CZECH REPUBLIC, BULGARIA, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO, AND

UNCLAS PRAGUE 000611 SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO INT/USGS RESTON/WHIPPLE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KSCA TPHY SENV OTRA SUBJECT: CZECH REPUBLIC, BULGARIA, SERBIA-MONTENEGRO, AND HUNGARY, CTRY CLR, USGS: DREW, 05/02-22/05 REF: SECSTATE 75171 ¶1. Embassy Prague welcomes and grants country clearance for Dr. Lawrence Drew of the US Geological Survey to visit the Czech Republic, May 2-6, to present lectures and conduct a workshop. ¶2. Embassy point of contact will be Mark Canning, tel: (420) 257 5333 822, Email:CanningMA2@state.gov ¶3. Security: All Americans are advised to be continually aware of their surroundings, alert to suspicious activities or individuals and to avoid large gatherings. With regard to crime, Prague is normally a very safe city by U.S. standards but visitors are encouraged to exercise common sense precautions and to be particularly wary of Prague's famously efficient pickpockets and scam artists. Special caution is warranted in and around train stations and when boarding, riding or exiting trams. When taking taxis, we recommend visitors insist that the meter be used or that travelers agree on a fare with the driver in advance. CABANISS