The Vancouver Olympics Cables: Day 5

From Feb. 16, 2010, as published April 28, 2011 by WikiLeaks

10VANCOUVER76 2010-02-16 21:09 2011-04-28 00:12 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Consulate Vancouver

UNCLAS VANCOUVER 000076

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR DS/TIA
STATE FOR DS/DSS/DO
STATE FOR DS/P/MECU
STATE FOR DS/DO/P
STATE FOR DS/ICI/CI
STATE FOR DS/T/ATA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/ITA
STATE FOR DS/TIA/PII
STATE FOR DS/TIA/CC
STATE FOR S/CT
STATE FOR CA/OCS/ACS/WHA
STATE FOR DS/IP/WHA
STATE FOR WHA/CAN

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC KOLY CASC CA PTER AMGT PINR OVIP
SUBJECT: Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics: Situation Report #6

¶1. (SBU) The following report provides security-related
information for the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games as of noon
on February 16, 2010. Please visit the following link for
additional classified reporting:
https://nol.nctc.sgov.gov/ng/cgi-bin/nctcHome .cgi?event=Vancouver_2
¶010. The interagency USG Joint Operations Center can be contacted
on a 24-hour basis at 604-692-2509, ext 4013.

SECURITY ISSUES

Protests:

¶2. (U//FOUO//LES) February 15 Protest Activity – The “Anti-War and
Anti-Militarization Moving Spectacle” drew approximately 100
protesters who marched peacefully from the Vancouver Art Gallery
through the urban core until slowly dispersing several hours later
near the intersection of Abbott and Hastings. Preliminary reports
suggested militant anarchist elements might embed themselves in the
demonstration and/or proceed to the U.S. Consulate, located three
blocks from the assembly point; however, this did not occur. Local
law enforcement was prepared to take a proactive role to interdict
potential anarchist/criminal activity.

¶3. (SBU) Several suspected Black Bloc members wearing balaclavas
reportedly infiltrated the anti-homelessness rally “No Empty Talk,
No Empty Lots” earlier in the day, but took no destructive action.

¶4. (SBU) Anticipated Protest Activity – No protests are scheduled

from 16 through 19 February. The next demonstration – a “Rally for
National Housing” – is scheduled for noon on Saturday, February 20
at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Diplomatic Security will continue to
monitor protest activity and will provide updates as they become
available.

Incidents:

¶5. (SBU) No significant, Olympics-related incidents have occurred
during this reporting period.

Threats:

¶6. (SBU) At this time, there are no known specific, credible
terrorist threats against the Vancouver Olympics.

SECURITY OPERATIONS

¶7. (SBU) Other than scheduled USOC and team movements, no
significant Olympics-related security operations have transpired
during this reporting period.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY

¶8. The section assisted in arranging for a background interview
for a New York Times reporter’s story on security cooperation for
the Olympics. Post coordinated with Embassy Ottawa and WHA/PDA to
obtain clearance and arrange for a background interview with CG
Phil Chicola, with an attributable quote from Ambassador Jacobson
to run in the story. The Consul General’s and the Ambassador’s
remarks reiterated U.S. confidence in Canadian security measures
and abilities, while also stressing that the United States remains
ready to assist Canada if needed and if requested.

CONSULAR ISSUES

¶9. There is no significant information or activity to report.

POLITICAL/GENERAL ISSUES

¶10. Citing safety concerns due to the unseasonably warm weather
and rain in the Vancouver area, the Vancouver Olympic Committee
cancelled all of the approximately 20,000 general admission
standing room tickets for all events at Cypress Mountain. A
schedule and results of all competitions throughout the Games can
be found at http://www.vancouver2010.com/olympic-schedule -results/.
CHICOLA

2010goldrush.blogspot.com
News and views on Vancouver 2010 (and beyond) from Bob Mackin.

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