COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR E. BRUCE HOWARD AND ANITA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 OSLO 000448 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KSCA TSPL OTRA NO SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR E. BRUCE HOWARD AND ANITA EISENSTADT TO VISIT NORWAY MAY 9-14 REF: STATE 57198 ¶1. Embassy Oslo welcomes and grants country clearance to E. Bruce Howard and Anita Eisenstadt to U.S. Department of State to travel to Oslo, Norway from May 9-14, 2007 to participate in the US-Norway Bilateral Meeting on Science and Technology Cooperation. Security clearance information for Mr. Howard and Ms. Eisenstadt 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. Reservations for Ms. Eisenstadt are for nights of May 9 and May 13. Reservations for Mr. Howard are for nights of May 9 and May 10. ¶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, OSLO 00000448 002.2 OF 002 restaurats, 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