COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FAA NATIONAL HQ

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002168

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

FAA FOR BAMBI RICHARDSON - TEL: 202 385-4630

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA ASEC EAIR NL
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FAA NATIONAL HQ
OFFICIAL BRIAN ANTHONY VERA - OCTOBER 6-13, 2006

REF: FAA NATIONAL HQ WASHINGTON DC 031103Z OCT 06


1. Country clearance is granted for Federal Aviation
Administration official Brian Anthony Vera, Aerospace
Engineer, Avionic Systems Branch, Air-130, FAA Washington, to
travel to the Netherlands from October 6-13, 2006 to attend
the joint aviation administration flight recorder study group
data link recorder rulemaking team meeting to review notice
of proposed action NPA-048A comments.


2. Embassy understands that no further assistance is
necessary.

POST ACCESS:


3. Visitors who need unescorted access into secure areas of
the Mission must provide proof of a clearance. If level of
clearance was not provided in the original country clearance
request it should be done by separate cable. The cable
should include SSN, and the name of the agency granting the
security clearance. Cables must include the ASEC Tag to
ensure distribution to the RSO office.

COMPUTER and ELECTRONICS USAGE:


4. Inter-agency security standards prohibit the introduction
or use of non-USG owned computer hardware and software at all
USG diplomatic facilities. Cell phones, palm pilots, radios
and other convenience electronics are prohibited in all
secure areas of the Mission.


5. Travelers who anticipate having special needs in terms of
either access or computer usage should contact the RSO office
before arriving at post.


SECURITY ADVISORY:


6. Since July 9, 2004, the Dutch Government has implemented
heightened security measures in response to concerns of
terrorist activity. US citizens in The Netherlands are
encouraged to monitor media reports, and are reminded to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate
steps to increase their security awareness.

Tensions in The Netherlands are high, sparked by the November
2, 2004 murder of a Dutch film producer known for his
outspoken criticism of Islam; and by the November 10, 2004
raid on a home of suspected terrorists, which led to an
all-day standoff and ended with the arrest of three
individuals and non-fatal injuries to the suspects and the
police. Subsequent arrests were made in connection to this
raid and further investigation revealed that these suspects
had ties to known terrorist groups. These events initiated a
GoN-wide overhaul of its Counter-Terrorism measures,
incuding providing more resources to combat violent Ilamic
radicalism. There have been a series of protests and arson
attacks directed at mosques and slamic schools in the
Netherlands, plus retaliatry actions against several
churches. American ctizens should bear in mind that even
demonstratins intended to be peaceful can turn
confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.
American itizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of
demonstrations if possible, and to exercise cautin if within
the vicinity of any demonstrations.

The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the
heightened possibility of terrorist attacksagainst U.S.
citizens and interests abroad. As oted in the Department of
State,s Worldwide Cauton of September 10, 2004, terrorists
do not distnguish between official and civilian targets.
Such targets may include facilities where U.S. citizen and
other foreigners congregate or visit, incluing residential
areas, clubs, restaurants, place of worship, schools, hotels
and public areas. Terrorist actions may include, but are not
limited to, suicide operations, assassination, hijackings,
bombings or kidnappings. These may involve aviation and
other transportation and maritime interests.

An area of concern for visitors to The Netherlands is crime.
Most crimes against officials 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

THE HAGUE 00002168 002 OF 002


computers, software and data. Travelers are reminded that
regulations require the use of the diplomatic pouch for
shipment of classified equipment and information.

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.

For the latest security information, Americans living and
traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's
Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site 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 in 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).

Embassy 24-hour contact number if you request further
assistance is: (31) (70) 310-2209.




BLAKEMAN