COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GAO IRAQ REVIEW VISIT TO

UNCLAS AMMAN 007984 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AGAO OTRA IZ JO SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GAO IRAQ REVIEW VISIT TO AMMAN (JOB CODE 320383) REF: STATE 168128 ¶1. (U) Embassy Amman welcomes the visit of GAO staff members Joseph Christoff, Stephen Lord, Kathleen Monahan, and Amy Sheller to Amman, Jordan from October 22 until October 25 (for the purpose of transit and annual leave en route to an assignment in Baghdad) and from November 5 until November 9 for the purpose of conducting follow-up review of energy sector reconstruction in Iraq, as requested reftel. Country clearance is also granted to GAO team member Joseph Christoff from November 1 until November 3, for transit from Baghdad to the United States. All visitors should carefully review this message, especially the threat assessment at para 8. ¶2. (U) Control officer for this visit will be Richard McCrensky, office 962-6-590-6225; mobile 962-79-582-0115; fax 962-6-592-7653, or email at McCrenskyRM3@state.gov. The Embassy's after-hours telephone number is 962-6-560-6500. Embassy will provide expeditor services and transportation to and from the hotel as required. ¶3. (U) Hotel reservations have been made for the GAO team at the Four Seasons hotel for the nights of October 22 through October 24, and also for Christoff on the nights of November 1 and 2. Reservations for Lord, Monahan, and Sheller have been made at the Dead Sea Marriot hotel for the nights of November 5-7, and for the nights of November 8-10 at the Four Seasons. Phone number for the Four Seasons hotel is 962-6-550-5555, fax number is 962-6-550-5556. Phone Number for the Dead Sea Marriot is 962-5-356-0400, fax is 962-5-356-0444. Cost is a rate within per diem. Due to security concerns in Jordan (para 8) TDY personnel are assigned on a rotational basis. Therefore Embassy Amman will make the final decision on hotel accommodations for all visitors. ¶4. (U) Valid visas are required for entry into Jordan. Visas may be obtained at Queen Alia airport; however, Embassy suggests visitors obtain their visas prior to arrival, as there can be long queues for visa issuance at the airport. Money can be exchanged at Queen Alia airport. ¶5. (U) Administrative guidelines: Each visitor, regardless of length of stay, must have fiscal data to pay for direct costs of the visit. Each agency, organization, or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual costs attributed to the visit. Direct charge costs include, but are not limited to, American and LES overtime (for such services as airport expediting, cashier accommodation exchange, control room staffing, representational event support),travel and per diem costs incurred by post personnel in support of visitor's field travel, rental of vehicles and other equipment, long distance telephone calls, office supplies, gasoline and other vehicle maintenance costs, departure tax, and other airport fees. ¶6. (U) Health: Although Jordan does not pose any other particular health hazards for visitors, the quality of health care facilities is not up to U.S. or European standards, particularly outside of Amman. As medications on the local economy are often in short supply, visitors should bring sufficient medications to post for their chronic medical problems. Immunizations should be current for Tetanus and Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and B. Visitors should drink bottled water rather than tap water. Food in the hotels and most restaurants is safe to eat, but some of the smaller local restaurants do not always observe proper food handling procedures. Only those personnel covered under the State Department's medical program and who have a valid medical clearance for Jordan are eligible for a medical evacuation at USG cost. All other visitors are advised to have their own medical evacuation insurance to cover evacuation by air ambulance. Otherwise it will be necessary to ensure that the respective agency will cover any costs related to a medical evacuation. All local hospitals take major credit cards. ¶7. (U) Security clearance and building access: In compliance with State Department regulations and Embassy policies, visitors requesting unescorted access to the Embassy compound should inform RSO Amman of their security clearance level (if any) and should name the agency that granted that clearance. Telegrams containing this information should include the &ASEC8 tag to ensure distribution to the RSO. Electronic devices: RSO approval must be obtained before any electronic device is brought into the Embassy. Privately owned laptops and personal computers, peripherals, diskettes, and tapes are prohibited in all mission facilities. Cellular/mobile phones and palm pilots are prohibited in CAA areas. Travelers with USG-owned unclassified laptops or notebook computers, peripherals, diskettes, and tapes must receive RSO/IMO authorization before being granted access to U.S. Mission buildings. USG-owned classified computers must be sent to post via classified diplomatic pouch. Classified equipment must bear external USG bar-code inventory numbers and classification markings commensurate with the highest level of information processed on the system. Questions concerning other types of electronic devices and magnetic media may be directed to the RSO and IMO. Mandatory personal security training: Per 04 STATE 66580, all employees traveling to post for 30 days or more (whether PCS or TDY) must have completed the mandatory personal security training (State Department Security Overseas Seminar or equivalent) before arriving at post. Agencies must provide the Chief of Mission with certification that this training will be completed prior to the employee's travel. Failure to do so will result in denial of country clearance. ¶8. (U) Threat assessment: The threat of terrorism remains high in Jordan. Transnational terrorist groups, as well as less sophisticated local elements, have demonstrated the capability to pose threats in Jordan. The Al Qaida in Iraq network (AQIZ) in particular continues to focus its terrorist activities against U.S. and Government of Jordan (GOJ) targets in Jordan. AQIZ claimed responsibility for the November 9, 2005 bombings of three international hotels in Amman which killed 60 people and injured over 100. Pedestrian suicide bombers wearing explosive vests carried the bombs into the hotels. AQIZ also claimed responsibility for the Aqaba rocket attacks on August 19, 2005, which killed a Jordanian soldier and wounded another. The