UNCLAS THE HAGUE 001257

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: KSCA TBIO OTRA DA NL
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR DR. AD BAX

REF: SECSTATE 88872


1. The Hague grants country clearance to Dr. Ad Bax, Senior
Investigator, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive
and Kidney Dseases for June 10-15, 2006 to travel to the
Netherlands. The purpose of the travel is to present a alk
at a scientific symposium at Utrecht Universty honoring Dr.
Rob Kaptein's retirement.


2. As per reftel, no assistance is required.


SECUITY ADVISORY:


3. Since July 9, 2004, the Dutch Government has implemented
heightened security meaures in response to concerns of
terrorist activiy. U.S. citizens in the Netherlands are
encouraed to monitor media reports, and are reminded tomaintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate
steps to increase their security awarenes.


4. Tensions in the Netherlands are high, spared by the
November 2, 2004 murder of a Dutch fil producer known for
his outspoken criticism of Ilam; and by the November 10,
2004 raid on a home of suspected terrorists, which led to an
all-day tandoff and ended with the arrest of three
indivduals and non-fatal injuries to the suspects and te
police. Subsequent arrests were made in connetion to this
raid and further investigation revealed that these suspects
had ties to known terrorit groups. These events initiated
a GoN-wide ovehaul of its Counter-Terrorism measures,
includin providing more resources to combat violent Islami
radicalism. There have been a series of protests and arson
attacks directed at mosques and Islamc schools in the
Netherlands, plus retaliatory ations against several
churches. American citizes should bear in mind that even
demonstrations itended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
American citizns are therefore urged to avoid the areas of
demnstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if
within the vicinity of any demonstrations.

5.The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the
heightened possibility of terrorist attacks aainst U.S.
citizens and interests abroad. As noed in the Department
of State's Worldwide Cautio of September 10, 2004,
terrorists do not distinuish between official and civilian
targets. Suchtargets may include facilities where U.S.
citizes and other foreigners congregate or visit, includng
residential areas, clubs, restaurants, placesof worship,
schools, hotels and public areas. Terrorist actions may
incude, but are not limited to, suicide operations,assassination, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings These
may involve aviation and other transportation and maritime
interests.


6. An area of conern for visitors to the Netherlands is
crime. Most crimes against official Americans are limited
to pick-pocketing and purse and luggage theft. Theft from
automobiles and hotel rooms are not unknown. Recently,
theft of laptop computers has increased, especially at
Schiphol Airport and major train stations. The thieves
operate in small groups that target travelers. They are
determined and well-practiced at distraction theft.
Official travelers have been victimized, losing personal or
unclassified government computers, software and data.

SIPDIS
Travelers are reminded that regulations require the use of
the diplomatic pouch for shipment of classified equipment
and information.


7. Streets can be walked in relative safety but, as in any
U.S. urban area, caution and vigilance should be exercised
especially after dark in the more populated cities of The
Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam. Red-light districts and
public transportation hubs are common locations for
incidents of street crimes.


8. For the latest security information, Americans living and
traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's
Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web sit at
http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide
Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be
found. Up-to-date information on security can also be
obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free I the U.S.,
line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
(except U.S. federal holidays).

ARNALL