WELCOME TO NATO FOR DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L USNATO 000576

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/27/2107
TAGS: OTRA NATO PREL BE
SUBJECT: WELCOME TO NATO FOR DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY
ADVISOR FOR IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN PLUS PARTY OCTOBER 26, 2007

REF: A. WHITE HOUSE

B. DTG171350Z OCT 07

Classified By: Charge d'Affaires Richard G. Olson, for reason 1.4(d)


1. (C) Mission welcomes Deputy National Security Advisor
for Iraq and Afghanistan, Douglas E. Lute, and traveling
party to Brussels for meetings, October 26-27, 2007. Control
Officers for the visit are USNATO Political Officer John
Cockrell, office: 32-(0)2-724-3136 cell 32-(0)496-198-008,
and USNATO Defense Advisor LTC Jeffrey Szczepanik, office:
32-(0)2-724-3170. Administrative support is provided by
Denise Corbin 32-(0)2-724-3233 and Kelly McKnight
32-(0)2-724-3163.


2. (C) Hotel reservations have been confirmed at the
Sheraton Hotel, Place Rogier 3, 1210 Brussels, Tel: 32 (0)2
224 3111, Fax: 32 (0)2 224 3456.

Douglas E. Lute
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed

James W. Western
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed

Eliot A. Cohen
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed

Stephen T. Ganyard
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed

David F. Gordon
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed

Mitchell E. Shivers
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed

Allen T. Jones
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed

Eliana Nanclares
Arrival: October 26, Departure October 27
Hotel: Sheraton, Place Rogier
Confirmed


3. (C) Mission-arranged transportation will be available
upon arrival in Brussels, Friday, October 26. 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. (U) NATO visitor passes have been arranged, and will be
given to party on arrival. 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. (U) 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. (U) 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. (U) 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. (U) 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. (U) 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. (U) Please advise if further assistance is needed.
OLSON