Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07OSLO447
2007-04-30 13:01:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Oslo
Cable title:  

COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GEORGE COAKLEY TO VISIT

Tags:  THPY KSCA OTRA NO 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXYZ0009
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNY #0447/01 1201301
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 301301Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY OSLO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5597
INFO RUEHC/DEPT OF INTERIOR WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
UNCLAS OSLO 000447 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

INTERIOR FOR USGS/RESTON/JSAFFER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: THPY KSCA OTRA NO
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GEORGE COAKLEY TO VISIT
NORWAY, MAY 9-15

REF: STATE 57207

UNCLAS OSLO 000447

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

INTERIOR FOR USGS/RESTON/JSAFFER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: THPY KSCA OTRA NO
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR GEORGE COAKLEY TO VISIT
NORWAY, MAY 9-15

REF: STATE 57207


1. Embassy Oslo welcomes and grants country clearance to
George Coakley U.S. Geological Survey to travel to Oslo,
Norway from May 9-15, 2007 to participate in the US-Norway
Bilateral Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation.
Security clearance information for Mr. Coakley was not
provided.


2. Post has reserved hotel accommodations at the Radisson
SAS Scandinavia Hotel Holbergsgate 30 N-0166 Oslo, Norway,
Tel. 47,23293000, Fax 47 2329 3001 for Mr. Coakley for the
nights of May 9, May 13, and May 14.


3. There are three primary modes of transportation to/from
the airport:


A. Post recommends that visitors take the Fly-toget express
train that leaves the airport every 15 to 20 minutes.
Visitors should exit the train at the National Theater
Station at Drammensveien (located directly across the street
from the Embassy). The price for a one-way ticket from the
airport is 160 NOK.


B. Alternatively, visitors can take a SAS airport bus (about
one hour) to mid-town Oslo with stops at the SAS hotels and
the central bus station. The bus fare is 110 NOK for a
one-way ticket, and 170 NOK for a return ticket.


C. Taxis from the airport cost between 650-850 NOK. Please
confirm that the driver will accept payment by credit card
before departing the airport.


4. Automatic teller machines, which accept most U.S.
bankcards, and currency exchange windows are located directly
across from the International Arrivals gate at the airport.
Credit cards are readily used and accepted in Norway. The
current rate of exchange is approximately 6 NOK to 1 USD.


5. Travelers intending to bring, and use, any USG provided
electronic or photographic equipment (including Personal Data
Assistants (PDAs)) must contact RSO and receive permission
prior to introducing that equipment into the Chancery.
Personal electronic or photographic equipment is not
permitted in the Chancery. Only in severely limited cases
will notebook or laptop computers be permitted in the
Chancery.


6. Embassy Information: The Embassy is located in downtown
Oslo on Henrik Ibsens Gate 48. The main Embassy switchboard
number during working hours is (47) 22 44 85 50; after hours
Post One telephone is (47) 21 30 85 01. The general

Management fax number is (47) 22 43 07 77. The Embassy
website is: www.usa.no.


7. Security: In accordance with the guidance issued to all
U.S. citizens by the State Department in the Worldwide Public
Announcement dated 08 March 2005, U.S. citizens should be
alert of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and
anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests
overseas.


8. The Department of State is deeply concerned about the
continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens
and interests abroad, as well as the potential for
demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and
interests overseas. U.S. citizens are reminded that
demonstrations and rioting can occur at any time. In
reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq, there have
been demonstrations and associated violence in the hostages'
country of origin. While Americans are generally not the
targets in such incidents, U.S. citizens could be caught up
in the violence. U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a
high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to
increase their security awareness.


9. The Department of State remains concerned by indications
that Al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare to
strike U.S. interests abroad. Al-Qaida and its associated
organizations have struck in Europe, Asia, and the Middle
East. Future Al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve
non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological
agents as well as conventional weapons of terror, to include
explosive devices.


10. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to,
assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. These
may also involve aviation and other transportation and
maritime interests. Terrorists do not distinguish between
official and civilian targets. These may include facilities

where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit,
including residential areas, business offices, clubs,
restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public
areas. U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level
of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their
security awareness.


11. In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the
March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of
the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation
systems. In addition, extremists may also select aviation
and maritime services as possible targets.


12. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a
heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily
close or suspend public services from time to time to assess
their security posture. In those instances, U.S. embassies
and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency
services to U.S. citizens. Americans abroad are urged to
monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest
U.S. embassy or consulate.


13. As the State Department continues to develop information
on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas,
it shares credible threat information through its consular
information program documents, available on the Internet at
http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the
Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on
security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in
the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll
line at 1-317-472-2328.


14. Norway has a relatively low crime rate. However, the
exercise of basic security awareness is prudent and called
for. Violent crime throughout Norway is rare, but not
unheard of. Instances of pick-pocketing and petty theft are
predictably common in the major tourist areas, hotel lobbies
and buffets and in the train, bus stations and surrounding
urban areas. Travelers are urged to use their hotel safes or
safe deposit boxes and to carry limited amounts of cash and
valuables. Exercising common sense and good judgment can
best insure your personal safety. The Norwegian police are
responsive, professional and cooperative. The emergency
number throughout Norway is 112.


15. Embassy Oslo looks forward to your visit.
WHITNEY