Country Clearance granted for NP/ECC personnel: Paul

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000070

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM ETTC PREL KSTC BU RO LO
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted for NP/ECC personnel: Paul

B. van Son and Jason C. McClellan

REF: SECSTATE 16278


1. Embassy Bratislava welcomes the NP/ECC personnel: Paul B.
van Son and Jason C. McClellan and grants country clearance for
the period of February 1-2, 2005. The embassy point of contact
is Larry Adkins, EXBX Program Advisor, tel: +421-2-5922-3375,
fax: 421-5922-5038. Reservations have been made at the Hotel
Carlton (Address: Hviezdoslavovo nam. 1, Bratislava, tel.+421-2-
5939-0512, res.no 119228, 119227). Room charge at the hotel is
USD 150 which is within Bratislava perdiem.


2. The u.s. embassy's address is Hviezdoslavovo nam. 4, 811
02 Bratislava, Slovakia. Telephone numbers are: +421-2-5443-
0861 or +421-5443-3338.


3. Security clearances and building access: if necessary, the
regional security officer will provide a temporary embassy
badge for you. Thank you for providing your clearance level in
reftel.


4. Computer access to mission facilities: privately owned
laptops and personal computers (including palm pilots),
peripherals, diskettes and tapes are prohibited in all mission
facilities. Travelers with United States Government (USG) owned
unclassified laptop or notebook computers, peripherals,
diskettes and tapes must receive RSO/IPO authorization prior to
being granted access to U.S. mission buildings. USG-owned
classified computers must be sent to post via classified
diplomatic pouches. Classified equipment must bear external USG
bar codes, inventory numbers, and classification marking
commensurate with the highest level of information processed on
the system.


5. Security: post reminds traveler that we are under a high
level threat of potential terrorist activities. This warning
is especially applicable to those of us in diplomatic missions
overseas. The U.S. government continues to receive credible
indications that extremist groups and individuals are planning
additional terrorist actions against u.s. interests worldwide.
Such actions may include, but are not limited to suicide
operations. Because security and security awareness have been
elevated within the United States, the terrorists may target
U.S. interests overseas. There is a possibility that American
citizens may be targeted for kidnapping or assassination.
Employees are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their
personal security and to exercise caution.


6. The Slovak republic has a "medium" rate of crime, although
violent crime is relatively uncommon. Visitors are urged to
exercise reasonable precautions. If you must walk alone at
night, keep to populous and well-lighted areas. Pay attention
to your wallet, purse, handbag and cellular telephone, as all
are popular targets of the local thieves. The local
pickpockets are professional and most active during the summer.
They tend to utilize distraction techniques to confuse their
target, preferring locations such as shopping centers, markets
and public transportation in the vicinity of the "old town",
near major hotels where foreigners stay and tourist sites, and
the night trains to Prague and Warsaw. Power struggles between
organized crime elements, which can be violent, occur from time
to time. This activity is not/not directed against Americans
or other foreigners. The rate of auto theft, which is also
connected to organized crime, is very high in Bratislava. Up-
market European and American cars are preferred targets. The
use of alarm systems or anti-theft devices is strongly
encouraged.


7. Medical: if you experience a medical emergency after work
hours, contact the embassy duty officer at cell phone
0903-703-666. If you cannot reach the duty officer, the embassy
has a contract with an English-speaking Slovak doctor, dr.
Capova, who is available 24 hours a day to provide
consultations and arrange treatment at local hospitals. Dr.
Capova can be reached at 6252 5068 (home) or at 0904 637 836
(cell phone). Tell dr. Capova that you are with the U.S.
embassy and require emergency assistance. If necessary, dial
155 to contact the city ambulance service.

THAYER


NNNN