LISBON GRANTS COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL SHELBY

UNCLAS LISBON 003260 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR EUR/WE, H AND RM/F/DFS/FO/AA/CAA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AMGT ASEC OREP AFIN SUBJECT: LISBON GRANTS COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL SHELBY REF: STATE 169176 ¶1. Embassy Lisbon warmly welcomes and grants country clearance for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, Ranking Member of the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and accompanying delegation to Lisbon from January 9 to 11. The purpose of the trip is to meet with high-level officials on financial, economic and security issues. Members of the delegation include Congressman Bud Cramer, Dr. Annette Shelby; Ms. Anne Caldwell, Personal staff; Mr. William Duhnke, Professional staff member of the banking Committee; Colonel Mike Barbero. ¶2. Embassy Control Officer for the visit is ARSO Ray Kyliavas. CONTACT INFO: -------------- OFC : 351-21-770-2547 CELL: 351-91-691-5974 E-MAIL: KyliavasR@state.gov ¶3. Rooms have been reserved at the Dom Pedro Hotel from January 9-11, 2008. Address: Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, 24 Lisbon, Portugal Telephone: 351-21-389-6636 FAX: 351-21-389-6629 Rate: EUR 130.00/night for a classic single and EUR 155 for a classic double. Both rates come with a buffet breakfast. We would like to mention that a 48-hour notice is due in case of cancellation or modification in travel plans in order to avoid no-show charges. ¶4. TRAVEL TIPS: It is possible to use most ATM cards in Multibanco teller machines located throughout Lisbon. Though Multibanco does not assess a service charge for this transaction, normal service charges assessed by your own bank will apply. USD 1.00 equals approximately Euro .68. The ATM machine will automatically do the exchange. ¶5. THREAT ASSESSMENT: In light of the current worldwide security situation all Americans are reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take the appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. Be sure to vary your times and routes and avoid patterns in your activities. There are no known specific and credible threats to include violent demonstrations, terrorist or criminal acts that would impact on your visit. Personnel under the Chief of Mission's authority will be notified of any security advisories issued during the visit. While in Portugal, if you notice any suspicious activity or have any security concerns, the Embassy Regional Security Officer (RSO) should be notified as soon as possible. ¶6. Portugal has a relatively low amount of street crime. Violent criminal confrontations and the use of weapons are rare in Portugal. Burglars and pickpockets are active and visitors are encouraged to safeguard their valuables and not carry large amounts of cash or unneeded credit cards. Visitors should be very careful on crowded streets, in entertainment areas, department stores, restaurants or crowded public transportation. Car crime, such as auto thefts and thefts from vehicles is low. Travelers are warned not to leave valuables in hotel rooms. Eastern European organized crime groups are active in Portugal, but mainly target the immigrant population. The police and other emergency services in Portugal are adequate. Threat information, through the Consular Information Program is available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine. Stephenson