This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 000398 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR S/S-O, S/CT, EUR, DS, AND CA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: X1 
TAGS: ASEC CASC CMGT ECON IT KOLY OVIP PTER OLYMPICS
SUBJECT: TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT 
(SITREP) #4, 02/10/2006 
 
REF: ROME 390 
 
Classified By: Deborah Graze, Consul General Milan for reason 1.4 (d) 
 
¶1. (SBU) The following cable provides information on 
security, public diplomacy, and consular activities in Turin, 
Italy, for the 2006 Winter Olympic Games as of 02/09/2006. 
 
¶2. (SBU) The interagency Olympic Security Coordination (OSC) 
Office can be contacted on a 24-hour basis at the following 
numbers: 
 
USG Joint Operations Center (JOC) 39-011-55-99-793/794/564 
(tel); 011-39-011-55-99-590 (fax) 
 
USG Threat Integration Center (TIC) 39-011-55-99-790/791 
(tel); 011-39-011-55-99-590 (fax). 
 
¶3. (SBU)  Attached is a key for USG acronyms used within this 
cable: Olympic Security Coordination Office (OSC); Joint 
Operations Center (JOC); USG Threat Integration Center (TIC); 
Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC); First Lady of the 
United States (FLOTUS); Turin Olympics Organizing Committee 
(TOROC); 
International Olympics Committee (IOC); Public Affairs/Public 
Diplomacy (PA/PD); Consular Affairs (CA). 
 
 
KEY EVENTS 
---------- 
 
¶4. (SBU)  After years of preparation, the 2006 Winter 
Olympics are scheduled to begin this evening in Turin with a 
gala Opening Ceremonies.  In honor of the Games, FLOTUS 
arrives in Turin on 02/10/2006 to represent the US at the 
Opening Ceremonies and on the first day of events.  For the 
first time, the Olympic Games themselves are being featured 
on the front pages of every newspaper; whereas attention has 
previously been focused on protests and politics, the 
spotlight is now also on the athletic events scheduled to 
take place in Turin over the next 16 days.  There has been 
widespread coverage of the 02/09/2006 visit by Italian 
President Ciampi to the Italian Olympic Team, as well as 
Prime Minister Berlusconi's statements echoing Ciampi's calls 
for a positive, safe Games.  It is notable that the Italian 
head of state and the head of government are in agreement 
that the Olympics will proceed without disruption or 
violence, implying that the Italian Government is prepared to 
take a strong stance in terms of security.  According to 
press sources, far-left political parties have privately 
pressured "no-global" and anarchist groups to temper their 
activities in the upcoming days, as the eyes of the world are 
now on Italy.  Eyewitness accounts of the Olympic Torch Run 
through Turin indicate that the public is enthusiastic about 
hosting the Olympic Games. 
 
 
SECURITY ISSUES 
--------------- 
¶5. (U) Terrorist Activity: No activity has been identified. 
However, should an incident occur in conjunction with 
tonight's Opening Ceremonies, all OSC members have been 
placed on alert for immediate recall. 
 
¶6. (SBU) Threats: The US Government is unaware of any 
specific, credible terrorist threat directed against the 
Olympic Games in Turin, or in the primary Olympics mountain 
sites of Bardonecchia and Sestriere.  However, multiple 
reports from media and other sources indicate that the 
potential for disruptive actions by anarchist and 
anti-globalization groups remains high.  Italian security 
authorities have categorically stated that demonstrations 
will not interfere with the Olympic events or with the FLOTUS 
visit; public statements by high level Italian Government 
officials have indicated that security forces are prepared to 
take all appropriate measures to ensure the sanctity of the 
Games and the safety of the participants. 
 
