Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04VILNIUS1477
2004-12-03 07:34:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Vilnius
Cable title:  

COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY

Tags:  OTRA AMGT PGOV PHUM KDEM LI LH 
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UNCLAS VILNIUS 001477 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA AMGT PGOV PHUM KDEM LI LH
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY
MICHAEL KOZAK

REF(S): STATE 257064

UNCLAS VILNIUS 001477

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA AMGT PGOV PHUM KDEM LI LH
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY
MICHAEL KOZAK

REF(S): STATE 257064


1. Post warmly welcomes Ambassador Michael Kozak and is pleased
to grant country clearance for the period of December 3-6,
2004 to attend the "Advancing Europe Whole and Free: Challenges
and Opportunities for Transatlantic Cooperation" conference.


2. Embassy point of contact for your visit is Trevor
Boyd, POL/ECON. Contact information is TEL: +370-5-266-
5539; FAX: +370-5-266-5510; E-MAIL: BoydTW@state.gov.


3. The American Embassy address is Akmenu 6. The 24-hour
Embassy telephone number is +370-5-2665500; fax number is
+370-5-2665510. All operators speak English.


4. Hotel reservations have been made, as requested reftel
for the nights of December 3-5 at Stikliai hotel for a
single room at the rate of 126 USD per night. The room
rate includes all taxes and breakfast. The hotel is
located at Gaono 7; tel: +370-5-264-9596; fax: +370-5-212-

3870.


5. Your hotel, most restaurants and many stores accept
credit cards. However, it is a good idea to have some
cash on hand since much of Lithuania still operates on a
cash economy. The Embassy cashier is available for check
cashing services (during the hours 0900 to 1300 M,T,TH,F)
and there are automatic teller machines (ATM) around the
city. There is also an exchange service at the airport at
commercial rates (comparable to those at the Embassy).


6. Lithuania is a relatively safe country with very
little anti-American sentiment. Vilnius has a low
criminal threat level, however, visitors should take
standard precautions, as in any other large urban area.
Crimes of opportunity are most common, pick pocketing, car
break-ins and theft. Most crimes happen at night or in
the early morning hours. After dark, visitors should stay
in pairs and exercise common sense and avoid isolated
areas. Visitors are encouraged to leave any valuables in
their hotel safety deposit boxes. Use of public
transportation is not recommended. Should you wish a
security briefing upon arrival, please contact the RSO at
tel: +370-5-2665621.


7. For additional information about Vilnius you may wish
to log on to www.inyourpocket.com and select Vilnius.


8. Visitors are advised to arrange taxi service through
their hotel or the Embassy. However, taxis that are
parked in front of the airport are reliable. Be aware of
rogue taxi drivers who approach you offering their taxi
service. Always inquire what the fare will be in advance.
The trip into town from the airport should cost around
$5.00-$10.00 (depending on exchange rate and day of the
week).


9. Visas are not required if stay is less than 90 days.


10. The climate in Vilnius during the winter is dark,
cold and wet with snow and ice. Boots, jacket and gloves
are necessary.

MULL