CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): COUNTRY

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002410 SIPDIS STATE FOR AC/CB E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC NL OTRA PARM CWC SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC): COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR LISA BENTHIEN REF: STATE 202945 This is CWC-109-04. ¶1. (U) Country clearance is granted to the following individual traveling to The Hague to attend the OPCW 2005 Budget meeting: --BENTHIEN, Lisa Arrive: 26 September Depart: 03 October Hotel reservations have been made for 26 Sept-2 Oct at the Golden Tulip Bel Air Hotel; address: Johan de Wittlaan 30, 2517 JR, The Hague; phone: (31) (70) 352-5354; fax: (31) (70) 352-5385. Single room rate is EURO 115 plus tax. Reftel requested the Dorint, however it was unavailable for Ms. Benthien's travel dates. ¶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