Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07USNATO346
2007-05-31 14:52:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Mission USNATO
Cable title:  

WELCOME FOR SENATOR WILLIAM NELSON AND TRAVELING

Tags:  OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN NATO US 
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OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNO #0346 1511452
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O 311452Z MAY 07
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0918
INFO RUFGSHZ/SHAPE BE PRIORITY
UNCLAS USNATO 000346 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN USNATO
SUBJECT: WELCOME FOR SENATOR WILLIAM NELSON AND TRAVELING
PARTY JUNE 3-4, 2007

REF: STATE 73967

UNCLAS USNATO 000346

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN USNATO
SUBJECT: WELCOME FOR SENATOR WILLIAM NELSON AND TRAVELING
PARTY JUNE 3-4, 2007

REF: STATE 73967


1. Mission welcomes The Honorable William Nelson and
traveling party June 3-4, 2007. Control officers for the
visit are USNATO Political Officer Robert Kemp, Office
Tel:(32)2-724-3125, Cell: (32) 0494.54.55.58, Fax:
(32)2-724-3421 and Col. Brian Murtha, USMC, Special Assistant
to the Commander USEUCOM/SACEUR, DSN: 314 423 4366, COMM: 32
(0)65 44 4366, Cell: 32 (0)476 59 6002.


2. Hotel reservations have been confirmed at Hilton Hotel
the for Senator and Mrs. William Nelson; Mr. Peter Mitchell,
Chief of Staff for Senator Nelson; Ms. Caroline Tess,
Professional Staff Member, Senate Select Committee on
Intelligence; Capt. Steve Vahsen, USN Escort Officer. Hotel
information: Hilton, Boulevard de Waterloo, 38, 1000
Brussels. Tel: 32 2 504 1111. Fax: 32 2 504 2111.



3. Senator Nelson will be met upon arrival at the Charleroi
Airport by Col. Murtha and upon arrival at the Hilton hotel
the evening of June 3, by Mr. Robert Kemp. Transportation
requirements have been arranged according to reftel and email
correspondence.


4. 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.


5. 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.


6. 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).


7. Please advise if further assistance is needed.
OLSON