UNCLAS DUBLIN 001550

SIPDIS

PLEASE PASS TO ERATH, O'SULLIVAN, CASHMAN UPON ARRIVAL IN
COPENHAGEN AND STOCKHOLM

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA ETTC PARM PREL
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED TO ERATH, O'SULLIVAN,
CASHMAN

REF: STATE 220978


1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to PM/DTCP
Deputy Director John F. Erath, DRL/PHD Senior Advisor for
Asia Susan O'Sullivan, and CMDR. Edward Cashman of the Joint
Staff J-5 to travel to Dublin, Ireland, from October 18 to
October 20, 2004. Purpose of visit is to consult with Irish
governments on maintaining the EU China arms embargo.


2. Embassy control officer for this visit is Tom
Rosenberger, office telephone 353-1-668-8054, home telephone
353-1-260-4795, cell phone 353-87-997-7094, email:
rosenbergertm@state.gov. Embassy telephone number while in
country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612
after hours.


3. Reservations have been made at the Berkeley Court,
Landsdowne Road, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4 telephone number
353-1-660-1711, fax 353-1-661-7238 Room rate is Euro 132.
Reservation numbers are O'Sullivan-265071, Erath-265072,
Cashman, 265073. Please provide post with fiscal data or
credit card information to confirm the reservations.


4. Please send a cable to post with traveler's security
clearance information, if not already done, to facilitate
unescorted access within the Embassy, as required by 12 FAM

443.

GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION


5. There are no visa requirements for visitors traveling to
Ireland on diplomatic or official passports.


6. Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has
instituted a smoking ban in the work place, including all
pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas. Violation of this
law may result in a fine of up to Euro 3,000. Check with
hotel staff upon arrival to determine if smoking is permitted
in hotel room.


7. Post policy is to provide airport pickup for employees at
the rank of Deputy Assistant Secretary or above. Other
travelers should take the Dublin Aircoach (6 Euro one way,
departure every 15 minutes) or a taxi (approximately 25 Euro
one way). Travelers arriving with excess equipment or having
special transportation needs should communicate those
requirements to their Embassy control officer prior to
arrival.


8. Accommodation Exchange: Post does not have check cashing
or money changing facilities. Major credit cards are widely
accepted; ATM machines accept most major U.S. bankcards, and
offer the best exchange rates.

SECURITY INFORMATION FOR IRELAND


9. Post is unaware of direct threats against Americans or
U.S. interests in Ireland, and Ireland remains a relatively
safe country where anti-American sentiment is rare. For
additional threat assessment information regarding Ireland,
you may contact DS/DSS/ITA (Diplomatic Security's Office of
Intelligence and Threat Assessment) in the State Department
at 202-663-0787. TDY visitors staying longer than 30 days
should schedule a briefing with the Regional Security Officer.


10. Street Crime: Like any large urban center, Dublin has
its share of street crime, especially pick-pocketing and
purse-snatching. Valuables should not be left unattended in
cars and should be kept in hotel safe deposit boxes. Do not
carry large amounts of cash. Violent confrontations and use
of firearms are rare, however, and with reasonable
precautions and common sense visitors should be able to enjoy
a safe visit. Police services are excellent; the number for
emergency services in Ireland is 999 or 112.


11. Terrorism: Ireland, like the rest of the world, shares
an increased threat of terrorist incidents of international
origin. Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings
and report suspicious people or activities to the police or
RSO.
BENTON