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

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 ROME 000407 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPARTMENT ALSO FOR S/S-O, S/CT, EUR, DS, AND CA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASEC CASC CMGT ECON IT KOLY OVIP PTER OLYMPICS
SUBJECT: TURIN 2006 WINTER OLYMPICS--USG SITUATION REPORT 
(SITREP) #6, 02/12/2006 
 
REF: ROME 406 
 
¶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 02/12/2006. 
 
¶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: unified USG interagency Olympic Security Operations 
Center (OSOC); 
sub-set of OSOC, Joint Operations Center (JOC); sub-set of 
OSOC, Threat Integration Center (TIC); Overseas Security 
Advisory Council (OSAC); First Lady of the 
United States (FLOTUS); Turin Olympics Organizing Committee 
(TOROC); 
International Olympics Organizing Committee (IOC); Public 
Affairs/Public 
Diplomacy (PA/PD); Consular Affairs (CA). 
 
 
KEY EVENTS 
---------- 
 
¶4. (U) On 02/11/2006, the first day of Olympics sporting 
events took place, with residents and visitors alike reveling 
in the spirit of the Games.  The events went off without 
incident and crowds enjoyed the first medals ceremony, 
including a fireworks display and a serenade by 
world-renowned tenor Andrea Bocelli.  The enthusiasm of the 
multinational spectators and the energy of the crowds 
downtown have emphasized the official Olympics motto that 
"passion lives here."  Italian security forces are visible 
throughout the city and protests have markedly diminished 
over the past two days. 
 
 
SECURITY 
-------- 
 
¶5. (U) Terrorist Activity: No activity has been identified. 
Italian officials remain alert for indications of terrorist 
operations and OSOC personnel are available for immediate 
recall to supplement existing 24/7 JOC and TIC staff, should 
an Olympics-related incident occur. 
 
 
¶6. (SBU) Threats: There is no indication of a specific, 
credible terrorist threat to the Olympic Games.  Italy is 
home to a large Islamic population and the possibility of 
terrorist operations occurring in Italy cannot be 
conclusively discounted.  Italian authorities have 
historically been asssertive in detecting and deterring 
extremist activity throughout the country, and the arrest and 
deportation of individuals of concern in the months leading 
up to the Olympics has shown that the Italians are on highest 
alert for problems originating from the Islamic community. 
In addition to terrorism concerns, Italian anarchist and 
anti-globalization groups continue to promote their agenda to 
protest and disrupt the Games.  The Italian Government has 
visibly increased security throughout Turin to counter 
possible anarchist activity and Italian authorities at the 
highest levels have publicized their readiness to enact 
strong measures to ensure the safety of athletes and 
spectators. 
 
¶7. (U) Demonstrations/Protests: According to the OSOC liaison 
to the multi-national Italian National Olympics Information 
Sharing Center, the web site Independent Media Center 
(www.indymedia.org) has expressed strong criticism of the 
Olympic Games and encouraged unspecified actions against 
Italian law enforcement entities and TOROC.  Indymedia has a 
history of posting calls for action and was the site that 
promoted disruptions of the FLOTUS visit by publishing maps 
showing her movements while in Turin. 
 
¶8. (U) Concerns persist that large-scale demonstrations will 
occur in the Turin area over the period 
02/17/2006-02/19/2006.  Media reports have indicated that 
protesters from elsewhere in the European Union will travel 
to Turin to participate in anti-globalization and 
pro-environment gatherings; however, Belgian, German, 
Spanish, French, and Greek law enforcement representatives to 
the National Olympics Information Sharing Center have stated 
that they have been unable to verify the travel of opposition 
group members to Turin.  All above-named countries will 
continue to monitor for indications of movement and will 
report any activity to Italian and OSOC counterparts through 
the Olympics Information Sharing Center. 
 
¶9. (U) Incidents:  On 02/11/2006, the USOC videographer 
assigned to the short track and figure skating practice venue 
requested security assistance from OSOC field elements after 
a minor altercation with Korean Olympic team representatives. 
 The videographer had been filming the practice of the US 
short track team when she was requested to stop her activity 
by the venue press manager and representatives of the Korean 
team. Upon her refusal, two Korean representatives physically 
attempted to prevent her from taping.  The venue Press 
Manager contacted OSOC field agents to report the incident, 
and they provided the videographer with a secure escort from 
the venue. OSOC elements are prepared to respond in the event 
that further problems arise during the practice of the US and 
Korean teams on 02/12/2006. 
 
 
SECURITY OPERATIONS 
------------------- 
 
¶10. (SBU)  USG security activities -- ongoing liaison with 
host government entities, Olympics security officials, US 
corporate security and the FLOTUS USSS security detail -- 
continue. 
 
¶11. (SBU)  According to OSOC field elements, as of 
02/11/2006, Italian authorities are searching for a known 
No-TAV (anti-high-speed train) protester who is in possession 
of credentials for the mountain Cesana San Sicario venue and 
who is working on the shooting range for the biathlon.  The 
individual in question has reportedly caused disturbances at 
the venue and Italian law enforcement plan to revoke his 
credentials and remove him from the site. 
 
¶12. (SBU)  Over the night of 02/10/2006, the OSOC conducted a 
text message communications check via cell phone; the results 
of this test are being used to identify any lapses in OSOC 
communications capability with security elements throughout 
the Olympics theater. 
 
