US embassy cable - 04SANAA2707

S E C R E T SANAA 002707 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPARTMENT FOR NEA, NEA/ARP, NEA/EX, S/CT, CA, DS/DSS, 
DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/ICI/PII, CENTCOM FOR POLAD 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/16/2014 
TAGS: ASEC, AMGT, PREL, PTER, EAC 
SUBJECT: SANAA EAC MEETING - OCTOBER 17, 2004 
 
Classified By: RSO Tim Laas, for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
1.  (S/NF)  Begin summary: The Chief of Mission (COM) 
convened an EAC meeting on October 17, to address security 
concerns as post moves closer to the U.S. election date and 
enters Ramadan, raising the possibility of major attacks. 
COM stated there was currently no information that there will 
be attacks in Sanaa but the holy month of Ramadan combined 
with the lead up to U.S. elections made caution warranted. 
COM stated it was essential that post employees inform the 
RSO if they planned large gatherings during Ramadan, 
especially non-official social events.  EAC discussed 
security concerns regarding upcoming Marine Ball at post and 
a planned Halloween party at post employee's residence.  RSO 
advised EAC to consider the merits of post's policy placing 
the local Russian Club off limits to embassy personnel.  Key 
offices and personnel represented at the meeting included: 
COM, A/DCM, POL/ECON, CONS, MO, RSO, POL/MIL, OMC, DAO, MED, 
LEGATT and IMO.  End summary. 
 
2.    (SBU) The EAC began with a discussion regarding the 
upcoming Marine Ball to be held at post in November.  COM and 
RSO agreed that current security plans are sufficient to 
support having the Marine Ball on the embassy compound, 
provided the local Ministry of Interior complies with RSO 
request to strengthen the embassy perimeter and to control 
vehicular access surrounding the embassy grounds.  RSO 
advised EAC that post is in close contact with host 
government regarding supplemental security for the Marine 
Ball. 
 
3.    (SBU)  RSO advised EAC that a Halloween party was being 
planned by an embassy employee with a potential list of over 
a hundred guests.  RSO stated that access control at the 
residence would be difficult to manage and the party would 
present a good target during Ramadon.  A German expatriate 
recently hosted a party at a private residence with a large 
contingent of western guests and security/access control was 
not sufficient in the RSO's view.  EAC determined that 
currently it did not appear to be a good time to host such a 
party and it was cancelled. 
 
4.    (SBU)  RSO asked the EAC to examine the merits of 
post's policy banning embassy personnel from visiting a local 
Russian club in Sanaa.  It was noted that, unlike other 
social clubs and hotels in the area, the Russian Club is 
located inside "Tourist City" compound with poor access 
control.  The club's high number of expatriate patrons 
combined with alcohol and a perception of inproprities 
between men and women highlight security concerns for the 
club.  COM did not desire to officially ban embassy personnel 
from frequenting this establishment but recommended advising 
personnel to heighten their awareness regarding the security 
of public places to include the Russian club.  EAC members 
agreed with this assessment. 
 
5.    (SBU)  At the conclusion of the EAC, COM reminded 
personnel to keep the RSO informed regarding any plans to 
have large gatherings at local restaurants, clubs, etc.  COM 
asked CONS to work with RSO in developing a warden message to 
be released to the community regarding the increased 
potential threat to westerners during the month of Ramadon in 
advance of the U.S. elections. 
KRAJESKI