US embassy cable - 04SANAA2274

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 SANAA 002274 
 
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: 08/29/2014 
TAGS: AMGT, ASEC, PREL, PTER, YM, EAC 
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING 08/28/2004 
 
 
Classified By: Acting RSO Paul O'Keefe, for reasons 1.4 (d) and (g). 
 
Classified By: DCM Nabeel Khoury, for reasons 1.4 (d) and (g) 
 
1.  (S/NF)  Begin Summary:  The Ambassador convened a 
core EAC meeting on August 28, 2004, to share security 
concerns with regard to potential tensions in Yemen. 
Attention to Emergency Action Plan (EAP) awareness and 
updating were also addressed.  Embassy employees were 
reminded to remain vigilant in light of recent threat 
reporting and to report all security related incidents 
immediately to the RSO. EAC members noted no current 
specific threats against Embassy Sanaa. The American 
community continues to remain in a high state of security 
alertness even in the absence of specific threat against 
Americans or the Embassy. Key offices and personnel 
represented included:  DCM, FPD, OMC, ORCA, POL/ECON ,HU, MO, 
CCE-Yemen, DAO, and RSO. END SUMMARY. 
 
 
2.  (C)  EAC members began their discussion with a 
review of the security situation in light of recent 
events in Yemen.  The Ambassador emphasized communication 
between EAC members and stressed the need for each 
section to complete the update of the EAP and to 
review emergency procedures. 
 
3. (S/NF) DCM referred to the recent issuance of a 
general public warning for the Middle East.  DCM 
noted that the large turnover of personnel at 
Embassy Sanaa has increased the need to update the 
Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and to review the 
updated version for accuracy.  DCM also stated that 
an EAC core group of six to seven people should meet 
on a monthly basis regardless of any direct threat 
reporting.  The information shared by this core 
group will be disseminated to the members of each 
section and discussed openly at country team meetings. 
 
4.  (C)  The Ambassador expressed his desire to have a 
warden meeting in September. CONS also stressed the need 
to share information with the American community to 
include NGOs and AMCITS in Aden. 
 
5. (S/NF)  DCM pointed to several events that have 
the potential to affect the American community 
including the upcoming trial of an alleged Yemeni 
Al-Qaida member in Guantanamo Bay, and the sentencing 
today of Yemenis convicted in the attack on the 
French supertanker Limburg and for plotting to attack 
the U.S. Embassy and other foreign missions in Yemen. 
DCM also noted the increased reporting concerning threats 
against maritime interests which were also of great 
concern. 
 
6.  (C)  In view of increased security concerns, the 
Ambassador asked EAC members to assess the level of 
cooperation and communication each section has with 
their respective contacts in the ROYG in order to how they 
would gauge the Yemeni governments level of assistance in 
the event of a crisis such as hostage taking or an 
evacuation. 
 
7.  (S/NF)  RMO stated hospitals have been identified 
in the event of an emergency but medical care would be 
substandard.  RMO added that the medical portion of 
the EAP has been updated and a first responder exercise 
has recently been conducted with the Regional Security 
Office. 
 
-- RSO reported excellent working relationship with 
Yemeni officials in relation to law enforcement and 
security matters. 
 
--AID reported good contacts with officials in the 
regional provinces.  AID added that they will be 
increasing their staff in Yemen which will raise 
their profile. 
 
--DAO and ORCA conveyed the reluctance of 
Yemeni officials to share information. ORCA added 
however that their information sharing with the 
Yemenis is above average compared with that of 
other embassies. 
--FBI stated their contacts with the Ministry 
of Interior were mixed but noted their 
communication with the newly created National 
Security Bureau (NSB) have so far been positive. 
 
-- OMC and CCE-Y section heads have recently 
arrived in Yemen and will be pursuing closer 
cooperation with their Yemeni counterparts. 
 
--MO noted he was part of the Embassy Sanaa 
evacuation in 1994 and the assistance from 
governmental officials was excellent. 
 
 
 
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Post Advisory Actions 
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8.  (C)  Embassy Sanaa will convene a wardens 
meeting in September to discuss security concerns 
among community members. EAC members agreed to convene 
an EAC meeting once a month regardless of any direct 
threat against the American community. EAC members were 
also asked to complete their portion of the Emergency 
Action Plan. 
 
 
 
KRAJESKI