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