US embassy cable - 04MUSCAT1995

S E C R E T MUSCAT 001995 
 
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 - 11/13/2004 
 
REF: A. SECSTATE 241725 
     B. SECSTATE 241552 
     C. MUSCAT 1897 
     D. MUSCAT 1699 
 
Classified By: DCM William R. Stewart. 
Reason: 1.4(c). 
 
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Summary 
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1. (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency 
Action Committee ("EAC") on November 13 to reassess the 
Embassy's security posture prior to Eid al Fitr, to evaluate 
the local implications per the Department's recent Public 
Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa (reftel A), 
and to discuss the information contained in reftel B. 
 
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Response to the Department's Public Announcement 
--------------------------------------------- --- 
 
2. (SBU) The EAC reviewed the Department's recent Public 
Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa regarding 
the death of Palestinian Authority (PA) Chairman Yasser 
Arafat (reftel A).  The EAC determined that Arafat's death 
has had no/no security implications for the Embassy.  The EAC 
noted that the Embassy's already heightened security posture 
continues to remain appropriate and that Arafat's death has 
not resonated significantly with the Omanis.  Despite the 
relative calm, the Ambassador reminded the Committee to 
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take the necessary 
steps to increase their security awareness. 
 
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Response to Terrorist Tactics 
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3. (SBU) In accordance with reftel B, A/RSO confirmed that 
all consular, public diplomacy, and commercial personnel will 
be briefed on recent trends in terrorist/extremist tactics in 
targeting public access areas.  In addition to the employees' 
increased awareness, the Embassy recently installed a new L3 
Security and Detection Systems x-ray machine in the public 
access control facility (reftel C).  This enhanced detection 
capability helps prevent weapons, explosives, and other 
contraband items from entering such public areas.  The 
Embassy also deploys its Surveillance Detection assets to 
both the consular and Information Resources Center in an 
unpredictable and irregular basis so as to provide critical 
observation while maintaining essential operational cover 
(reftel D). 
 
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Local Security Environment 
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4. (S/NF) Members of the EAC cited no security incidents 
among their staffs or dependents during the long local 
weekend.  CONS confirmed that there were no security 
incidents or related queries from the private American 
citizen community.  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.  Prior to concluding the meeting, A/RSO 
reiterated that members of the EAC should continue 
reinforcing to both their staffs and family members the need 
to maintain a low profile and to remain unpredictable.  A/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, 
CONS, PAO, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. 
BALTIMORE