TRAVEL CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FAA PERSONNEL E.O.

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002033

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EAIR OTRA NL
SUBJECT: TRAVEL CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FAA PERSONNEL E.O.
12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR OTRA NL
NORTHWEST AIRLINES CERTIFICATE

REF: DES PLAINE 130414Z



1. Country clearance is granted for Joseph Eugene Masini for
travel to the Netherlands August 17 - August 23, 2003.


2. Embassy understands that no assistance is requested.
Please note that the country clearance request cable was not
received in Amsterdam Consulate or Embassy The Hague.
Please send all country clearances to The Hague and not
Amsterdam.

POST ACCESS:


3. Visitors who need unescorted access into secure areas of
the Mission must include the fact that he/she has at least a
secret level clearance in the country clearance request. The

SIPDIS
cable should include SSN, and the name of the agency granting
the clearance. Cables MUST include the ASEC Tag to ensure
distribution to the RSO Office.

COMPUTER and ELECTRONICS USAGE:


4. 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.


5. Travelers who anticipate having special needs in terms of
either access or computer usage should contact the RSO
Office.

SECURITY ADVISORY:


6. 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 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.


7. 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 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.


8. A concern for visitors is crime. Most crimes against
official Americans are limited to pick-pocketing and luggage
theft. Vandalism to and theft from automobiles and 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 that target
travelers, 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. Travelers are
reminded regulations require the use of the diplomatic pouch
for shipment of classified equipment and information.


9. Streets can be walked in relative safety, but as in any
U.S. urban area, 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.
SOBEL