WELCOME FOR EDWARD SMITH JUNE 27-30, 2007

UNCLAS USNATO 000386

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OTRA AMGT ASEC AFDB BE
SUBJECT: WELCOME FOR EDWARD SMITH JUNE 27-30, 2007

REF: STATE 87739


1. Mission welcomes the visit of Edward Smith, Senior
Advisor, South Central Asian Affairs Bureau to Brussels June
27-29. The overall control officer for this visit is USNATO
Political Officer Mr. John Cockrell, work: 32.(0)2.724.3136,
Cell: 32.(0)496.198.008. USEU point of contact is PolMil
Chief Jeremy Brenner, and Embassy Brussels poc is Political
Counselor Ted Andrews, both of whom can be reached through
the tri-missions switchboard at 32.(0)2.508.2111.


2. Mission acknowledges that hotel arrangements have been
made for Mr. Edward in advance at the Crowne Plaza Brussels
for June 27-30 and no further action is required.


3. 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.


4. A NATO visitor pass has been arranged, and will be passed
to the visitor in advance by Mr. Cockrell. 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.
SELDOWITZ