¶7. (SBU) Demonstrations/Protests: Italian officials continue 
to expect opposition and anarchist groups to conduct 
anti-American and anti-Olympic demonstrations, as well as 
other disruptive activity.  On 02/09/2006, the Olympics Torch 
Run was diverted from its route through Piazza Sabotino due 
to the presence of anarchists; both Coca Cola and Samsung 
agreed to the diversion after being briefed on the potential 
for hostile activity should the Torch proceed through the 
area.  While the Torch detours have at times been painted in 
a negative light, the fact that the Torch has continued on 
its way largely unimpeded is evidence  of the success of 
Italian security measures intended to ensure the integrity of 
Olympic events.  Italian law enforcement authorties have 
attempted to avoid confrontation with protesters by 
controlling sites of interest and employing alternate routes 
and times. While these actions have thus far been successful, 
Italian officials are aware that opposition groups are likely 
studying alternate routes for the Torch, so that protesters 
can be standing by in case of diversion. OSC and OSAC 
continue to work closely with Coca-Cola and DIGOS (General 
Investigations and Special Operations) to take  appropriate 
countermeasures to safeguard US Olympic corporate sponsors 
and to minimize the possibility of hostile actions by 
protesters. 
 
¶8. (S/NF) Separate from the anti-Olympic demonstrations, the 
prospect of protests in Italy in response to cartoons 
depicting the Prophet Mohammed continues to be a concern of 
Italian authorities.  Please refer to TD-314/08911-06 
regarding possible activity to occur in Milan before the 
opening of the Olympic Games in connection with the cartoon 
controversy.  OSC continues to liaise with the Italian 
officals to obtain additional information relating to any 
planned protests or demonstrations. 
 
 
¶9. (SBU) Incidents: Italian media reported that on 
02/10/2006, a metal detector was set off by an American 
citizen carrying a suitcase near Piazza Castello, the 
location of the medal ceremonies for the Games.  Italian 
police reponded to the scene and ascertained that the object 
of concern was actually two camera batteries taped together. 
OSC is continuing their liaison with Italian counterparts in 
order to be made aware of similar events in the future. 
 
SECURITY OPERATIONS 
------------------- 
¶10. (SBU/NF) USG security activities -- ongoing liaison with 
host government entities, Olympics security officials, US 
corporate security and the FLOTUS USSS security detail -- 
continue. 
 
¶11. (SBU)  TSA has advised that the airspace surrounding 
Turin will be restricted for the duration of the Olympics. 
During the Opening Ceremonies on 02/10/2006, the airspace 
will be closed to all traffic from 1800-2300 hrs. 
 
¶12. (SBU)  The TIC has developed a Risk Assessment Model 
(RAM) that includes information on Olympic activities, the 
movements of US athletes and sponsors, and potential threats. 
The RAM is intended to be an internal operations tool to 
support the protective liaison efforts of the OSC and its use 
will be specific to OSC entities. 
 
 
VIPs 
---- 
 
¶13. (SBU)  FLOTUS and the Presidential Delegation arrive in 
Turin on 02/10/2006; they are  scheduled to depart on 
02/11/2006.  Daughter Barbara Bush will remain in the city on 
private travel until 02/15/2006. 
 
¶14. (SBU)  Local news media continue to provide information 
on the FLOTUS itinerary, noting that she will attend the 
Opening Ceremonies on 02/10/2006.  Opposition groups have 
allegedly planned protests to coincide with the FLOTUS visit, 
particularly with her appearance at the University of Turin 
on 02/11/2006.  In addition, the Italian dissident website 
"Indymedia" has posted an alert to activists of the FLOTUS 
arrival, as well as a statement that "Laura Bush invites us 
to Villa Matilde on 02/10/2006."  Included in the posting is 
a map showing the location of Villa Matilde, where FLOTUS is 
staying while in Turin.  OSC has provided this information to 
members of the FLOTUS USSS advance team and the USSS 
Intelligence Lead advance. With the exception of the 
potential for demonstrations, there is no information to 
indicated a specific, credible threat to FLOTUS or the 
Presidential Delegation. 
 
¶15. (SBU)  Italian authorities are aware of the potential for 
disruptive activity targeting the FLOTUS visit and they 
remain focused on detecting and deterring any such actions. 
According to eyewitness accounts, security has been visibly 
increased at sites to be visited by FLOTUS, including the 
area near the University and Villa Matilde. 
 
