COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR CODEL SIRES, NOV 29

UNCLAS NICOSIA 000937

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN CY
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR CODEL SIRES, NOV 29
- DEC 1

REF: STATE 158296


1. Embassy Nicosia warmly welcomes the November 29 -
December 2 visit of Congressional Delegation SIRES to Cyprus
as stated in reftel. Control officer for the visit is
Political Chief Greg Macris, office telephone:
011-357-22-393524, cell phone: 011-357-99-424355, Home
011-357-22-591171. E-mail: MacrisGP@state.gov.


2. Hotel reservations have been made at the Hilton Cyprus
Downtown located at Makarios Avenue; Tel: 011-357-22-377777,
Fax: 011-357-22-377788. Transportation to and from Larnaca
International Airport has been arranged by the Embassy.


3. Per reftel, Embassy Nicosia confirms the tentative member
composition of: Rep. Albio Sires and spouse, Rep. John Carter
and spouse, Rep. Dennis Moore and spouse, Rep. Phil Gingrey
and spouse, Rep. Luis Guiterrez and spouse; as well as
Congressional Staffer Mr. Eric Richardson and five U.S.
military escorts. Post understands that Reps Tom Davis and
Zack Space will not be visiting Cyprus.


4. Security clearance and building access: in compliance with
DOS regulations and Mission policy, visitors desiring
unescorted access into any Mission facility must ensure that
their headquarters provide the following in their travel
message: clearance level (if any),SSN, and agency granting
clearance. Please send messages via cable with the "ASEC"
tag to ensure proper distribution to the RSO.


5. Electronic devices: The RSO must approve any electronic
device the visitor 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.


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 October 9, 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
SCHLICHER