RIYADH EAC - 16 DECEMBER 2007

S E C R E T RIYADH 002519 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR NEA/ARP E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/16/2017 TAGS: AMGT ASEC CASC PGOV PTER PREL SA SUBJECT: RIYADH EAC - 16 DECEMBER 2007 REF: STATE 165787 Classified By: Ambassador Ford Fraker for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (S) The Ambassador convened an EAC meeting on Sunday, December 16, to review the Embassy's security posture, special security considerations of the Hajj season, and the handling of a security threat on Consulate General Jeddah. Also present were DCM, ECON, POL-MIL, BPM, MGT, LEGAT, DAO, and RSO. Members agreed that the Embassy's existing threat condition remains appropriate. -------------- Jeddah Threat Management -------------- ¶2. (S) RSO reported that a Diplomatic Security Mobile Support Team responded to a request for additional assistance to the RSO staff in Jeddah in light of recent threat information received at Post; five DS officers will support Jeddah through December 29. The Ambassador confirmed that steps had been taken outside and inside the Consulate building in Jeddah to increase security. Post is continuing to develop additional information related to the threat. -------------- Seasonal Security Issues -------------- ¶3. (S) The impact of the Hajj season on Host Country security resources was discussed. The pilgrimage of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad has drawn the attention of local 'mubahith' security forces. -------------- Local Protests -------------- ¶4. (S) Saudi media reported on small demonstrations around Riyadh-area mosques related to the rising prices of commodities on the local market. FRAKER