Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #16

UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000108 SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR DS/TIA STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO STATE FOR DS/P/MECU STATE FOR DS/DO/P STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI STATE FOR DS/T/ATA STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC STATE FOR S/CT STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA STATE FOR WHA/CAN E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #16 ¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon February 26, 2010. Please visit the following link for additional classified reporting: https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2 ¶010. The interagency U.S. Government (USG) Joint Operations Center can be contacted on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013. ¶2. (U//FOUO//LES) Canadian and USG authorities are currently unaware of any specific, credible threats to the Games. Though the frequency of organized demonstrations has diminished since February 15, ad hoc protest activity at event and public locations remains a concern. Canadian security officials indicate anti-Olympics groups may stage limited demonstrations as the Games draw to a close. SECURITY ISSUES Protests: ¶3. (U) February 25 Protest Activity - Yesterday's anti-Olympics protest at the Britannia Community Services Centre passed without incident. Anticipated "flash mob" activity in downtown Vancouver yesterday afternoon failed to materialize. ¶4. (U) Current Protest Activity - Bicyclists and skaters plan to participate in a "Critical Mass Bike Ride" slated to depart from the Vancouver Art Gallery around 6 p.m. PST on February 26. This recurring, regularly scheduled event is not anti-Olympics in nature; however, the route is unknown and could affect the Men's Hockey Semi-Final game at 6:30 p.m. at Canada Hockey Place. Minor traffic disruptions are expected. ¶5. (U) Anticipated Protest Activity - A group calling itself "Pirates of Justice" - costumed advocates of better working conditions for cruise ship employees - is advertising a "flash mob" for noon, February 27. While the specific location is currently undisclosed, previous activity occurred in the vicinity of Canada Place (note: this location, which includes the Main Press & Media Centres, is along the waterfront and is not the same as Canada Hockey Place). Prior events sponsored by this group were festive in nature and not associated with property damage or violence. ¶6. (U) The anti-homelessness advocacy group Red Tent is staging an "Olympic Wrap-Up" demonstration at Canada Pavilion (Dunsmuir and Beatty, approximately 2 blocks NE of Canada Hockey Place) at noon PST on February 27. Demonstrators will assemble at Keefer and Abbott Streets then move approximately one block west to Canada Pavilion. Activists plan to set up 142 red tarps and use 1700 feet of "messaging" to "wrap the entire pavilion" as part of their call for an end to homelessness. Protesters are encouraged to bring a paintbrush, instruments, and sleeping gear to stay overnight. ¶7. (U) A "Games Over! Resistance Lives!" demonstration is scheduled to occur from 1 to 5 p.m. PST on February 28 at the intersection of Smithe and Cambie Streets. The event is advertised as a "noisy public festival to celebrate our communities and our resistance." This demonstration is being touted on the anti-Olympics activist website www.no2010.com. Incidents: ¶8. (U) No Olympics-related security incidents occurred during this reporting period. Threats: ¶9. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible transnational terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics. SECURITY OPERATIONS ¶10. (SBU) Diplomatic Security remains engaged in daily USOC team movements. ¶11. (SBU) Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano and Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius have arrived in Vancouver and will be in town until March ¶1. US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice will be arriving later today. The VIP delegation is scheduled to visit the USA House; attend the hockey semi-finals and Gold Medal match at Canada Hockey Place; speed skating events at the Richmond Olympic Oval; the Figure Skating Gala at Pacific Coliseum; and the Closing Ceremonies. PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ¶12. Public Affairs: Public Affairs staff assisted Secretary Sebelius' team in arranging for Canadian and U.S. media interviews, and also took part in the filming of public service announcements at USA House. The announcements will promote healthy lifestyles among youth as part of Michelle Obama's 'Let's Move' initiative. CONSULAR ISSUES ¶13. Nothing significant to report. POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES ¶14. Cooler weather and rain have returned to the Vancouver area. A schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/. CHICOLA