Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07ROME2374
2007-11-23 15:23:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Rome
Cable title:  

ITALY: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY U/S LEVEY

Tags:  EFIN IT 
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VZCZCXYZ0005
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHRO #2374/01 3271523
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 231523Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 9429
INFO RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 1433
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 2362
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 4400
RUEHMIL/AMCONSUL MILAN 9106
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHDC
UNCLAS ROME 002374 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

TREASURY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN IT
SUBJECT: ITALY: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY U/S LEVEY

REF: TREASURY 1529

UNCLAS ROME 002374

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

TREASURY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN IT
SUBJECT: ITALY: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR TREASURY U/S LEVEY

REF: TREASURY 1529


1. Embassy Rome warmly welcomes and grants country
clearance to Treasury Under Secretary Stuart Levey, Colleen
Eddy and Molly Millerwise to visit Rome, Italy November
27-29. Post will email schedule separately to Deanna
Fernandez.


2. Control officer for this visit is Econ Officer Jill
Hutchings. Contact details are below; please use Italian
country code 39 when dialing from outside Italy.

Classified Email: Hutchingsje@state.sgov.gov
Unclassified Email Hutchingsje@state.gov.

SIPDIS
Office Phone: (39) 06-4674-2435
Cell Phone: (39) 335-661-0073
The Embassy switchboard number is (39) 06-4674-1, and is
staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.



3. Under Secretary Levey will be staying at Villa Taverna.
Eddy and Millerwise will be staying at the hotel Regina
Balignoni (39) 06-421-111.


4. Security/Threat Assessment: Due to many factors, including
the ongoing global war on terrorism, American diplomatic
facilities in Italy operate under a state of heightened
security.

There have been several high-profile arrests in Italy of
alleged terrorists with links to Al-Qaeda. There have been
sporadic demonstrations, usually of a political nature, some
with anti-war and anti-American themes. Although most of
these demonstrations have been peaceful, they often cause
traffic congestion, which is already very heavy in city
centers. Workers' strikes can also affect transportation, and
are sometimes called with as little as 24 hours notice.
These strikes often result in the cancellation of local
airline flights, and disruptions in local train, bus and
metro operations.

We monitor the security environment closely and issue updated
assessments as warranted. While there is presently no
information available that indicates targeting of a specific
individual, all visitors and resident USG personnel are
encouraged to maintain a heightened state of security
awareness. Travelers should maintain a low profile; stay
alert for unusual activity, and avoid repetitious patterns
and habits by varying routes and times of departures and
arrivals. Visitors to U.S. diplomatic and military
facilities should be aware that increased security measures
are in effect at these locations. Unusual or suspicious
incidents should be reported immediately to the RSO.

Street crime occurs frequently, especially in large cities

and at tourist locations. Visitors are warned to safeguard
their valuables at all times, especially while walking along
streets and when using public transportation. Extra care
should be taken while in crowded tourist areas.
Pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs regularly, and
tourists are often targeted. Traveling on the Autostrada
throughout Italy can be hazardous. Rest stops are often
hangouts for thieves.

The sale of counterfeit merchandise in Italy is widespread
and visitors should avoid buying goods from non-licensed
vendors or vendors whom they suspect are selling fake
products. To combat the sale of counterfeit CDs and bags,
the Municipality of Florence and other cities have adopted a
policy to strictly enforce a law that imposes high fines
(from 3,300 to 10,000 Euros) on those purchasing or accepting
counterfeit goods.

Privately-owned laptops and personal computers are prohibited
in all classified facilities. Cellular telephones and palm
pilots are not permitted in CAA areas. Travelers with
USG-owned unclassified laptop or notebook computers,
peripherals, diskettes or tapes must obtain RSO/IMO
authorization for access. USG-owned classified computers
must arrive at post via classified diplomatic pouch.
Questions concerning other types of electronic devices and
magnetic media should be directed to the IMO or RSO.

Money Exchange

The unit of currency throughout Italy is the Euro. Dollars
or travelers checks can be legally exchanged for Euros at
local exchange offices, hotels and the airport. A bank,
which is located in the Embassy, can cash checks for dollars
or Euros only for official travelers. Most major credit
cards are accepted throughout Italy. ATM machines, including
one in the Embassy, will accept many U.S. Bank cards.

Please be advised that there has been a noted increase in the
appearance of "skimming devices" on ATM machines in Italy.
The devices are attached to ATM machines and are able to
capture account information stored on an ATM card's magnetic
strip. Along with the card reader and pin-hole video camera,
which is normally mounted over the keypad to record the pin
number entered, criminals are able to access the account.
Travelers should use ATM machines that are inside secured
banks/businesses, and are in well-lit areas. The keypad
should be covered with one hand as you enter your PIN code.
Avoid ATM machines that show evidence of tampering or other
irregularities.

Visa Requirements

Italian visas are not required for TDY stays of less than 90
days for holders of diplomatic, official or tourist passports.

Fiscal Data

In accordance with Department of State policy, post will
directly charge each agency, organization or visiting
delegation for the actual costs attributed to its visit.
These costs include, but are not limited to, American and
Locally Engaged Staff overtime; field travel by Embassy
employees; transportation costs for official vehicles; rental
of vehicles, cellular phones, and office equipment; charges
for control rooms and office space; and the cost of
representational events. All visitors requesting
administrative support services must provide the Embassy with
authorization and fiscal data (e.g. travel orders) against
which the costs for requested items can be charged. This
information should be cabled or faxed to the Embassy in
advance of your arrival. Without a fund cite and
authorization, post will not be able to provide vehicles,
drivers, or other services.

For further information regarding travel in Italy, consult
the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet
http://www.travel.state.gov/italy.html or
Embassy Rome's Internet site on travel in Italy
http://www.usembassy.it/usa/.
SPOGLI