COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR KOGAN, FELIX

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 RABAT 001117 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OTRA MO SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR KOGAN, FELIX REF: USDOC 06213 ¶1. Embassy Rabat is pleased to grant country clearance for to the Department of Commerce, NOAA meteorologist Felix Kogan to travel to Morocco, July 9-13, 2007 for the purpose of conducting meetings with GOM and embassy officials. ¶2. Post understands travelers require no further assistance. 3 ICASS Policy: ¶A. Due to ICASS funding reductions, we regret that Post has had to curtail services and pass the cost of select services through direct charging of non-ICASS contributors visiting Post through direct charging. Therefore we request that each visitor, regardless of length of stay, bring/forward fiscal data to pay for direct costs of the visit and share copies with their control officer and FMO. Each agency, organization, or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual costs attributed to their visit. Direct charge costs include, but are not limited to: American and LES staff overtime (e.g., expediter, airport pick-up and drop-off, accommodation exchange, representational event support), field travel-lodging and M&IE by Embassy employees, vehicle rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals, office supplies and all other costs that are directly attributable to visitor needs. Please note that all visitors should be prepared to be charged approximately ninety-five dollars (subject to periodic adjustment) for airport pick-ups and drop-offs that occur after normal business hours. ¶B. In accordance with worldwide ICASS policy, TDYers over thirty (30) days, are subject to a charge for ICASS support services. If your sponsoring agency is not signed up for ICASS services at post, please be prepared to sign an MOU for ICASS support services upon arrival. The agency should provide post with written communication, generated by the traveler's headquarters, that confirms the agency will pay ICASS charges for the TDYer and provides the agency ICASS billing code to which TDY support charges should be applied. ¶C. Where travel is urgent, the TDYers should bring this documentation with them to ensure there are no interruptions in the provision of service. We regret that due to budget restraints, Post will not provide service to a TDYer staying in excess of thirty days without provision of this documentation. We thank you in advance for your understanding. ¶4. Security Concerns ¶A. Mandatory Personal Security Training (Ref: 04 State 066580 and 001360): Effective June 1, 2004, all personnel transferring to an overseas location under Chief of Mission authority must complete appropriate overseas personal security training prior to their travel. Effective January 1, 2005, this same requirement will also apply to American personnel requesting country clearance to perform extended temporary duty (TDY defined as more than 30 days) at overseas locations. ¶B. Terrorism: In March/April 2007, a series of terrorist bombings occurred in Casablanca, two of which simultaneously targeted the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center. In 2003, a series of similar attacks in Casablanca targeted hotels and restaurants. The potential for terrorist violence against American interests and citizens remains high in Morocco. Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets, arresting numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups. With indications that such groups still seek to carry out attacks in Morocco, it is important for American citizens to be keenly aware of their surroundings and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile. Establishments that are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters and other public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed. Travelers should stay abreast of recent developments within the country and read the latest State Department Consular Information Sheet covering travel to Morocco and any current Worldwide Caution Messages about travel to the Middle East and North Africa before arrival in country. The Mission takes all information concerning terrorist incidents and terrorism very seriously. The RABAT 00001117 002 OF 003 Mission investigates all incidents fully in conjunction with Moroccan authorities. All travelers are expected to report any suspicious incidents or information to the RSO immediately, 24 hours a day, at Tel. 037-76-96-39. ¶C. Crime: The threat level for crime in Morocco has been designated "high." Crimes ranging from aggressive panhandling pick pocketing, purse snatching, theft from vehicles, and harassment of women occur periodically. Attempted break-ins of mission residences by burglars have occurred, but in general crime in Morocco tends to be non-violent. Most criminals look for opportunities to steal by stealth rather than confrontation but there are exceptions. Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to verbal harassment from young men. Women are advised to travel with a companion or in a group when possible and to ignore any harassment. Some women who have responded to verbal harassment have come under physical attack. If physical provocation occurs, visitors are urged not to resist in order to avoid injury and to report the incident to the Regional Security Officer immediately (see telephone number above). Travelers should be alert for pickpockets and purse-snatchers, especially in outdoor shopping areas, tourist attractions, and in transportation centers. Taxis and trains in Morocco are relatively safe, city buses are not considered safe. Avoid carrying large sums of cash, and credit cards should be secured in the safe deposit box at your hotel. In the event you are victimized by crime, or an attempted crime, or experience any security-related incident during your stay in Morocco, please report the incident to the RSO as soon as possible. ¶D. Demonstrations/Harassment: When regional tensions increase many diplomatic missions, including ours, from time to time receive threatening phone calls, e-mails and harassing letters/faxes. Should you receive any of these while at post, contact Marine Post One and/or the RSO immediately. Further, the Mission has received several white powder letters through the local mail. Please note: Mission Policy strictly prohibits any unopened mail, packages or boxes from being brought into any facility prior to screening by the Embassy and Consulate mailroom staff. There are no exceptions to this policy and all personnel are expected to abide by it rigidly for the protection of the Mission and its personnel. Finally, demonstrations do occur with some frequency in Morocco during periods of heightened tension. Occasionally, a few of these demonstrations have been anti-American/Western with a small number of these resulting in some minor destruction of personal and public property. Travelers should be cognizant of the current levels of tension in the region, always be alert to their surroundings and avoid large crowds. Demonstrations and suspicious incidents should be immediately reported to the Marine Security Guard (Post 1) and the RSO. ¶E. Electronic Devices: Privately owned laptops, PCs, cellular telephones, cameras and similar devices are strictly prohibited in controlled access areas (CAAs) of the chancery and Consulate. Travelers with USG unclassified and classified laptop/notebook computers must notify the Information Management Officer (IMO) through Marine Post One or the RSO before bringing these machines into the Embassy or Consulate. Questions concerning other types of electronic devices must be directed to either the IMO or the RSO. ¶F. Cultural Awareness: Travelers need to be cognizant of the fact that Morocco is an Islamic country despite the appearance of some aspects of Western culture. Generally, women should not travel alone and should dress conservatively for all occasions to avoid harassment from young men in public or offending Moroccan interlocutors during social occasions. Men should not wear ostentatious apparel that draws attention. The purchase and consumption of alcohol is permitted in Morocco but Islamic conservatives in Moroccan society are fundamentally against its sale or use. Travelers should let common sense prevail and only buy or consume alcohol in shops, restaurants and hotels where it is readily available and permitted. RABAT 00001117 003 OF 003 ¶G. Post Specific Security Briefings: Travelers planning to stay in Morocco 14 days or longer should request that their sponsoring office schedule a security briefing for them with the RSO. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY