US embassy cable - 05DAMASCUS5973

S E C R E T DAMASCUS 005973 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DEPT FOR NEA, DS/IP, DS/ICI/ATA, DS/ICI/PII, SY 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/16/2013 
TAGS: ASEC, SY, IS, CASCSY 
SUBJECT: EMERGENCY ACTION COMMITTEE MEETING (EAC) NOVEMBER 
16, 2005 
 
REF: DAMASCUS 5886 
 
Classified By: CDA Steve Seche for reason 1.5(C) 
 
1.  (S/NF)  The EAC convened on November 16, 2005 at 1430 
hours to discuss the security situation in Syria after 
receiving several intelligence reports indicating 
specific/general threat information. 
 
2.  (S/NF)  The EAC discussed three different pieces of 
intelligence: 
 
First, a report that the Syrian Public Relations 
Association's ongoing protest about a hundred meters from the 
Embassy (see Damascus 5886) may be a staging area for a group 
to conduct sabotage activities against the Mission or the 
kidnapping of a US diplomat. 
 
Second, a non-specific assertion in the same report that the 
US Embassy will be a target for some sort of terrorist 
operation in the next few days. 
 
Last, a report describing the consideration being given by a 
Sweden-based terrorist group with affiliates in Syria to the 
kidnapping of a US diplomat in Syria. 
 
3.  (S/NF)  The EAC discussed the ongoing protest in Rawda 
Circle,  about 100 meters from the Embassy.  The Charge noted 
that he had met last week with the head of the Syrian Public 
Relations Association (SPRA) to urge re-location of the 
protest, and received assurances that the demonstrations were 
specifically not/not anti-American in nature, and were 
intended to provide a venue where Syrians can engage in a 
national dialogue.  The Charge told the SPRA director that he 
would continue efforts to have the "national dialogue" 
re-located to another venue.  He has tried unsuccessfully to 
meet this week with the Deputy Foreign Minister to discuss 
this issue; efforts to schedule that appointment continue. 
In addition to the assurances given by the demonstration's 
organizers, it was noted that the protests to date have been 
small, sporadic and non-violent. The Syrian authorities have 
increased the police presence around the embassy and have 
thus far effectively controlled the crowds that have gathered 
each night. 
 
4. (S/NF) The EAC then discussed intelligence reporting 
regarding preliminary stages of a plan to kidnap a US 
diplomat.  The EAC instructed supervisors to convey to 
American staff the need for increased vigilance, including 
continuing to vary their times and routes, and maintenance of 
a low profile.  Further, the EAC recommended that US 
personnel should to the extent possible avoid areas were 
Americans/Westerners congregate in large groups and should be 
aware of their immediate surroundings.  The Embassy will 
issue a warden's notice advising the larger American 
community to exercise similar caution in their own daily 
routines. 
 
5. (S/NF)  The RSO's office will meet with the Commanding 
General of the Emergency Police to discuss enhancing the 
security around the Embassy, beyond additional measures that 
have been taken since the protests at Rawda Circle began. 
Further, the RSO will pass the tear-line information to the 
Syrian police. 
SECHE