¶13. (SBU) In response to the widely-reported recent outbreak 
of the Avian Flu virus among migratory birds in southern 
Italy, the State Department medical professional in Turin 
will provide a factual briefing to personnel about the virus 
and the Mission Italy plan of action to address an outbreak. 
 
 
 
VIPs 
---- 
 
¶14. (SBU)  Despite numerous attempts by opposition groups to 
disrupt their visit, FLOTUS and the Presidential Delegation 
attended a number of public events without incident on 
02/11/2006.  The absence of protests underscored the promise 
of Italian authorities that no actions would be allowed to 
detract from the visit, which has received generally positive 
comment in the local media. 
 
¶15. (SBU)  The departure of FLOTUS and the Presidential 
Delegation was delayed due to adverse weather conditions in 
the US; FLOTUS was confirmed as wheels up from Turin as of 
approximately 0930 hrs on 02/12/2006.  Daughter Barbara Bush 
will remain in Italy on private travel until 02/15/2006 and 
is expected to attend a number of Olympics events.  On 
02/12/2006, she will be present at mountain venue events; 
OSOC continues to work with the USSS security detail to 
provide any necessary security assistance for the duration of 
Barbara Bush,s stay in Turin. 
 
¶16. (SBU) In remarks prior to her departure, FLOTUS expressed 
satisfaction with her visit.  She had previously thanked 
Italian security officials for the attention they paid to the 
security of the Presidential Delegation during their stay in 
Italy. 
 
 
PENDING MATTERS 
--------------- 
 
¶17. (U) The theft of a TOROC vehicle pass remains unresolved. 
 OSOC continues to express concern about the incident and to 
interact with Italian counterparts to identify possible 
security concerns related to the missing pass. 
 
PUBLIC AFFAIRS/PUBLIC DIPLOMACY 
------------------------------- 
¶18. (U)  On 02/12/2006, the focus of the media included the 
first discovery of the Avian Flu virus in dead migratory 
birds in southern Italy.  Most dailies continued to carry 
heavy coverage of the Olympics, including generally positive 
stories regarding the start of sporting events, and detailed 
information on the FLOTUS visit.  In addition, various 
sources noted that concerns persist among security experts 
that large-scale demonstrations will take place on 
02/17/2006-02/19/2006.  The following summary contains 
highlights from local media: 
 
¶19. (U)  FLOTUS:  Turin-based national daily La Stampa 
published a largely factual and positive account of the 
FLOTUS visit to Turin.  The article described in detail her 
appearance at the University of Turin and noted with some 
surprise that the among the books donated by FLOTUS to the 
University library was the "bible" of the No-Global movement: 
 "No Logo: No Space, No Choice, No Jobs."  The article also 
commented on the elaborate security provided for the FLOTUS 
visit, remarking that strict controls, including street 
closures and snipers, were in place for her movements. 
 
¶20. (U)  Il Giornale and La Repubblica provided similar 
positive commentary on the FLOTUS appearances on 02/11/2006. 
The Il Giornale article noted FLOTUS' appreciation for her 
"splendid lunch" at a local restaurant and highlighted her 
remarks linking the Olympics with intercultural and 
educational exchange. La Repubblica featured the FLOTUS visit 
to the University library, noting that the threatened 
demonstrations by opposition groups were hardly noticeable, 
and cited FLOTUS' appreciation for the warm welcome she 
received in Turin. 
 
¶21. (U)  Communist daily Il Manifesto contained muted 
coverage of the FLOTUS visit, commenting that FLOTUS' remarks 
on dialogue between nations and mutual understanding were 
ironic, given US actions around the world. 
 
¶22. (U)  Demonstrations/Protests: Il Manifesto printed the 
schedule for the upcoming no-TAV (high-speed train), 
anti-globalization demonstrations planned to take place in 
the vicinity of Olympics alpine events in Val de Susa from 
02/17/2006-02/19/2006.  (Information regarding the planned 
protests may be found at www.ombravallesus.it and 
www.ilgrandecortile.it.)  Italian authorities have repeatedly 
stated that they view opposition activities over the weekend 
of 02/17/2006 to be a primary security concern. 
 
¶23. (U)  The Public Affairs Office in Turin may be reached at 
39-011-55-99-368. 
 
CONSULAR AFFAIRS 
---------------- 
¶24. (U) On 02/11/2006, the Consular Office in Turin received 
four new requests for assistance from American citizens.  All 
requests involved the replacement of lost/stolen passports. 
Two individuals have already come into the CA office in order 
to apply for their new passports, while one will visit the 
office on 02/12/2006.  One individual located the "lost" 
passport prior to appearing at the office. 
 
¶25. (U)  To date, the majority of requests for passport 
assistance have involved the replacement of documents lost to 
pickpocketing, indicating a trend of petty theft in Turin. 
Crowded public transportation and increased tourist activity 
has created an ideal atmosphere for pickpocketing.  CA is 
aware of this trend and is prepared to provide assistance to 
victims as necessary. 
 
¶26. (U) Prior to the commencement of the Olympics, CA engaged 
in intensive outreach with local emergency services and 
hotels in Turin to disseminate the consular contact numbers 
and to sensitize them to the range of services CA can provide 
to American citizens.  This outreach has been successful, as 
the requests for service to date have involved initial phone 
contact with the Consular Office based on information 
provided by hotel and other staff. 
 
¶27. (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