COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR JEFFREY HOVENIER AND

UNCLAS NICOSIA 000781

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA CY
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR JEFFREY HOVENIER AND
STEVE BOUKEDES

REF: E-COUNTRY CLEARANCE 11867


1. Embassy Nicosia grants country clearance for the visit of
Jeffrey M. Hovenier and Steve Boukedes for travel to Cyprus
from October 2 - 4, 2007 as stated in reftel. Control
Officer for traveler is Political Chief Greg Macris reachable
at tel: 357-22393524, email: MacrisGP@state.gov.


2. Reservations have been made at the Cyprus Hilton Downtown
within per diem. The reservation number is 383220.


3. Post will provide transportation for pick-up and drop-off
at the airport.


4. Security clearance and building access: Post has received
security clearance information included in reftel. Post will
ensure appropriate building access on date of arrival.


5. Electronic devices: The RSO must approve any electronic
device visitors may wish to bring into any Mission facility.
Privately owned laptops and personal computers, peripherals,
diskettes and tapes are prohibited in all Mission facilities.
Cellular/mobile phones and palm pilots are prohibited in CAA
areas. Cellular/mobile phones with cameras are prohibited in
all Mission facilities.


6. Travelers with USG-owned unclassified laptops or notebook
computers, peripherals, diskettes and tapes must receive
RSO/IMO authorization prior to being granted access to U.S.
Mission buildings. USG-owned classified computers must be
sent to post via classified diplomatic pouch. Classified
equipment must bear external USG bar-code inventory numbers
and classification markings commensurate with the highest
level of information processed on the system. Questions
concerning other types of electronic devices and magnetic
media may be directed to the RSO and IMO.


7. All official travelers to Cyprus are encouraged to review
security-briefing material available in the Regional Security
Office upon arrival at post. After January 1, 2005, The
Department of State and the Embassy require all visitors for
30 or more days to certify that they have completed a Bureau
of Diplomatic Security approved personal security course.
Failure to do so will result in denial of country clearance.


8. As noted in the April 10, 2007 Department of State
worldwide caution public announcement, American citizens
traveling anywhere, including Cyprus, are reminded to
maintain a high level of vigilance. Visitors should keep a
low profile, be alert to any signs of surveillance, vary
routes and times for required travel, and treat all mail from
unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Suspicious incidents or
activity must be reported to the RSO immediately.


9. Cyprus is considered a high-threat post with a low crime
rate. It has good hygienic conditions, and a good array of
goods and services. Americans traveling to Cyprus on a TDY
basis are not required to obtain entry visas. The host
government has designated Larnaca and Paphos airports as
authorized points of entry into the Republic of Cyprus; USG
travelers considering arrival via other ports must consult
the Embassy before making their arrangements. Visitors should
be aware that international telephone rates from Cyprus,
especially from hotels, are extremely expensive. English is
widely spoken and understood.
SCHLICHER