COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR TODD ANDERSON AND

UNCLAS MEXICO 000381

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: AGAO OTRA PREL MX
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR TODD ANDERSON AND
CHERYL GOODMAN OF GAO

REF: STATE 07308


1. Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Todd
Anderson and Cheryl Goodman, of the Government Accountability
Office (GAO) for travel to Mexico City, Tijuana and Cancun
February 5-11, 2007. The purpose of the visit to Mexico is
to review the efforts of US agencies and multilateral
organizations to combat trafficking in persons by meeting
with USG personnel and representatives from the Mexican
government, non-governmental organizations and international
organizations.


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. The Embassy will support the visit by
assisting in the arrangement of in-country transportation,
lodging and meetings.


3. 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.


4. 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.


5. 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