COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FTC - WILLIAM E.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ROME 002793

SIPDIS

C O R R E C T E D C O P Y. CHANGED SENSITIVE CAPTION
TO SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FTC PASS FOR JOHN PAISI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: TPHY OTRA KSCA NSF IT
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FTC - WILLIAM E.
KOVACIC OCTOBER 12-15, 2006

REF: STATE 165362

ROME 00002793 001.2 OF 002



1. Embassy Rome welcomes and grants country clearance for
FTC official Mr. William E. Kovacic to travel to Florence for
the period of October 12 - 15, 2006 to speak at the 10th
Annual Competition Conference at the European University
Institute, Fiesole.


2. Per reftel, Embassy understands that no assistance is
required. However, if any help is required, the Embassy's
duty officer may be reached at any time day or night at (39)
06-4674-1.


3. Security/Threat Assessment:
Due to many factors, including the ongoing global war on
terrorism, American diplomatic facilities in Italy operate
under a state of heightened security. Travelers are advised
to refer to the Public Announcement issued by the Department
of State on March 21, 2006 which is in effect until June 19,

2006.

The July 2005 bombings in London have resulted in additional
attention to security. Travelers should continue to monitor
public announcements regarding worldwide caution. There have
been several high-profile arrests in Italy of alleged
terrorists with links to Al-Qaeda. Several groups, including
the Red Brigades, who flourished in Italy during the late
seventies and early eighties, and later the Autonomists, have
claimed responsibility for violent crimes in the past.
Members are mostly radical students and disruptive youths.

There have been sporadic demonstrations, usually of a
political nature, some with anti-war and anti-American
themes, demanding the withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq.
Although most of these demonstrations have been peaceful,
they often cause traffic congestion, which is already very
heavy in city centers. Workers' strikes can also affect
transportation, and are sometimes called with as little as 24
hours notice. These strikes often result in the cancellation
of local airline flights, and disruptions in local train,
bus and metro operations.

We monitor the security environment closely and issue updated
assessments as warranted. While there is presently no
information available that indicates targeting of a specific
individual, all visitors and resident USG personnel are
encouraged to maintain a heightened state of security
awareness. Travelers should maintain a low profile; stay
alert for unusual activity, and avoid repetitious patterns
and habits by varying routes and times of departures and
arrivals. Visitors to U.S. diplomatic and military
facilities should be aware that increased security measures
are in effect at these locations. Unusual or suspicious
incidents should be reported immediately to the RSO.

Street crime occurs frequently, especially in large cities
and at tourist locations. Visitors are warned to safeguard
their valuables at all times, especially while walking along
streets and when using public transportation. Extra care
should be taken while in crowded tourist areas.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs regularly, and
tourists are often targeted. Traveling on the Autostrada
throughout Italy can be hazardous. Rest stops are often
hangouts for thieves.

The sale of counterfeit merchandise in Italy is widespread
and visitors should avoid buying goods from non-licensed
vendors or vendors whom they suspect are selling fake
products. To combat the sale of counterfeit CDs and bags,
the Municipality of Florence and other cities have adopted a
policy to strictly enforce a law that imposes high fines
(from 3,300 to 10,000 Euros) on those purchasing or accepting
counterfeit goods.

Privately-owned laptops and personal computers are prohibited
in all classified facilities. Cellular telephones and palm
pilots are not permitted in CAA areas. Travelers with
USG-owned unclassified laptop or notebook computers,
peripherals, diskettes or tapes must obtain RSO/IMO
authorization for access. USG-owned classified computers
must arrive at post via classified diplomatic pouch.
Questions concerning other types of electronic devices and
magnetic media should be directed to the IMO or RSO.

Money Exchange

The unit of currency throughout Italy is the Euro. Dollars
or travelers checks can be legally exchanged for Euros at
local exchange offices, hotels and the airport. A bank,
which is located in the Embassy, can cash checks for dollars

ROME 00002793 002.2 OF 002


or Euros only for official travelers. Most major credit
cards are accepted throughout Italy. ATM machines, including
one in the Embassy, will accept many U.S. Bank cards.

Please be advised that there has been a noted increase in the
appearance of "skimming devices" on ATM machines in Italy.
The devices are attached to ATM machines and are able to
capture account information stored on an ATM card's magnetic
strip. Along with the card reader and pin-hole video camera,
which is normally mounted over the keypad to record the pin
number entered, criminals are able to access the account.
Travelers should use ATM machines that are inside secured
banks/businesses, and are in well-lit areas. The keypad
should be covered with one hand as you enter your PIN code.
Avoid ATM machines that show evidence of tampering or other
irregularities.

Visa Requirements

Italian visas are not required for TDY stays of less than 90
days for holders of diplomatic, official or tourist passports.

For further information regarding travel in Italy, consult
the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet
http://www.travel.state.gov/italy.html or
Embassy Rome's Internet site on travel in Italy
http://www.usembassy.it/usa/
SPOGLI