Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06OSLO1395
2006-11-09 13:59:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Oslo
Cable title:  

STAFFDEL EDWARDS VISIT TO OSLO NOVEMBER 21-23

Tags:  OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN NO DA 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0043
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNY #1395/01 3131359
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091359Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY OSLO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4880
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

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