Country Clearance granted for Stuart Seldowitz

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000860

SIPDIS


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP LO NATO
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted for Stuart Seldowitz

REF: USNATO 000637


1. Embassy Bratislava welcomes D/PolAd Stuart Seldowitz and
grants country clearance for the period of October 26-28, 2005.
The embassy control officer for your visit is Lora Berg, CAO,
tel: 421 2 5922 3083; cellphone: 421 903 721 174. Assisting
Ms. Berg will be Aaron Chase, POL/MIL, tel: 421 2 5922 3376;
cellphone: 421 903 227 328. Reservation has been made at the
Hotel Radisson SAS Carlton (address: Hviezdoslavovo nam. 1,
Bratislava, tel. 421 2 5939 0512, res. no 152932). Room charge
at the hotel is USD 175, which is within Bratislava per diem.
Post understands no other assistance is requested.


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


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,

SIPDIS
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: The Embassy's principal physician liaison is Dr.
Julia Bruce (tel.+421-2-5922-3138). 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.

SILVERMAN


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