Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #18

UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000116 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 #18 ¶1. (SBU) This is the final report providing security-related information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon February 28, 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 (JOC) can be contacted on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013 until 0800 March 1. ¶2. (U//FOUO//LES) Canadian and USG authorities are currently unaware of any specific, credible threats to the Games as the Closing Ceremonies approach Sunday, February 28, at 5:30 p.m. BC Place will open to ticket holders at 1:30 p.m. Anti-Olympics demonstrations scheduled for Sunday are not expected to affect the Closing Ceremonies; however, Canadian authorities assess anti-Olympic activism today will be more widespread, and possibly more disruptive, than previously anticipated. SECURITY ISSUES ¶3. (U) USA, Canada to face off in Gold Medal Hockey Game - The Gold Medal match between teams USA and Canada is underway at Canada Hockey Place (CHP). Concerns remain as to the potentially contentious nature of today's game and its impact on public order. Downtown liquor stores are restricting alcohol sales through the weekend in an attempt to mitigate potential incidents. CHP is located within blocks of Vancouver's entertainment district, primary pedestrian corridors, and many hotels. Protests: ¶4. (U//FOUO//LES) February 27 Protest Activity - The "Pirates of Justice" flash mob occurred without incident yesterday adjacent to Canada Place. ¶5. (U//FOUO//LES) The anti-homelessness advocacy group Red Tent staged a peaceful "Olympic Wrap-Up" demonstration at Canada Pavilion (near CHP) at noon. Approximately 25 to 30 activists arranged 142 red tarps as a fence around the outside fence surrounding Canada Pavilion's Live Site entertainment venue. Vancouver Police were present during the demonstration. ¶6. (U//FOUO//LES) Current Protest Activity - The "Games Over! Resistance Lives!" demonstration is scheduled to take place from 1 to 5 p.m. today at the intersection of Smithe and Cambie Streets, several blocks south of BC Place. Early information indicated organizers intended the event to be inoffensive to both police and the public; however, 171 attendees are currently confirmed and may block the intersection. Black Bloc advocates are likely to participate, although there is no indication that they intend to engage in violent or illegal tactics during this event. Online discussions of the event indicate a high proportion of participants may proceed afterwards to the Tent Village to join its supporters, a decision that could turn into an impromptu march. Incidents: ¶7. (U) No Olympics-related security incidents occurred during this reporting period. Threats: ¶8. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible transnational terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics. SECURITY OPERATIONS ¶9. (SBU) Diplomatic Security remains engaged in daily USOC team movements. ¶10. (SBU) Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice will depart Vancouver March ¶1. The VIP delegation is scheduled to attend several events, including the Men's Gold Medal Hockey match at Canada Hockey Place and the Closing Ceremonies. PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ¶11. There is no significant information or activity to report. CONSULAR ISSUES ¶12. There is no significant information or activity to report. POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES ¶13. Team USA will finish the Winter Games with 37 medals, the most in Winter Olympics history. ¶14. A schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/. CHICOLA