to
provide any necessary security assistance for the duration of
Barbara Bush,s stay in Turin.


16. (SBU) In remarks prior to her departure, FLOTUS expressed
satisfaction with her visit. She had previously thanked
Italian security officials for the attention they paid to the
security of the Presidential Delegation during their stay in
Italy.


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


17. (U) The theft of a TOROC vehicle pass remains unresolved.
OSOC continues to express concern about the incident and to
interact with Italian counterparts to identify possible
security concerns related to the missing pass.

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

18. (U) On 02/12/2006, the focus of the media included the
first discovery of the Avian Flu virus in dead migratory
birds in southern Italy. Most dailies continued to carry
heavy coverage of the Olympics, including generally positive
stories regarding the start of sporting events, and detailed
information on the FLOTUS visit. In addition, various
sources noted that concerns persist among security experts
that large-scale demonstrations will take place on
02/17/2006-02/19/2006. The following summary contains
highlights from local media:


19. (U) FLOTUS: Turin-based national daily La Stampa
published a largely factual and positive account of the
FLOTUS visit to Turin. The article described in detail her
appearance at the University of Turin and noted with some
surprise that the among the books donated by FLOTUS to the
University library was the "bible" of the No-Global movement:
"No Logo: No Space, No Choice, No Jobs." The article also
commented on the elaborate security provided for the FLOTUS
visit, remarking that strict controls, including street
closures and snipers, were in place for her movements.


20. (U) Il Giornale and La Repubblica provided similar
positive commentary on the FLOTUS appearances on 02/11/2006.
The Il Giornale article noted FLOTUS' appreciation for her
"splendid lunch" at a local restaurant and highlighted her
remarks linking the Olympics with intercultural and
educational exchange. La Repubblica featured the FLOTUS visit
to the University library, noting that the threatened
demonstrations by opposition groups were hardly noticeable,
and cited FLOTUS' appreciation for the warm welcome she
received in Turin.


21. (U) Communist daily Il Manifesto contained muted
coverage of the FLOTUS visit, commenting that FLOTUS' remarks
on dialogue between nations and mutual understanding were
ironic, given US actions around the world.


22. (U) Demonstrations/Protests: Il Manifesto printed the
schedule for the upcoming no-TAV (high-speed train),
anti-globalization demonstrations planned to take place in
the vicinity of Olympics alpine events in Val de Susa from
02/17/2006-02/19/2006. (Information regarding the planned
protests may be found at www.ombravallesus.it and
www.ilgrandecortile.it.) Italian authorities have repeatedly
stated that they view opposition activities over the weekend
of 02/17/2006 to be a primary security concern.


23. (U) The Public Affairs Office in Turin may be reached at
39-011-55-99-368.

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

24. (U) On 02/11/2006, the Consular Office in Turin received
four new requests for assistance from American citizens. All
requests involved the replacement of lost/stolen passports.
Two individuals have already come into the CA office in order
to apply for their new passports, while one will visit the
office on 02/12/2006. One individual located the "lost"
passport prior to appearing at the office.


25. (U) To date, the majority of requests for passport
assistance have involved the replacement of documents lost to
pickpocketing, indicating a trend of petty theft in Turin.
Crowded public transportation and increased tourist activity
has created an ideal atmosphere for pickpocketing. CA is
aware of this trend and is prepared to provide assistance to
victims as necessary.


26. (U) Prior to the commencement of the Olympics, CA engaged
in intensive outreach with local emergency services and
hotels in Turin to disseminate the consular contact numbers
and to sensitize them to the range of services CA can provide
to American citizens. This outreach has been successful, as
the requests for service to date have involved initial phone
contact with the Consular Office based on information
provided by hotel and other staff.


27. (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