COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR DR. AD BAX

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