U.S. Government urges Americans to review the need for planned travel to Jordan. Americans in Jordan are urged to increase their vigilance when in public areas. The nature of these attacks demonstrates that terrorists may pursue softer targets such as public transportation, residential areas, and public areas where people congregate including major tourist sites, places of worship, restaurants, hotels, clubs, and shopping areas. Terrorist will often not distinguish between U.S. government personnel or private citizens. The assassination of American diplomat Larry Foley outside his Amman residence on October 28, 2002, was also attributed to AQIZ leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who was killed in Iraq in June 2006. In addition, there has been a series of serious, confirmed terrorist threats and disrupted terrorist plots targeting U.S. interests in Jordan. In February 2006, the Government of Jordan (GOJ) disrupted a terrorist dell plotting to attack Queen Alia International Airport. In November 2005, the GOJ indicted six men for planning to carry out attacks against Americans at hotels and bars in Amman and Aqaba. In August-September 2005, four individuals were arrested for plotting the assassination of Americans in Jordan. In July 2005, GOJ authorities arrested 17 men linked to AQIZ who had planned to assassinate GOJ officials and Americans in Jordan. In February 2005, four men were arrested for plotting attacks against GOJ officials, tourists, and five-star hotels. In the same month another group was disrupted while plotting to attack liquor stores in Amman and foreign tourists in Aqaba. Terrorists often do not distinguish between U.S. government personnel and private citizens. Terrorists may target areas frequented by Westerners, such as tourist sites, hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, liquor stores, transportation hubs, places of worship, expatriate residential areas, and schools. In light of these security concerns, Americans are urged to maintain a high level of vigilance, to be aware of their surroundings, and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. It is especially important for travelers to be unpredictable by varying their times and routes and to maintain a low profile. Moreover, Americans are urged to avoid contact with any suspicious or unfamiliar objects and to immediately report the presence of such objects to the authorities. Anti-American and anti-Western sentiment exists in Jordan and has been sparked on occasion by incidents in the region, particularly those related to Israeli/Palestinian issues and, to a lesser extent, Iraq. This may lead to random acts of violence against Westerners. On September 4, 2006, a gunman fired on foreigners at a popular tourist site in central Amman, killing one and injuring six. Travelers are advised to avoid any demonstrations or large gatherings of people, especially during times of increased tension. Many demonstrations occur near mosques after Friday prayers. Consequently, special sensitivity and caution should be exercised at or near mosques and religious sites during holy days and the Friday Muslim Sabbath. Demonstrations also often take place at universities and refugee camps. Crime is generally not a serious problem for travelers in Jordan, but petty crime is prevalent in the downtown Amman Hashimiyah Square area and near the Roman amphitheater. In the narrow streets of the older part of the city center, crowded conditions invite pickpockets and other petty criminals. Travelers are urged to be more guarded in these areas so that they do not present easy opportunities for criminals. In central and west Amman, thieves in motor vehicles have on occasion snatched purses from pedestrians. Several people have been injured when they were briefly dragged along the road. When carrying a purse, it would be wise to conceal it if possible, to avoid walking near the road within reach of passing vehicles, and to walk towards the flow of traffic. Jordanian police have warned the public to exercise vigilance when leaving banks or ATM facilities, as thieves have reportedly preyed upon persons soon after using these services. Western women both visiting and residing in Jordan report sexual harassment and unwelcome advances of a sexual nature. There have been isolated reports of assault. Women are advised to take reasonable precautions including dressing conservatively and not traveling alone. Modest attire should be worn in deference to local custom. ¶9. (U) Travel guidelines: American citizens and official visitors traveling in Jordan should exercise caution, be alert, and stay informed of regional and local events that could quickly impact the security environment in the country. It is also recommended to maintain a low profile and not establish predictable patterns of movement, even if only visiting for a short period. Taxis are the only form of public transportation that is recommended. RAMADAN: The month of Ramadan (which began on September 24 and lasts until approximately October 24) is the holiest period in the Muslim year. During Ramadan most local restaurants will be closed daily between dawn and sunset except those establishments catering exclusively to tourists. Some restaurants may be open for take-out only during fasting hours. All establishments serving alcohol, including bars in hotels, will remain closed throughout Ramadan. Foreign tourists may be served alcohol in their hotel rooms. Eating and smoking in public, especially in the streets and in taxis, cars, or buses, are strongly discouraged. Dressing in a manner inconsistent with Islamic norms is strongly discouraged. Conservative dress is recommended. Official working hours for Jordanian government offices and ministries are 0900-1400 hours, Sunday through Thursday. Foreign Service National employees of Embassy Amman are on reduced six-hour workdays. Traveling by vehicle between the hours of 1500 and 1800 can sometimes be problematic due to traffic congestion and accidents. For further information, see the State Department's Consular Information Sheet for Jordan at http://travel.state.gov/jordan.html and link from that site to the most recent Public Announcement on Travel in the Middle East and South Asia and the most recent Worldwide Caution. 1. (U) Because of recent terrorist attacks and attempted terrorist operations in Jordan (see para 9),the U.S. Government has urged all Americans to review the need for planned travel to Jordan. In addition, Embassy Amman requires U.S. government agencies and travelers to limit their official travel to Jordan to that which is essential. HALE