MEPN - WORKING GROUP ON WATER RESOURCES:COUNTRY

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002009

SIPDIS

DOI/USGS:ANNA LENOX

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: NL PREL SENV OTRA
SUBJECT: MEPN - WORKING GROUP ON WATER RESOURCES:COUNTRY
CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR U.S. DELEGATION TO WATER MEETING IN
AMSTERDAM, AUGUST 23-30, 2003

REF: SECSTATE 226593


1. Country Clearance is granted for the MEPN - WORKING
GROUP ON WATER RESOURCES U.S. DELEGATION for travel to The
Netherlands August 23-30, 2003.


2. Kami Witmer will be the Control Officer. She can be
reached at the following numbers/addresses: Tel: (W)
31-70-310-9339, (H) 31-70-354-0639, (M) 31-65-172-4767. Fax:
(W) 31-70-310-9348. Email: (W) witmerka@state.gov; (H)
kwit88@hotmail.com. Please note: When dialing telephone/fax
numbers within the Netherlands, replace country code 31 with
a zero.

COMPUTER and ELECTRONICS USAGE:


3. Inter-agency security standards prohibit the introduction
or use of non-USG owned computer hardware and software at all
USG diplomatic facilities. Cell phones, palm pilots, radios
and other convenience electronics are prohibited in all
secure areas of the Mission.


4. Travelers who anticipate having special needs in terms of
either access or computer usage should contact the RSO office
before arriving at post.


SECURITY ADVISORY:


5. Post provides the following threat assessment for The
Netherlands: The Department of State on July 29, 2003 issued
a worldwide caution to alert Americans of the need to remain
vigilant. The Department of State reminds U.S. citizens of
the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target
U.S. citizens and and to update these potential threats. The
U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security
of U.S. citizens overseas. U.S. citizens are cautioned to
maintain a high level of vigilance, to remain alert and to
take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

Tensions remaining from the recent events in Iraq may
increase the potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests
abroad, by terrorist and other groups. Terrorist actions may
include, but are not limited to, suicide operations,
hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may also involve
commercial aircraft. other potential threats include
conventional weapons such as explosive devices or
non-conventional weapons, such as chemical or biological
agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and
civilian targets. These may include facilities where
American citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit,
including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of
worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or
resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should remain in a
heightened state of personal security awareness when
attendance at such locations is unavoidable. Please consult
the Department's web site for text: http://travel.state.gov.
In light of this caution all visitors to The Netherlands are
encouraged to assess their security posture and be alert to
their surroundings for possible surveillance. All visitors
should exercise caution while traveling abroad, as U.S.
citizens and facilities are often the target of groups
demonstrating opposition to U.S. foreign policy.


6. A concern for visitors is crime. Most crimes against
official Americans are limited to pick-pocketing and luggage
theft. Vandalism to automobiles, and theft from hotel rooms
are not unknown. Recently, theft of laptop computers has
increased, especially at Schiphol airport and major train
stations. The thieves operate in small groups, are
determined and well practiced at distraction theft. Several
official travelers have been victimized lately, losing
personal and unclassified government computers, valuable
software and data. Regulations require the use of the
diplomatic pouch for shipment of classified equipment and
information.


7. Streets can be walked in relative safety, but as in any
U.S. urban city, the same amount of caution should be
exercised after dark in the more populated cities of The
Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. Red-light districts and
public transportation hubs are common locations for incidents
of street crime.


RUSSEL