US embassy cable - 04SANAA1490

S E C R E T SANAA 001490 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DS/DSS, DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, S/CT, NEA, 
NEA/ARP, NEA/EX, NEA/P, CA, CENTCOM FOR POLAD 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/19/2014 
TAGS: ASEC, AMGT, PREL, PTER, YM, EAC 
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING - 19 JUNE 2004 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 135081 
     B. SECSTATE 135017 
 
Classified By: Deputy Chief of Mission Alan G. Misenheimer for reasons 
1.5 (B) and (D) 
 
1.  (S/NF)  Summary: Ambassador convened an EAC 6/19 to 
discuss the security situation for official and non-official 
Amcits in light of the killing of Amcit Paul Johnson in 
Riyadh (ref a).  ORCA reported no specific threat information 
for Yemen.  Post disseminated a Warden Message 6/19 
containing the public announcement in ref b, and  EAC decided 
to hold a town meeting on 6/23.  EAC also discussed security 
ramifications related to rental cars for Embassy personnel 
and made several recommendations for RSO follow-up.  EAC 
decided that no change to the Embassy's current stringent 
security posture for official Americans was warranted.  Key 
offices and personnel represented included: AID, CDA, CONS, 
DAO, FPD, MSG, MO, OMC, ORCA, PD, POL/ECON, OCE-Yemen, and 
RSO.  End Summary. 
 
2.  (SBU)  EAC discussed the security threat to non-official 
Amcits in light of the killing of Paul Johnson (ref a), the 
public announcement warning (ref b) and the risk of "copycat" 
attacks.  Post released the public announcement as a Warden 
Message early on 6/19.  EAC decided to hold a town meeting on 
6/23 to reinforce the Warden Message.  The meeting will reach 
out to the wider community, with increased efforts to 
encourage persons beyond the wardens to attend, particularly 
representatives of American-affiliated NGOs and businesses. 
3.  (SBU) Ambassador requested that the RSO develop 
wallet-sized laminated security guidance cards to disseminate 
at the town meeting, to include important reminders such as 
vary routes and times, be vigilant, pay attention to any 
surveillance attempts, avoid Western-affiliated areas and 
places, etc. 
 
4.  (S/NF) EAC discussed the security issues related to 
rental cars driven by Embassy personnel.  RSO agreed to 
explore removing any stickers or other identifying marks from 
rental vehicles, hold security dialogues with Hertz and 
Europcar on how they can spot any attempt to use the 
companies as a source for terrorist targeting information and 
double-check to ensure that license plates contain no 
indication that the car is a rental.  EAC also decided to 
look into whether it would be prudent to have Embassy car 
rental contracts be signed with only the Embassy on the 
contract and not any individual's name. 
HULL