COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR AMBASSADOR PETER ALLGEIER,

UNCLAS BAKU 001481

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AMGT OVIP OTRA ETRD ASEC AJ
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR AMBASSADOR PETER ALLGEIER,
USTR/GENEVA

REF: GENEVA 2568


1. Embassy Baku warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to
Ambassador Peter Allgeier to travel to Baku 15-18 October 2006 on a
PD-sponsored Speaker program to conduct public outreach, in addition
to meetings with the GOAJ on WTO accession. Control officer will be
Public Diplomacy Officer Liz Murphy. Ms. Murphy can be reached at
the Embassy at:

Email: MurphyEA2@state.gov
Mobile: (994) (50) 206-0751
International Line: (994) (12) 498-03-35, 36, OR 37
Tie Line: 841-0000 OR 0+4265
International Fax: (994) (12) 498-93-12
Tie Line Fax: 841-4289.


2. Accommodations: Reservations have made for Ambassador Allgeier
at the Park Hyatt, confirmation number 50371773. The Hyatt's
address is 1 Bakikhanov St, Baku; telephone number is (994)(12)
498-1234 or 490-1234; fax number is (994)(12) 498-0817. The
reservation covers the period of 15 October through departure on 18
October 2006. The hotel's daily rate is $218.00 USD. Please note
that cancellation or amendment of a confirmed reservation must be
done 48 hours prior to arrival. Failure to do so will result in a
one-night cancellation fee.


3. Visas: VIP arrival has been arranged for arrival at the Heydar
Aliyev International Airport in Baku, and an Embassy expediter will
assist with visa procedures.


4. Travel advisory: Travelers are advised also that the alternate
landing site for Austrian flight Vienna-Baku is Tbilisi, Georgia.
The alternate landing site would be used only in situations which
prohibit landing at Baku Heydar Aliyev International Airport.


5. Web site: Useful information for all travelers is available on
the internet at http://baku.usembassy.gov. Follow links for
consular services: traveling to Azerbaijan.


6. General reminders:

--bring sufficient cash to pay for all expenses except lodging.
Credit cards are still accepted only by businesses that cater to
foreigners, such as hotels, travel agencies, international airlines
and a few restaurants.

--the Embassy has a CIRRUS/Plus network ATM machine, which accepts
most U.S. bank cards. It dispenses both the local currency
(Azerbaijani manat) and U.S. dollars.

--bring supplies of all hard-to-find foods, toiletries and
medicines. Western commodities are sold in Baku but are expensive
and not always available.

--drink only bottled water; tap water is not potable.


7. Security: Crime in Baku is comparable with that of major U.S.
cities. Visitors should exercise caution, avoid walking alone after
dark, and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Street crime
includes pickpockets, jewelry snatching and armed robbery. If
confronted, no resistance should be given and valuables should be
surrendered. Medical facilities are limited in dealing with major
trauma care. Visitors should keep their passports or a copy with
them at all times. Counterfeit U.S. dollars are often passed in
Baku. Visitors should exchange money only at the major banks and
hotels, or at the Embassy cashier.


8. Security clearance level: All visitors who require access to
cleared areas and "no escort" ID badges must provide proof of their
security clearance by front channel cable.


9. Meet and Assist: Embassy Baku will meet Ambassador Allgeier at
the airport, provide transportation during the visit, and provide
transportation to the airport for his departure.

DERSE