COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVED FOR JANE NADY SIGMON,

UNCLAS MEXICO 000172 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KCRM KWMN OTRA PREL MX SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE APPROVED FOR JANE NADY SIGMON, G/TIP SR COORDINATOR FOR INT'L PROGRAMS REF: STATE 2750 ¶1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Jane Nady Sigmon, Senior Coordinator for International Programs in the Department's Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (G/TIP) for travel to Tijuana, Ciudad Juarez, Tapachula, Mexico City and Cancun from January 14-20, 2007. The purpose of the visit to Mexico is to meet G/TIP grantees, civil society representatives and Government of Mexico officials involved in anti-TIP efforts. ¶2. Post control officer for the visit is Political Officer Walter R. Miller, telephone 52 (55) 5080-2000 ext 4806; fax 52 (55) 5080-2247; cell 202-468-7440; e-mail MillerWR@state.gov. ¶3. The Embassy and Consulates in Tijuana and Ciudad Juarez are supporting the visit by assisting in transportation, lodging and meetings. All extra costs incurred during Ms. Sigmon's visit will be charged to the following fund cite: 19/07/0113/2074/2074710320/011810/2705. ¶4. The Department of State has designated Mexico City as a critical threat post due to the high level of crime and the ineffectiveness and corruption of Mexican law enforcement. Robberies at gunpoint, pick pocketing, purse snatching, taxicab abductions and quick-kidnappings continue to cause us concern. Any hotel selected for you by the embassy will be safe, but it is still wise to store all valuables in a room safe or in a safe deposit box. Leaving expensive-looking jewelry at home and wearing a plastic watch will significantly improve your security profile. The Embassy cautions travelers that they should never hail a cruising taxi (or "libre" taxi) but should instead use airport-sanctioned taxis, taxis operating from fixed sites ("sitios),or a cab called for you by your hotel. ¶5. Mexico does have health concerns. You should take normal tourist precautions with regard to drinking water, eating fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. Some employees react to the pollution and high altitude; so take things slowly at first. Travelers to Mexico City may require some time to adjust to the altitude (7000 ft.),which can adversely affect blood pressure, digestion, sleep, and energy level. Individuals with sickle cell trait should consult with the appropriate medical unit or their personal physician before commencing with travel. Short-term (TDY) assignments carry an added risk because of the lack of time to acclimatize. Dehydration, stress, or illnesses compound the basic risks of high altitude. ¶6. We encourage you to access further security and health related information as well as post access regulations for the region you are visiting at the Mission Mexico intranet homepage at http://mexicocity.state.gov/IntraMissMex.html or http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov. Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity GARZA