CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): VISIT OF ARMS

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002407

SIPDIS

STATE ALSO FOR AC AND AC/CB

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL OVIP OTRA CWC
SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): VISIT OF ARMS
CONTROL PDAS FRANK RECORD TO THE HAGUE

REF: STATE 202898

This is CWC-108-04.


1. (U) CWC Delegation and Embassy welcome the September
27-29 visit of AC PDAS Record. Hotel reservations have been
made at the Crowne Plaza Promenade Hotel; Van Stolkweg 1, The
Hague 2585 JL; (phone)(31)(70) 352-5161; (fax)
31-70-354-1046. Control officer for the visit is Pete Ito,
who will meet Record on arrival and can be reached at the
following: (o) (31)(70) 351-8130, (home) (31)(70) 381-6113,
(mobile) (31) 65-128-5490. Meetings requested by PDAS Record
at the OPCW and the Dutch MFA have been arranged as requested
in reftel, and a draft schedule has been sent to AC/CB.


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


3. (U) 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.


4. (U) 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.
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.


5. (U) 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 is 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.


6. (U) 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.


7. (U) Ito sends.
SOBEL