COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 002417 SIPDIS SIPDIS FAMS FOR SHELDON SEMASHKO E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: EAIR PTER ASEC OTRA HL SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FEDERAL AIR MARSHAL SERVICE OPERATION TEAM PD 07-28/29 R60 - DECEMBER 22, 2006 - JANUARY 6, 2007 REF: FAMS 072039Z NOV 06 ¶1. Country Clearance is granted for Federal Air Marshal Service Operation Team PD 07-28/29 R60 to travel to The Netherlands from December 22, 2006 - January 6, 2007 to deter criminal acts targetting civil aviation. ¶2. Embassy understands that no assistance is required. 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 USE: ¶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. The Government of the Netherlands (GoN) assesses the threat level of a terrorist incident for The Netherlands as &substantial.8 This is the second highest of four threat levels and is defined as a realistic threat that the Netherlands will experience a terrorist attack. GoN has implemented Counter-Terrorism and heightened security measures in response. ¶7. US citizens in The Netherlands are encouraged to monitor media reports, to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. American citizens should bear in mind that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are urged to avoid areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. ¶8. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens and interests abroad. As noted in the Department of State,s Worldwide Caution of October 11, 2006, terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Such targets may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places 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. ¶9. 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 also on the rise. 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. Travelers are reminded that regulations require the use of the diplomatic pouch for shipment of classified equipment and information. ¶10. 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. O