CODEL FRIST AUG 11

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 001894 SIPDIS DEPT FOR H, EUR/UBI, EUR/PGI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN CH SU KE NL SUBJECT: CODEL FRIST AUG 11 REF: STATE 160305 ¶1. Embassy The Hague warmly welcomes and grants country clearance for Senator Frist and staff members in The Netherlands on August 11, 2004. ¶2. As museums and stores in Amsterdam will not be open during transit time, post recommends delegation remain at the Schipol airport. Post also recommends the Senator and staff use Schiphol's VIP facility, which affords comfort and expedited transit through customs, immigration, and security. VIP services/lounge costs 199 euros to accommodate up to eight people. If desired, Post can also reserve rooms for the party at the Airport Mercur hotel, which would allow Senator Frist and his party to freshen up before continuing their trip; alternatively, hotel showers are available (without rooms) at a cost of 25 euros. Ambassador would like to offer Senator and staff members an airport briefing focusing on the Dutch EU Presidency's relations with China and Sudan. ¶3. Jody Buckneberg and Julie Roberts will be co-control officers. Buckneberg can be reached via the following: Tel: (W) 31-70-310-9424, (M) 31-6-1250-8957; Fax: 31-70-9348; Email: BucknebergJL@state.gov. Roberts can be reached via the following: Tel: (W) 31-70-310-9342, (M) 31-6-2221-9301; Fax: 31-70-310-9322; Email: RobertsJK@state.gov. Please note: When dialing telephone/fax numbers within the Netherlands, replace country code 31 with a zero. POST ACCESS: ¶4. Visitors who need unescorted access into secure areas of the Mission must provide proof of at least a secret clearance. If level of clearance was not provided in the original country clearance request it should be done by separate cable. The cable should include SSN, and the name of the agency granting the security clearance. Cables must include the ASEC Tag to ensure distribution to the RSO office. COMPUTER and ELECTRONICS USAGE: ¶5. 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. ¶6. 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: ¶7. Post provides the following threat assessment for The Netherlands: On July 9, 2004, the Dutch government implemented heightened security measures in response to concerns of terrorist activity. U.S. citizens in the Netherlands are encouraged to monitor media reports, and are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. As noted in the Department of State's Worldwide Caution of April 29, 2004, terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Such targets may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened state of personal security awareness when attendance at such locations is unavoidable. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may also involve commercial aircraft and maritime interests, and threats to include conventional weapons, such as explosive devices. A concern for visitors is crime. Most crimes against official Americans are limited to pick-pocketing and luggage theft. 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. They are determined and well practiced at distraction theft. Several official travelers have been victimized losing personal or 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. 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. For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). SOBEL