AIT CLEARANCE FOR STAFFDEL GROVE

UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 001786 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN BM JA TH TW OTRA PREL SUBJECT: AIT CLEARANCE FOR STAFFDEL GROVE REF: STATE 79704 ¶1. AIT Taipei welcomes and grants travel clearance to STAFFDEL Grove, consisting of Senate Appropriations Committee (SAC) Professional Staff Member Paul Grove and DOS Cindy Chang, Senior Advisor for Appropriations, Legislative Affairs visit to Taipei 06/01-04/06. Visitors to Taiwan are reminded that they must travel on a tourist passport and are considered AIT consultants while conducting U.S. Government business in Taiwan. Visitors, passport should be valid for at least six months. No visa is required for Taiwan for American citizens making TDY visits of under 30 days. Stays over thirty (30) days require a visa, which can be obtained through AIT Washington from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in Washington, DC. ¶2. AIT Control officer: AIT/Taipei Political Officer Brad Parker (office phone: 886-2-2162-2086; home phone: 886-2-8732-4750; cell phone: 886-9-1038-0773; fax number: 886-2-2162-2241; e-mail: parkerbs@state.gov). ¶3. AIT is located at #7, Lane 134, Hsin Yi Rd., Sec. 3, Taipei. Official hours of business are: 8:00 AM through 5:00 PM. The after-hours and emergency number at Post 1 is 886-2-2162-2319. ¶4. Hotel: Two single rooms have been reserved for Mr. Grove and Ms. Chang at the Far Eastern Hotel, 201 Dun-Hua South Rd., Sec. 2, Phone: 886-2-2378-8888, Fax: 886-2-2377-7777. The daily rate is NT$5500 (approx. US$177.42). The rate includes buffet breakfast, Internet access, a ten percent service charge, and applicable tax. Check-in is scheduled for June 1. Reservations must be canceled by May 31, 4 p.m. Taipei local time to avoid penalty. Check-out is scheduled for June 4. ¶5. Security Assessment: The Department of State is deeply concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, as well as the potential for demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded that demonstrations and rioting can occur at any time. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. The Department of State remains concerned by indications that al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime interests. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, business offices, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to assess their security posture. In those instances, the American Institute in Taiwan will make every effort to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or the American Institute in Taiwan. As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, it shares credible threat information through its consular information program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328. ¶6. Restrictions: AIT strictly controls the entry of laptop computers, personal digital assistants (PDAs) and any other electronic devices into the main office building. Travelers desiring to bring official electronic equipment to the AIT Office must provide the following information to the Control Officer: -- Type of equipment (electronic camera and/or computer). -- Model number. -- Serial number. -- WPAS or NEPA barcode number. -- Purpose of use. Personal equipment, PDAs, cameras, cell telephones, etc. will be checked in with the AIT main gate guards. ¶7. Remarks: Thank you for providing AIT with your current security clearances. This will ensure you are allowed proper access. YOUNG