Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07USNATO284
2007-05-03 13:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Mission USNATO
Cable title:
RESPONSE TO COUNTRY CLEARANCE CABLE: FOREIGN
how-toVZCZCXRO4528 PP RUEHAST RUEHDBU RUEHFL RUEHLA RUEHMRE RUEHPOD RUEHROV RUEHSR DE RUEHNO #0284/01 1231354 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 031354Z MAY 07 FM USMISSION USNATO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0801 RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0802 INFO RUCNOSC/OSCE COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS PRIORITY 6274 RUEHWR/AMEMBASSY WARSAW PRIORITY 4041
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USNATO 000284
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC OSCE OTRA PREL PL BE
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO COUNTRY CLEARANCE CABLE: FOREIGN
AFFAIRS OFFICER RICHARD PROSEN
REF: STATE 055621
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 USNATO 000284
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC OSCE OTRA PREL PL BE
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO COUNTRY CLEARANCE CABLE: FOREIGN
AFFAIRS OFFICER RICHARD PROSEN
REF: STATE 055621
1. U.S. Mission NATO welcomes the visit of Mr. Richard L.
Prosen to conduct consultations with USNATO and NATO
International Staff in Brussels, May 9-11, 2007.
2. Hotel reservations have been requested at the Crowne
Plaza Airport Hotel for arrival on May 9, 2007.
3. U.S. Mission POC:
David Simons
wrk 011-322-724-3221
hm 011-322-657-7682
black berry 011-324-96-190-318
4. The primary mode of transportation for visitors to
Brussels is metered taxis, which are plentiful and reliable.
However, fares, which can be vouchered, are quite expensive.
The bus, tram and metro system are excellent.
5. NATO visitor,s 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 occuring 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.
10. 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).
USNATO 00000284 002 OF 002
11. Please advise if further assistance is needed.
NULAND
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC OSCE OTRA PREL PL BE
SUBJECT: RESPONSE TO COUNTRY CLEARANCE CABLE: FOREIGN
AFFAIRS OFFICER RICHARD PROSEN
REF: STATE 055621
1. U.S. Mission NATO welcomes the visit of Mr. Richard L.
Prosen to conduct consultations with USNATO and NATO
International Staff in Brussels, May 9-11, 2007.
2. Hotel reservations have been requested at the Crowne
Plaza Airport Hotel for arrival on May 9, 2007.
3. U.S. Mission POC:
David Simons
wrk 011-322-724-3221
hm 011-322-657-7682
black berry 011-324-96-190-318
4. The primary mode of transportation for visitors to
Brussels is metered taxis, which are plentiful and reliable.
However, fares, which can be vouchered, are quite expensive.
The bus, tram and metro system are excellent.
5. NATO visitor,s 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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 occuring 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.
10. 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).
USNATO 00000284 002 OF 002
11. Please advise if further assistance is needed.
NULAND