AIT TRAVEL CLEARANCE FOR USCC: HOUSTON, MULLOY,

UNCLAS AIT TAIPEI 002162 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA TW USCC SUBJECT: AIT TRAVEL CLEARANCE FOR USCC: HOUSTON, MULLOY, BUNTON - 6/27-30/2006 REF: STATE 102269 ¶1. AIT welcomes and grants travel clearance to U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission (USCC) officials, Caren (Kerri) Houston, Patrick A. Mulloy and Executive Director T. Scott Bunton for their visit to Taipei from 6/27-30/2006, per reftel. We understand that the delegation wishes to meet with AIT personnel and representatives from the Taiwan political and business communities. We also understand Mr. Blumenthal will not be traveling as originally planned. ¶2. 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. Your passport should be valid for at least six months. No visa is required for American citizens entering Taiwan for 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 in Washington, DC. ¶3. AIT Political Officer Brad Parker is the control officer for the visit. He may be reached at the office at 886-2-2162-2086; Fax 886-2-2162-2241; Cell-phone: (09) 1038-0773, and e-mail: parkerbs@state.gov. AIT is located at #7, Lane 134, Hsin Yi Rd., Section 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 Reservations for 3 nights have been made at Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, located at Tun Hwa South Road, Section 2, No. 201; tel. no. 886-2-2378-8888, fax no. 886-2-2377-7777. The rooms have been reserved at the U.S. government room rate of NT$5500 (US$172) per night, including buffet breakfast, internet access, a ten percent service charge, and tax. ¶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 security clearance information. We look forward to your arrival in Taiwan. KEEGAN