COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EXPORT INVESTIGATIONS

UNCLAS NICOSIA 000823

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ETTC PARM PREL CY
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EXPORT INVESTIGATIONS
TRAINING TEAM MEMBERS

REF: HQ ICE IAO 041658


1. Embassy Nicosia grants country clearance for the visit of
Export Investigations Training Team Members Andrew Mefferd,
Desiree King, Joseph Fariello, Leopoldo Lamas, Michael
Cochran, Tim York to travel to Cyprus from October 19-29,
2007 as stated in reftel. Control Officer for travelers is
EXBS Coordinator Christis Nikolaides reachable at tel:
357-22393525, mobile: 357-99376632, email:
NikolaidesCS@state.gov.


2. The Embassy has confirmed reservations at the Hilton Hotel
in Nicosia at an Embassy rate of 90.00 Cyprus pounds, or
217.00 U.S. dollars, per night, including breakfast. The
lodging and M &IE portions of per diem are 212.00 and 118.00
U.S. dollars respectively - the exchange rate is
approximately 1 Cyprus pound = 2.41 U.S. dollars. Post
requests that visitors send their actual dates of arrival and
departure for better management of the hotel reservations.


3. In accordance with post transportation policy, visitors
should take a taxi from Larnaca airport to the Hilton Hotel,
at a cost of approximately 30.00 Cyprus pounds. Airport
taxis have meters. Both taxis and exchange facilities are
available at Larnaca airport and at the hotel. U.S.
100-dollar notes are sometimes difficult to exchange.


4. Security clearance and building access: Post has received
security clearance information annotated in cable. Post will
ensure appropriate building access on date of arrival if
needed.


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