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