Country Clearance granted for USGS: Smith-

UNCLAS MADRID 002502 SIPDIS INT/USGS/RESTON/JSAFFER E.O.12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA TPHY KSCA ECON SENV SP SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted for USGS: Smith- Vaniz REF: SECSTATE 142127 1.Post welcomes and grants clearance to Biologist, Mr. William F. Smith-Vaniz to travel to Santa Cruz Tenerife, Spain July 14-July 23, 2004 to attend a workshop to peer review and field test a series of manuscripts on marine resources of the Atlantic Ocean. Mr. Smith-Vaniz will also train and give guidance to local and European regional fisheries biologists on fish identification. ¶2. Embassy assistance is not required. 3.Visitors are reminded that bearers of diplomatic and official passports coming to Spain on official business need to obtain a Spanish visa prior to their arrival. 4.In general, Spain is safe. However, Madrid and other large cities in Spain attract a number of criminals and pickpockets and frequent incidents of crimes of opportunity against the unwary occur. Carry only essential items, including a photocopy of your passport. Visitors can protect themselves from crime by being street-smart, alert, and aware of their surroundings. In the event you are victimized by crime, or experience any other security-related incident, please contact the Embassy's Regional Security Office at (91) 587-2550. Additional information regarding safety and security in Spain is available on the U.S. Department of State's website (http://www.state.gov). 5.Travelers are encouraged to review the most recent Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State. As the Department of State continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel/state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine. ARGYROS