RSO open letter

Middle East / N. Africa - Jerusalem

April 29 2006

Open Letter From RSO Michael H. Ross

Middle East/Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza

April 24, 2006

During the short time since I assumed the duties and responsibilities as the Regional Security Officer in Jerusalem I have had the opportunity and privilege of working with many of you. One of my top priorities is to facilitate a strong partnership with public and private U.S. affiliated organizations and companies through the OSAC Jerusalem Country Council. I am excited about working with your representatives on the ground in Jerusalem, the West Bank and in Gaza to help them effectively deal with security-related issues. I plan to accomplish this by continuing to work closely with the Country Council and by following the objectives of the Council as outlined in the Charter, which are:

·        To establish continuing liaison and to provide for operational security cooperation between the security functions of the U.S. Department of State and other U.S. Government Agencies, Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organizations.

·        To provide for the regular and timely interchange of information between the Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organizations, the U.S. Department of State and other Government Agencies concerning developments in the overseas and local security environment.

·        To recommend methods and provide material for coordinating security planning and implementation of security programs.

We have been successful in raising the security awareness of members through security briefings, evacuation methods, network communication trees, security updates and providing appropriate recommendations during escalating security events. Our unique Country Council has attracted members from three main categories, which are:

·        U.S. Commercial Sector members who have benefited from areas such as free-access, facilitation of goods, increase of security awareness and the promotion of security cooperation between American business interests worldwide.

·        Non-governmental Organization members consist of both American NGO’s and USAID funded subcontractors and grantees in numerous West Bank, Jerusalem and Gaza districts. Our ongoing support on issues ranging from security cooperation and recommendations, mass communication of escalating security concerns and the facilitation of goods such as medications and emergency relief, have been essential for the group.

·        U.S. Wardens responsible for U.S. Citizens residing in all West Bank and Gaza districts. OSAC has created a mass communication network-tree under which every 50 U.S. citizens are placed under 1 U.S. Warden. The ability to quickly communicate the escalation of security events through the network-tree has enabled us to pass on vital and often life-saving information quickly and efficiently.

Active private sector and Non-Governmental Organization participation is crucial to ensure a strong and vibrant Country Council. The Council requires dedicated individuals to serve in various capacities on the Steering Committee. These are vital positions that must be filled for us to continually move forward in this endeavor. Representatives from your organizations are strongly encouraged to be active participants in the Country Council to ensure this strong partnership continues.

I hope I can count on your support and look forward to working with you and your representatives in the coming years.