PENDING MATTERS 
--------------- 
¶16. (U) OSC continues to coordinate efforts with Italian 
authorities to investigate the reported theft of a vehicle 
containing a Turin Olympic Committee access pass.  While the 
incident is of interest, Italian authorities have indicated 
that the additional layers of security near the venues (to 
include individual access checkpoints and bag searches) will 
help to mitigate the risk of access to the venues by 
individuals seeking to utilize the stolen pass.  OSC has 
noted that even though hostile individuals may not be able to 
gain access into a venue, the vehicle pass would still allow 
them to approach large numbers of spectators and security 
elements gathered near sites of interest.  OSC has expressed 
its concern that the theft remains unresolved. 
 
 
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY 
------------------------------- 
 
¶17. (U) With the day of the Opening Ceremonies at hand, all 
daily media have featured Prime Minister Berlusconi's 
statements on the TV talk show Otto e Mezzo, in which he 
assumes a hardline stance against demonstrators and takes 
personal responsibility for the security of the Games. 
Italian and international press noted the deviation of the 
Olympic Torch as it made its way into Turin, but did not 
comment on the enthusiatic welcome the Torch received from 
onlookers. Turin-based daily La Stampa has initiated general 
coverage of the Olympics, and will include an 
English-language supplement in their circulation for the 
duration of the Games.  While media attention is turning to 
focus on the Olympic Games, the FLOTUS visit, security 
concerns, and public statements of Italian officials continue 
to receive coverage. The following summary contains 
highlights from local media: 
 
¶18. (U) Security Concerns: Corriere della Sera reprised an 
NBC Nightly News report on the NCTC Fusion Center in Langley, 
Virginia, adding that the Government of Italy rebuffed the 
USG intention to locate the Fusion Center in Italy. 
 
¶19. (U)  La Repubblica published the article "Islamists, 
Possibly an Isolated Gesture," which outlines purported 
Italian security preparations for the Olympics.  Included in 
the preparations are supposedly a satellite system used to 
surveil the Turin region, closed airspace for the Opening 
Ceremonies, Eurofighter overflights of the city, and 
anti-aircraft missiles.  The article also reports that 
Italian Government officials have stated that the greatest 
threat to the Games comes from the actions of protesters and 
that the three days considered to be at highest risk for 
disruptive activity are 02/17/2006-02/19/2006, when anarchist 
and other groups will be joined by demonstrators from France, 
Austria, and Spain. 
¶20. (U) Public Statements: Communist daily Il Manifesto 
commented on Prime Minister Berlusconi's remarks regarding 
Olympic security.  Berlusconi is quoted as stating that he 
wishes protesters to know that he will take drastic measures 
to defend Italy's reputation and to deter subversive acts. On 
a related topic, Il Riformista reported that interest in the 
Turin Olympics will focus more on the domestic political 
dispute about protests and security than it will on the 
performance of the Italian athletes. 
 
¶21. (U) FLOTUS: In a follow-up to yesterday's exclusive 
interview with FLOTUS, La Stampa has re-published the 
interview in its special English edition. In the interview, 
FLOTUS notes the positive impact of the Olympic Games and the 
need for more dialogue between nations.  Il Manifesto noted 
the comments of an unidentified Italian authority that the 
FLOTUS visit on O2/11/2006 to a local university presents a 
risky situation. 
 
¶22. (U)  The US Public Affairs Office in Turin is developing 
interviews with US athletes and the US Olympics delegation in 
order to supply material to the English edition of La Stampa. 
 The  Public Affairs Office in Turin may be reached at 
39-011-55-99-368. 
 
 
CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
---------------- 
 
¶23. (U) CA continues outreach efforts with Turin emergency 
service agencies.  CA staff have met with a specialized Rape 
Crisis Unit at Sant'Anna Hospital.  They have also visited 
the Central Information Office in Turin to disseminate 
consular information cards and brochures.  As of this filing, 
the Turin Consular Office has not received any requests for 
American citizen service. 
 
¶24. (S/NF)  CA has established contact with the Foreign 
Emergency Support Team (FEST) to assist them in making 
contacts with the local consequence management community. 
 
¶25. (U) The Consular Office may be contacted at the following 
numbers: 011-5599-330 (tel.); 011-5599-551 (fax).  Additional 
information may be found at http://milan.usconsulate.gov. 
SPOGLI