(C) WELCOME FOR NSA STEPHEN J. HADLEY, FEBRUARY

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000105

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/31/2007
TAGS: OTRA PREL NATO EUN AF AMGT
SUBJECT: (C) WELCOME FOR NSA STEPHEN J. HADLEY, FEBRUARY
21, 2007

REF: WHITE HOUSE DTG 142157Z FEB 07

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Stuart Seldowitz, for Reason 1.4 (g)


1. (C) USNATO warmly welcomes the visit of National Security
Advisor Stephen J. Hadley and delegation to Brussels February
21, 2007 for meetings at NATO and the European Union. The
overall control officer for this visit is USNATO Political
Officer Mr. John Cockrell, work:
32-(0)2-724-3136, fax: 32-(0)473-977-089. USEU Control
Officer is Mr. Jeremy Brenner, work: 32(0)2-508-2794, Cell:
(32) 0475-755-466.


2. (SBU) Mr. Hadley will be met upon arrival in Brussels by
Ambassador Nuland and USNATO Political Officer John Cockrell
will be on hand to accompany staff. Transportation
requirements have been arranged through the fund cite
outlined in the clearance cable.


3. (SBU) NATO HQ visitor passes have been requested and will
be passed to Mr. Hadley and his delegation upon arrival in
Brussels. For security reasons, all visitors, even those
with a green NATO badge, must present two pieces of
Identification or their blue State Department-issued badge to
the Marine Guard before being admitted into the U.S. Mission.
A schedule, including requested EU meeting, will follow
separately.


4. (U) Computer and Electronics Usage: Inter-agency
security standards prohibit the introduction or use of
non-USG owned computer hardware and software at all USG
diplomatic facilities. Cell phones, palm pilots, radios and
other convenience electronics are prohibited in all secure
areas of the Mission. Travelers who anticipate having
special needs in terms of either access or computer usage
should contact the RSO office before arriving at post.
Visitors must leave cell phones and other electronic
equipment with the Marine Guard. Mission appreciates your
cooperation.


6. (U) There is a branch of the ING Bank at NATO which has
an ATM that accepts U.S. bank/credit union cards on the
"PLUS" system. Numerous downtown banks also have ATM
machines. Traveler's checks can be exchanged in most banks.
On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, there is a cashier at
USNATO to which TDY visitors with travel orders have access.


7. (U) Threat Assessment: A worldwide caution regarding the
threat of transnational terrorism was issued by the
Department of State. (Please consult the Department's
website for text: HTTP:Travel.State.Gov.) In light of this
caution and the events of September 11, 2001, all visitors
are encouraged to assess their security posture, and be alert
to their surroundings. All visitors should exercise caution
while traveling abroad as U.S. citizens and facilities are
often the target of groups demonstrating opposition to the
U.S. foreign policy.


8. (U) Belgium remains a relatively safe country but as a
result of the war in Iraq, and sentiments expressed by its
citizens against the war, American visitors are advised to
exercise caution and avoid anti-American demonstrations.
Also, it is prudent not to wear clothes or carry articles
with logos and emblems associated with the United States at
this time. By taking reasonable precautions, visitors should
enjoy an uneventful stay. However, purse snatching and
pick-pocketing are occurring more frequently. In Brussels,
pick-pocketing and purse snatching are more prevalent in the
metro system (subway, bus, tram) and at Brussels' three major
train stations: Gare du Nord (North Station),Gare Centrale
(Central Station),and especially Gare du Midi (South
Station). Victims have been asked for assistance by someone
who appeared lost and anxious to catch their train. As the
victim responds to the request, a third person appears and
steals laptop computers, and other related travel items.
According to the
police, this is a new strategy by criminal gangs operating at
Centrale Station. Apparently they prefer platforms 3 and 4,
used by trains going to the airport and obviously carrying
the best category of potential victims. Valuables should
never be left unattended in vehicles and car doors should
always be kept locked when driving. Carry only a minimum
amount of cash, credit cards and ID. Expensive jewelry,
financial records, address books and other personal effects
should be left at home or stored in a safe place during your
visit.



9. (U) Emergency numbers for the Police and Medical
Assistance are 101 and 100 respectively, and for cellular
phones (locally) 112. Visitors to Belgium requiring
additional information should contact the Brussels Regional
Security Office at 32-2-508-2370 (if dialing locally,
02-508-2370).


10. (U) Please advise if further information is needed.
NULAND