STAFFDEL EDWARDS VISIT TO OSLO NOVEMBER 21-23

UNCLAS OSLO 001395 SIPDIS SIPDIS H FOR TYREA LONON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN NO DA SUBJECT: STAFFDEL EDWARDS VISIT TO OSLO NOVEMBER 21-23 REF: STATE 182325 ¶1. Embassy Oslo welcomes the visit of Mr. Issac Edwards, Professional Staff Member, to Oslo, Norway from November 20-23, 2006 to participate in meetings of the Standing Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region. Post requests security clearance information for Mr. Edwards. Please see paragraph 15 for an important action request. ¶2. The Control Officer for the visit is Mr. David Henry, Pol/Econ Section, who can be reached at (47) 2130-8962 (office),(47) 9340-7807 (cellular) or via e-mail at henryda@state.gov. ¶3. Lodging: Reservations have been made at the Radisson SAS Scandinavia Hotel, Holbergsgate 30, 0166 Oslo, phone (47) 2329-3000 and fax (47) 5176-6001 for the nights of November 21 and 22 for Mr. Edwards (#724047). Please contact the embassy's General Services Office at least twenty-four hours prior to arrival for cancellations. ¶4. Embassy control officer will meet and assist Mr. Edwards at the airport. Embassy will provide a cellular phone for Mr. Edwards' use in Norway. ¶5. Embassy Information: The Embassy is located in downtown Oslo on Henrik Ibsens Gate 48 and directly across the street from the National Theater Rail Station (Drammensveien exit). The main Embassy switchboard number during working hours is (47) 22 44 85 50; after hours Post One telephone is (47) 21 30 85 01. The general Management fax number is (47) 22 43 07 ¶77. The Embassy website is: www.usa.no. ¶6. In accordance with the guidance issued to all U.S. citizens by the State Department in the Worldwide Public Announcement dated 18 October 2006, U.S. citizens should be alert of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. ¶7. 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. In reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq, there have been demonstrations and associated violence in the hostages' country of origin. While Americans are generally not the targets in such incidents, U.S. citizens could be caught up in the violence. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. ¶8. The Department of State remains concerned by indications that Al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare to strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated organizations have struck in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Future Al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological agents as well as conventional weapons of terror, to include explosive devices. ¶9. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These may also 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. ¶10. In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation and maritime services as possible targets. ¶11. 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, U.S. embassies and consulates 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. ¶12. As the State 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. ¶13. Travelers intending to bring, and use, any USG provided electronic or photographic equipment (including Personal Data Assistants (PDAs)) must contact the embassy's Regional Security Officer and receive permission prior to introducing that equipment into the Chancery. Personal electronic or photographic equipment is not permitted in the Chancery. Only in severely limited cases will notebook or laptop computers be permitted in the Chancery. ¶14. Norway has a relatively low crime rate. However, the exercise of basic security awareness is prudent and called for. Violent crime throughout Norway is rare, but not unheard of. Instances of pick-pocketing and petty theft are predictably common in the major tourist areas, hotel lobbies and buffets and in the train, bus stations and surrounding urban areas. Travelers are urged to use their hotel safes or safe deposit boxes and to carry limited amounts of cash and valuables. Exercising common sense and good judgment can best insure your personal safety. The Norwegian police are responsive, professional and cooperative. The emergency number throughout Norway is 112. ¶15. Action Request: Each visitor, regardless of length of stay, must bring/forward 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 their visit. Direct charge costs include, but are not limited to: American and LES staff overtime, field travel by Embassy employees, vehicle rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals, office supplies, and all other costs directly attributable to the visit. ¶16. Embassy Oslo looks forward to your visit. Whitney