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