COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL THOMPSON VISIT TO

UNCLAS MEXICO 001720 SIPDIS SIPDIS PLEASE PASS TO CODEL THOMPSON E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: AFIN AMGT ASEC MX OREP PREL SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL THOMPSON VISIT TO MEXICO CITY, APRIL 10-11 REF: A. A: 2007 STATE 33750 ¶B. B: 2007 STATE 42521 ¶1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to CODEL Thompson for travel to Mexico City from April 10 to 11, 2007. The purpose of the visit to Mexico is to meet Government of Mexico officials and Embassy personnel on bilateral law enforcement issues. ¶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 is supporting the visit by assisting in transportation, lodging and meetings. All extra costs incurred during CODEL Thompson's visit will be charged to the fund cite provided in paragraph nine of reftel A. The tentative composition of the CODEL, staff support and milescorts is provided in paragraph one of reftel B. ¶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