Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #6

UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000076 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 #6 ¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon on February 16, 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 USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013. SECURITY ISSUES Protests: ¶2. (U//FOUO//LES) February 15 Protest Activity - The "Anti-War and Anti-Militarization Moving Spectacle" drew approximately 100 protesters who marched peacefully from the Vancouver Art Gallery through the urban core until slowly dispersing several hours later near the intersection of Abbott and Hastings. Preliminary reports suggested militant anarchist elements might embed themselves in the demonstration and/or proceed to the U.S. Consulate, located three blocks from the assembly point; however, this did not occur. Local law enforcement was prepared to take a proactive role to interdict potential anarchist/criminal activity. ¶3. (SBU) Several suspected Black Bloc members wearing balaclavas reportedly infiltrated the anti-homelessness rally "No Empty Talk, No Empty Lots" earlier in the day, but took no destructive action. ¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity - No protests are scheduled from 16 through 19 February. The next demonstration - a "Rally for National Housing" - is scheduled for noon on Saturday, February 20 at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Diplomatic Security will continue to monitor protest activity and will provide updates as they become available. Incidents: ¶5. (SBU) No significant, Olympics-related incidents have occurred during this reporting period. Threats: ¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics. SECURITY OPERATIONS ¶7. (SBU) Other than scheduled USOC and team movements, no significant Olympics-related security operations have transpired during this reporting period. PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ¶8. The section assisted in arranging for a background interview for a New York Times reporter's story on security cooperation for the Olympics. Post coordinated with Embassy Ottawa and WHA/PDA to obtain clearance and arrange for a background interview with CG Phil Chicola, with an attributable quote from Ambassador Jacobson to run in the story. The Consul General's and the Ambassador's remarks reiterated U.S. confidence in Canadian security measures and abilities, while also stressing that the United States remains ready to assist Canada if needed and if requested. CONSULAR ISSUES ¶9. There is no significant information or activity to report. POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES ¶10. Citing safety concerns due to the unseasonably warm weather and rain in the Vancouver area, the Vancouver Olympic Committee cancelled all of the approximately 20,000 general admission standing room tickets for all events at Cypress Mountain. A schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/. CHICOLA