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