WELCOME HLTF MARCH 21-23, 2007 TO NATO

UNCLAS USNATO 000167

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OTRA ASEC AADP NATO OSCE PARM
SUBJECT: WELCOME HLTF MARCH 21-23, 2007 TO NATO

REF: STATE 032564


1. Mission welcomes Karin Look, Larry Schultz, Jennifer
Laurendeau, Sharon White, Jeffrey Gibbs, James Starkey,
Christopher Beecroft, Powell Moore, and Stephen Olejasz to
USNATO for HLTF meetings March 21-23. Control Officer for the
visit is USNATO Political Officer is Don Sheehan. Office:
(32)2-724-3486 fax: (32)2-724-3421. Administrative support is
provided by Lucia Krul (32)2-724-3233.


2. Hotel reservations have been confirmed at the Sheraton
Hotel, Place Rogier, Tel: 32 2 224 3111. Karin Look
#206210352 March 21-23; Larry Schultz #216210352 March 21-30;
Jennifer Laurendeau #266210352 March 21-23; Sharon White
#376210352 March 21-23; Jeffrey Gibbs #226210352 March 21-23;
James Starkey #636210234 March 18-23; Christopher Beecroft
#316210352 March 21-23; Powell Moore Confirmed(DOD) March
21-23, and Stephen Olejasz #176210327 March 21-23.


3. Transportation van will be available at the Brussels
International Airport at 0630 in anticipation of United
Flight 0950, Wednesday March 21. The van will escort DAS
Look and visitors to the Sheraton Hotel, and to USNATO at a
designated time. However, the primary mode of transportation
for visitors to Brussels is metered taxis, which are
plentiful. Please keep in mind fares, which can be
vouchered, are quite expensive. The bus, tram, and metro are
excellent.


4. NATO visitor passes have been arranged for meeting
participants and can be picked up at NATO's main gate
entrance between 0800-1700. After 1700 passes are available
for pick up at the main reception desk. Visitors should then
proceed directly to the U.S. Mission, near the NATO "F-wing"
entrance. For security reasons, all visitors, even those
with green NATO badges, 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.
Visitors must also leave cell phones and other electronic
equipment with the Marine Guard. Mission appreciates your
cooperation.


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.


6. Regarding money, 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. 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:HTravel.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. 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 Central
(Central Station),and especially Gare du Midi (South
Station). Extra caution should be used at the Gare Centrale
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 Central 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. 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. Please advise if further assistance is needed.
KELLY