COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR S/WCI AMBASSADOR

UNCLAS BELGRADE 001158

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR SWCI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA SR
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR S/WCI AMBASSADOR
CLINT WILLIAMSON AND LOUIS-ALEXANDRE BERG

REF: STATE 117743


1. Embassy Belgrade grants country clearance and
warmly welcomes the visit of Ambassador Clint
Williamson and staff assistant Louis-Alexandre
Berg to Belgrade July 25-28, 2006, to meet on war
crimes issues. Transportation is arranged,
including onward transportation to Banja Luka on
July 28, and two single rooms have been reserved
at the Hyatt Hotel as requested reftel. Control
officer is Ian Campbell, Deputy Political Chief,
mobile telephone number (+381) 63/325-356.


2. DCM Moore, who will be Charge during the
visit, extends his apologies to Ambassador
Williamson that he will be unable to greet him
upon arrival, due to a scheduling conflict with
another delegation. Mr. Moore looks forward to
joining Ambassador Williamson for an in-brief on
6/25 and for the Ambassador's meetings on 6/26
and 6/27.


3. The Embassy's offices are located at Kneza
Milosa 50, Belgrade. The Embassy's switchboard
telephone number is 381-11-361-9344; the fax
number is 381-11- 361-8230. Normal Embassy
working hours are Monday- Friday, 8:30 a.m. -
5:00 p.m. The after hours (Post 1) telephone
number is 381-11-306-4679.


4. Credit cards are accepted at hotels, some
restaurants and major supermarkets in Belgrade;
however, for travel within Serbia outside
Belgrade travelers should bring enough cash for
expenses. Accommodation exchange is available
through the Embassy cashier with a copy of your
travel orders. There is a $1,000.00 per week
limit. Personal and travelers' checks are
acceptable at the Embassy. The Raiffeisen Bank
ATM is available at the Embassy's Post One lobby.
However, this machine does not accept Mastercard,
American Express nor Diners Club cards.


5. American citizens do not need visas to enter
Serbia for a stay up to 90 days. Upon arrival in
Belgrade, the Embassy will meet and assist you on
arrival at the airport. On departure, you should
be aware that some US carrier connections via
major hubs around Europe require an overnight in
transit. Personnel not staying in a hotel are
required to register with local police within 24
hours of arrival.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES
--------------


6. Travelers entering Serbia with more than 2000
Euros in cash are required to declare all
currency upon entry and obtain from customs
officials a declaration form that must be
presented at departure. Failure to comply may
result in the confiscation of all funds. The
U.S. Embassy has been contacted by many American
citizens who have failed to comply with this
requirement and consequently had thousands of
dollars seized by the Government of Serbia. It
is advisable to contact the Embassy of Serbia in
Washington for specific information regarding
customs requirements.

SECURITY
--------------


7. Official U.S. presence has been continuous in
Belgrade since October 2000 and personnel have
experienced few untoward incidents. The
impression given by the general public is that
there is support for the return of USG personnel.
However, visitors should not take photos of
buildings damaged or destroyed in the NATO
bombing campaign. Random street crimes, such as
pick pocketing and car vandalism, are the most
commonly reported incidents. There are very
serious information security concerns and strict
security procedures are to be maintained
regarding computer processing and sensitive
discussions.

POLT