WELCOME TO USNATO FOR AMB ERIC EDELMAN AND

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000160 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/11/2007 TAGS: ASEC OTRA NATO AF PK BE SUBJECT: WELCOME TO USNATO FOR AMB ERIC EDELMAN AND DELEGATION, MARCH 11-12,2007 REF: A)SECDEF 08121 B)STATE 030003 ¶1. USNATO welcomes the visit of Ambassador Eric Edelman and delegation to Brussels March 11-12,2007 for meetings at NATO. The overall control officer for this visit is Defense Advisor LTC James Luke, work: (32-2) 724-3170, Cell: (32) 476-990-820 assisted by USNATO Political Officer Mr. John Cockrell, work:(32-2) 724-3136, Cell: (32) 496-198-008 fax:(32-2) 724-3421. Ambassador Edelman and delegation will be met upon arrival in Brussels by control officers. ¶2. Ambassador Nuland wishes to extend an invitation to Ambassador Edelman and Col. Tracy Warren to stay at Truman Hall, the evening of March 11. Hotel reservations are confirmed for traveling party at the Marriott Hotel, rue A.Orts 25, 1000 Brussels. Tel: (32)02-516-9200. Post reccognizes traveling party as: Mr. Rene Roman, Mr. Mitch Shivers, A/S Richard Boucher, Ms. Anja Manuel, Ms. Caitlin Hayden, LtGen John Sattler, Mr. James Shinn and Ms. Meghan O'Sullivan. , ¶3. USNATO will provide protocol and transportation for the duration of the visit. Scheduling arrangements are being made by email. ¶4. NATO visitor passes have been arranged for the delegation and will be provided upon arrival. For security reasons, all visitors, even those with green NATO badges, must present two pieces of identification to the Marine Guard before being admitted into the U.S. Mission. ¶5. 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. 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