OSINFO - Open Sources Information

The following information was released by the U.S. Department of State:

Political conflicts, kidnappings, and guerrilla attacks were among the top security challenges that U.S. businesses, nongovernmental organizations and academic institutions operating in the Western Hemisphere confronted in 2007, according to a year-end analysis by the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC).

These growing threats are among the many consequences some good, and some bad of increased globalization, said Todd Brown, a Special Agent with the Department of State' Bureau of Diplomatic Security and Executive Director of OSAC.

As an increasing number of U.S. businesses, academic institutions, and nonprofits expand the scope of their international operations, they must learn to safeguard their facilities and personnel by incorporating security and risk management into their core business practices, he said.

Brown added, Those U.S. entities that take proactive security postures, manage their risks, and develop an internal culture of resiliency often are better able to survive and even thrive in riskier environments or in the aftermath of disasters.

OSAC analysts blamed political conflicts for inspiring some Latin American leaders to nationalize private industry and campaign against U.S. interests. Such political battles have sparked violent political street protests that have paralyzed commercial areas in some cities and resulted in both injury and death, according to OSAC.

Short-term kidnapping, in which victims are held for 24 to 48 hours and forced to withdraw funds from various automated bank machines, also emerged as a serious threat in several Latin American cities. Express kidnappings can cost employees, as well as employers, thousands of dollars and potentially result in serious injury, and in some cases, death, OSAC reported.

Citing oil pipeline bombings in Mexico and attacks by the FARC rebel movement in Colombia, the OSAC study noted that politically inspired guerilla groups remain a problem in the region, threatening violence against U.S. investment and employees.

This year-end security review is based on security analyses and informational products developed by OSAC' regional specialists and delivered to its private-sector members, explained Brown.

By working with our OSAC partners, sharing our analysis, and pushing out our information, we aim to help the U.S. private sector better prepare for, respond to, and recover from the security challenges that may arise in the coming year, said Brown.

The following is OSAC' list of the past year' top security challenges to the American private sector in the Americas.

Top 5 Private Sector Security Issues for the Americas

Political Obstructionism

Political conflict has emerged as a concern to the U.S. private sector in a few Latin American countries whose leaders have nationalized private industry and campaigned against U.S. interests through proposed constitutional referenda. This was demonstrated in late 2007 when Venezuela' president proposed 69 amendments to the Venezuelan Constitution which could have diminished economic stability and property rights. Political demonstrations have at times flared into violent street protests, which have paralyzed commercial areas in some cities and resulted in both injury and death.

Natural Disasters

Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tropical storms significantly impacted operations of the U.S. private sector during 2007, destroying property, killing hundreds, and leaving thousands homeless. In one particular case, seventy percent of Tabasco, Mexico was flooded and a major natural gas pipeline exploded as a result of a late-season tropical storm. Both tourist and industrial sectors are vulnerable in areas prone to natural disaster. This has led security managers to re-evaluate contingency plans within the region.

Express Kidnapping

Express kidnappings are a common type of abduction in many Latin American cities. Victims are generally held for 24 to 48 hours and forced to withdraw funds from a series of ATMs. Express kidnappings can cost employees, as well as employers, thousands of dollars and potentially result in serious injury, and in some cases, death.

Guerilla Warfare

Left-wing guerilla groups remain a problem in the region, threatening violence against U.S. investment and employees. Politically motivated guerilla groups target both national and international interests. Recent pipeline bombings in Mexico resulted in thousands of dollars lost during halted production for American companies alone. Colombia continues to experience attacks from the FARC which often result in multiple casualties.

Corporate Espionage

Corporate espionage, including illegal or unethical activities such as theft of trade secrets, technological surveillance, bribery, and blackmail, continues to cause problems for the U.S. private sector throughout the region. Perpetrators seek to gain valuable management and contact information, such as organizational charts and cell phone numbers. In many cases, the perpetrators identify themselves using the name and title of a legitimate company employee in order to elicit confidential company information over the phone. These incidents reinforce the importance of continued vigilance.

About OSAC

The Overseas Security Advisory Council was established in 1985 as a Federal Advisory Committee with a U.S. Government Charter to promote security cooperation between the U.S. Department of State and American business and private sector interests worldwide.

With a constituency of more than 3,500 U.S. companies and other private-sector organizations with overseas interests, OSAC operates a Web site ( www.osac.gov ), which offers its members the latest in safety- and security-related information, public announcements, warden messages, travel advisories, significant anniversary dates, terrorist group profiles, country crime and safety reports, special topic reports, foreign press reports, and much more.

The OSAC staff includes international security research specialists dedicated solely to serving the U.S. private sector. Additionally, OSAC has a network of 100 country councils around the world that brings together U.S. embassies and consulates with the local U.S. community to share security information.

OSAC is co-chaired by the Director of the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) and a selected representative of the private sector. The OSAC Executive Director is a Diplomatic Security Special Agent.

About The Bureau of Diplomatic Security

The Bureau of Diplomatic Security is the U.S. Department of State' law enforcement and security arm. The special agents, engineers, and security professionals of the Bureau are responsible for the security of 285 U.S. diplomatic facilities around the world.

In the United States, Diplomatic Security personnel investigate passport and visa fraud, conduct personnel security investigations, and protect the Secretary of State and high-ranking foreign dignitaries and officials visiting the United States. More information about the U.S. Department of State and the Bureau of Diplomatic Security may be obtained at www.state.gov/m/ds .

12/28/07 17:00:03