FRANCE: VISIT OF TASK FORCE ON THE UNITED NATIONS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 PARIS 003406

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT FR
SUBJECT: FRANCE: VISIT OF TASK FORCE ON THE UNITED NATIONS

REF: A. STATE 85180

B. SENSIBAUGH-KANEDA E-MAILS


1. Embassy Paris welcomes May 31-June 1 visit by the Task
Force on the United Nations (ref A) and grants country
clearance.


2. Embassy Control Officer is Political Assistant Robert
Kaneda, who can be reached by phone at (33-1) 43.12.27.44, by
fax at (33-1) 43.12.26.63, or by e-mail at
kanedarj@state.gov. He can also be reached through the
Embassy switchboard at (33-1) 43.12.22.22. When calling from
within France, visitors should use the local prefix "01"
instead of the international prefix (33-1).


3. Based on information in refs A and B, we have begun
logistical preparation for the visit. Please advise whether
Heather Sensibaugh will be in the delegation when it visits
Paris (the e-mail and printed schedule she provided are not
clear on that point). Please advise if delegation members
want to stay in the George V hotel (above perdiem),where the
Gingriches will be staying, or would prefer a hotel within
perdiem. Delegation is requested to provide credit card
information (brand of card, name on card, card number,
expiration date) so that we can hold the rooms. We will do
our best to obtain early-morning access to the hotel rooms
but some hotels can guarantee early access only if the rooms
have been reserved for the previous night. If early-morning
access is essential, please authorize us to reserve rooms for
the preceding night. We would also appreciate any updates in
the schedule so that we can assist with arrival/departure and
also arrange a meeting with the Ambassador or charge
d'affaires. Embassy will make a vehicle available for
airport pickup/departure and for the party's use during its
stay in Paris.


4. In the event of a crisis or serious international
incident involving the United States, visitors should
immediately contact the Embassy.


5. Mission Media Policy: In accordance with Embassy Paris
media policy, visitors from all agencies should coordinate
all media events, including press interviews or statements,
with the Embassy press officer.


6. Embassy wishes to remind visitors that visas are required
for holders of U.S. diplomatic or official passports on
official business in France.


7. Action request: Each visitor must bring a copy of their
travel orders (or forward fiscal data) to cover costs of
visit. Each agency, organization, or visiting delegation
will be charged for the actual costs attributed to their
visit. These costs include, but are not limited to, American
and FSN overtime, field travel by Embassy employees, vehicle
rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals,
representational events and all other costs that are directly
attributable to the visit.


8. Following is current security information for France:

(A) Terrorism: The current terrorism threat in France
mirrors the general worldwide threat. Trans-national terror
groups such as al-Qaida likely have a presence in France and
do present a general threat. French law enforcement and
intelligence services are effective in responding to this
threat and remain in a heightened state of alert, but cannot
completely negate it. For this reason American citizens
should practice good personal security when visiting France.
Remaining unpredictable is perhaps the simplest but most
effective way of ensuring personal safety. This is
particularly true when departing or arriving at your place of
residence. Being aware of your surroundings and suspicious
persons or activities is also critically important. Do not
accept packages, do not open hotel doors to strangers and
immediately report any suspicious activities to the police
(telephone 17) and Regional Security Office (telephone
33.1.43.12.27.96).

(B) Crime: Street crime in French cities is similar to that
in most large metropolitan areas. The two most frequent
crimes are pick pocketing and snatch/run theft. These
criminals most often ply their trade on public transportation
routes used by tourists and at tourist sites. In Paris,
visitors should be particularly alert when using Metro lines
number one and two, in addition to the RER trains serving the
airports. Tourist sites such as the Eiffel Tower,
Montmartre, the major museums and the Avenue des Champs
Elysees are all areas of heavy activity. Visitors should use
hotel safes whenever possible to store valuables and excess
cash. Awareness should go up when conditions are crowded.
Maintain control of camera and bags; do not carry these items
behind you. Criminals on metros often push into you for
distraction and pickpocket while doing so. Another technique
is to grab valuables and escape just as the metro doors are
closing. If credit cards are stolen, proceed to the nearest
telephone and immediately notify the card issuer. Stolen
credit cards are used immediately. Whenever possible, take a
seat or keep your back to a wall when on the metro system.
It is also recommended that a photocopy of your passport
identification page be carried in lieu of the passport
itself. Report any incident to the Regional Security Office
as soon as possible.

(C) Electronic devices: privately owned laptops and personal
computers are prohibited in controlled access areas (CAAs) of
the Mission and consulates. Cellular telephones are also
prohibited in the CAA and must be left outside this area.
Questions concerning other types of electronic devices may be
directed to the Information Management Office or Regional
Security Office.

(D) Travelers planning to stay longer than 30 days are
required to schedule a security briefing with the RSO. For
additional threat assessment information regarding France
and/or Europe, you may contact DS/ITA in the State Department
at (202) 663-0787.


9. Health Concerns: For up-to-date information on Severe
Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),Mad Cow Disease and other
health precautions for France, the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) website contains a detailed analysis of risks
involved at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases.htm.
WOLFF