US embassy cable - 04MUSCAT1978

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001978 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPT. FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/OSAC, 
CA/OCS, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 
TAGS: AEMR, ASEC, AMGT, PTER, CASC, KHLS, MU, EAC 
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 11/09/2004 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 238787 
 
     B. MUSCAT 1954 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. 
Reason: 1.4(c). 
 
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SUMMARY 
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1. (C) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency 
Action Committee ("EAC") on November 9 to reassess the 
Embassy's security posture prior to the holiday weekend and 
to discuss any security implications of anticipated offensive 
operations in Fallujah Iraq (reftel A). 
 
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Response to Anticipated Offensive Operations in Fallujah 
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2. (S/NF) The EAC reviewed the known facts regarding the 
ongoing offensive military operations in Fallujah, Iraq.  The 
EAC determined that such operations would pose little to 
no/no security implications for the Embassy.  The EAC noted 
that Omani public opinion would be shaped in large part on 
how this latest offensive is portrayed in the regional and 
local media.  The EAC concluded that there has been no change 
in the local security environment since its last meeting held 
on November 6 (reftel B) and that the Embassy's FPCON (Bravo) 
and already heightened security posture remain appropriate. 
RSO and RMAS affirmed that their Omani government 
counterparts continue to emphasize that they have control of 
the local security situation and are poised to respond to any 
imminent threat to American personnel or interests in Oman. 
 
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Maintaining Personal Vigilance 
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3. (S/NF) Prior to concluding the meeting, RSO reiterated 
that members of the EAC should continue reinforcing to both 
their staffs and family members the need for vigilance 
regarding all aspects of personal security, including the 
need to maintain a low profile and to remain unpredictable. 
RSO also re-emphasized the importance of immediately 
reporting suspicious activity or security-related incidents, 
especially those involving suspected surveillance, to Post 
One.  The EAC remains acutely aware of the need to monitor 
both the regional and local security environments, and is 
prepared to take the necessary countermeasures should changes 
to either occur.  AMB, DCM, A/RSO, RMAS, OMC (USDR), DAO, 
P/E, MGT, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. 
BALTIMORE