COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR NEA ADVISOR SHAHA RIZA.

UNCLAS RABAT 002455 SIPDIS SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D C O P Y - CAPTION ADDED E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KMPI OTRA SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR NEA ADVISOR SHAHA RIZA. REF: SECSTATE 220806 ¶1. Embassy Rabat is pleased to grant country clearance for Shaha Riza to travel to Rabat, Morocco, December 8-13, 2005 for meetings with civil society representatives in relation to the Foundation for the Future. ¶2. Should Ms. Riza require assistance during her visit, please contact Political Counselor Tim Lenderking, who can be reached at: Phone: (212) 37-76-22-65 ext. 2061 Fax: (212) 37-76-38-84 Cell: 061-37-35-14 ¶3. Hotel reservations have been made at the Rabat Hilton Hotel for the nights of December 8-13 2005, within per diem (breakfast included). ¶4. Transportation has been arranged for traveler to be picked up and dropped off at Mohammed V Casablanca airport. ¶5. Post understands that traveler requires no further assistance. ¶6. Security Concerns ¶A. Mandatory personal security training (ref: 04 state 066580, state 93760 and FSI 1421): Effective January 1, 2005, American personnel requesting country clearance to perform extended temporary duty (TDY defined as more than 30 days) at overseas locations must complete appropriate overseas personal security training ("safe" course). This safe course requirement does not apply to career state department Foreign Service employees. It does apply to state department civil service employees, employees of other USG agencies and contractors. ¶B. Terrorism: A series of terrorist bombings took place in Casablanca on May 16, 2003. Additional attacks have been thwarted by the vigorous efforts of Moroccan law enforcement since then. Although U.S. government facilities were not the target of the Casablanca attacks (and no Americans were killed or injured),the potential for violence against American interests and citizens remains high in morocco. Establishments which are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. these may include facilities where us citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters and public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed. While in morocco it is important to be vigilant to one's surroundings, and to maintain a low profile. Travelers should stay abreast of recent developments within country and read the latest state department consular information sheet covering travel to morocco and any current worldwide caution messages about travel to the Middle East and North Africa before arrival in country. The mission takes all information concerning terrorist incidents and terrorism very seriously. The mission investigates all incidents fully in conjunction with Moroccan authorities. All travelers are expected to report any suspicious incidents or information to the RSO immediately, 24 hours a day, at tel. 037-76-96-39. ¶C. Crime: The threat level for crime in morocco has been designated "high." Crimes ranging from aggressive panhandling, pick pocketing, purse snatching, theft from vehicles, and harassment of women occur periodically. Attempted break-ins of mission residences by burglars have occurred, but in general crime in morocco tends to be non-violent. Most criminals look for opportunities to steal by stealth rather than confrontation but there are exceptions. Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to verbal harassment from young men. Women are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment. Some women who have responded to verbal harassment have come under physical attack. If physical provocation occurs, visitors are urged not to resist in order to avoid injury and to report the incident to the regional security officer immediately (see telephone number above). Travelers should be alert for pickpockets and purse-snatchers, especially in outdoor shopping areas, tourist attractions, and in transportation centers. Taxis and trains in morocco are relatively safe, city buses are not considered safe. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, and credit cards should be secured in the safe deposit box at your hotel. In the event you are victimized by crime, or an attempted crime, or experience any security-related incident during your stay in morocco, please report the incident to the RSO as soon as possible. ¶D. Demonstrations/Harassment: When regional tensions increase many diplomatic missions, including ours, from time to time receive threatening phone calls, e-mails and harassing letters/faxes. Should you receive any of these while at post, contact marine post one and/or the RSO immediately. Further, the mission has received several white powder letters through the local mail. Please note: mission policy strictly prohibits any unopened mail, packages or boxes from being brought into any facility prior to screening by the embassy and consulate mailroom staff. There are no exceptions to this policy and all personnel are expected to abide by it rigidly for the protection of the mission and its personnel. Finally, demonstrations do occur with some frequency in morocco during periods of heightened tension. Occasionally, a few of these demonstrations have been anti-American/western with a small number of these resulting in some minor destruction of personal and public property. Travelers should be cognizant of the current levels of tension in the region, always be alert to their surroundings and avoid large crowds. Demonstrations and suspicious incidents should be immediately reported to the marine security guard (post 1) and the RSO. ¶E. electronic devices: Privately owned laptops, PSC, cellular telephones, cameras and similar devices are strictly prohibited in controlled access areas (CAA's) of the chancery and consulate. Travelers with USG unclassified and classified laptop/notebook computers must notify the information management officer (IMO) through marine post one or the RSO before bringing these machines into the embassy or consulate. Questions concerning other types of electronic devices must be directed to either the IMO or the RSO. ¶F. Cultural Awareness: Travelers need to be cognizant of the fact that morocco is an Islamic country despite the appearance of some aspects of western culture. Generally, women should not travel alone and should dress conservatively for all occasions to avoid harassment from young men in public or offending Moroccan interlocutors during social occasions. Men should not wear ostentatious apparel that draws attention. The purchase and consumption of alcohol is permitted in morocco but Islamic conservatives in Moroccan society are fundamentally against its sale or use. Travelers should let common sense prevail and only buy or consume alcohol in shops, restaurants and hotels where it is readily available and permitted. ¶G. Post Specific Security Briefings: Travelers planning to stay in Morocco 14 days or longer should request that their sponsoring office schedule a security briefing for them with the RSO. Riley