USNATO WELCOME FOR MODERN INSURGENCY TEAM FEBRUARY

UNCLAS USNATO 000123 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: MARR OTRA PREL NATO PINS BEXP GM SUBJECT: USNATO WELCOME FOR MODERN INSURGENCY TEAM FEBRUARY 27-MARCH 2, 2007 REF: STATE 12490 ¶1. USNATO, in conjunction with USEU welcomes the visit of the Modern Insurgency Team February 27-March 2, 2007 for meetings at NATO and the European Union. The USNATO control officer for this visit is USNATO Political Officer Mr. John Cockrell, work:(32-2) 724-3136, fax:(32-2) 724-3421. He can also be reached through the tri-mission switchboard at (32-2) 508-2111. USEU Control Officer Ms. Patricia Lerner, Tel: (32-2) 508-2636. Special Assistant Brett Kobie, Tel. (32-2) 508 2625. ¶2. Hotel accommodations have been confirmed at the Sheraton Hotel, Place Rogier 3, 1210 Brussels. Tel: (32-2) 224-3111. Confirmation numbers are as follows: Lt. Col. Peter John Evans, Arrival February 27-Depart March 2, #696210260; Ms. Janine Anne Davidson, Arrival February 27-Depart March 2, #286210264; Ms. Kathleen McInnis, Arrival February 27-Depart March 2, #296210264; Col. Mark Sullivan, Arrival February 28-Depart March 2, #796210260; Mr. Rodney Fabrycky, Arrival February 28-Depart March 2, #736210260. ¶3. The primary mode of transportation for visitors to Brussels is metered taxis, which are plentiful and reliable. Fares, which can be vouchered, are quite expensive. The bus, tram and metro system are excellent. ¶3. A NATO visitor pass has been requested and will be available at NATO HQ's main entrance gate. 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. ¶4. 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. ¶5. 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. ¶6. 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. ¶7. 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. ¶8. 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). ¶9. Please advise if further information is needed. NULAND