US embassy cable - 04MUSCAT2153

S E C R E T MUSCAT 002153 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPT. FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/DSS/ITA, DS/DSS/CC, DS/OSAC, 
CA/OCS, DS/IP/SPC/MSG, NEA/EX, NEA/ARPI 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 1.6X1 
TAGS: AEMR, ASEC, AMGT, PTER, CASC, KHLS, MU, EAC 
SUBJECT: EMBASSY MUSCAT EAC - 12/11/2004 
 
REF: MUSCAT 2144 
 
Classified By: Ambassador Richard L. Baltimore III. 
Reason: 1.4(c). 
 
1. (U) The Ambassador chaired a meeting of the core Emergency 
Action Committee ("EAC") on December 11 to reassess the 
Embassy's security posture following the local weekend and to 
discuss any additional concerns relative to the upcoming 
series of Embassy-sponsored holiday events. 
 
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A Quiet Weekend 
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2. (SBU) Members of the EAC cited no security incidents 
relative to the USMC Birthday Ball, or among their staffs or 
dependents over the local weekend.  Likewise, CONS confirmed 
that there were no security incidents or related queries from 
the private American citizen community.  Members agreed that 
despite the relative calm, 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 
re-emphasized the importance of immediately reporting 
suspicious activity or security-related incidents, especially 
those involving suspected surveillance, to Post One. 
 
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Monitoring the Local Security Environment 
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3. (S/NF) The EAC concluded that there has been no change in 
the local security environment since its last meeting held on 
December 8 (reftel), and that the Embassy's FPCON (Bravo) and 
already heightened security posture remain appropriate.  RMAS 
affirmed that their Omani government counterparts continue to 
emphasize that they have control of the local security 
situation and are poised to counter any imminent threat to 
American personnel or interests in Oman.  A/RSO also noted 
that the Royal Oman Police remain responsive to the Embassy's 
security needs as was evident in its strong support of both 
the recent TAISM Tropical Ball and USMC Birthday Ball.  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, P/E, A/RSO, RMAS, OMC (USDR), CONS, DAO, 
MGT, and ECA (USCENTAF) participated in the meeting. 
BALTIMORE