WELCOME TO USNATO FOR HONORABLE JOHN TANNER AND

UNCLAS USNATO 000094 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN AORC NATO USEU OECD BEXP FR, IT SUBJECT: WELCOME TO USNATO FOR HONORABLE JOHN TANNER AND DELEGATION, FEB 17-20,2007 REF: SECSTATE 13564 ¶1. Mission welcomes the visit of Representative John Tanner(D-TN),Chairman, House NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and traveling party: -Honorable John Tanner and Mrs. Betty Ann Tanner -Honorable Dennis Moore and Mrs. Stephene Moore -Honorable Mike Ross and Mrs. Holly Ross -Honorable Ben Chandler and Mrs. Jenifer Chandler -Honorable Davis Scott and Mrs. Alfredia Scott -Honorable Melissa Bean and Mr. Alan Bean -Honorable Paul Gilmore and Mrs. Karen Gilmore -Honorable Jo Ann Emerson and Mr. Ron Gladney -Honorable John Boozman and Mrs. Kathy Boozman (Staff)-Mrs. Melisa Adamson, Ms. Kathy Becker, Mr. Lee Cohen, Dr. Paul Gallis, Dr. Kay King, Ms. Susan Olson, Ms Marylyn Owen, Mr. Mark Wellman, (Military Escorts)-Col Darrell Adams, Major Eric Hommel, MSgt Michael Edwards, SSgt Cari Woodford, and LT Brad Serwer to NATO HQ for meetings on February 18-20, ¶2007. Overall control officer for the visit is Political Officer Mr. Greg Shaffer, Tel: (32-2) 724-3383, fax: (32-2) 724-3422, cell (32) 0477-981-129. E-Mail: shaffergm@state.gov. ¶2. Hotel reservations are confirmed at the Hilton Hotel, Boulevard de Waterloo 38, 1000 Brussels. Tel: (32)02-504-1111 Fax: (32)02-504-2111. Cashier will be available and per diem will be issued. Delegation and Embassy Control rooms have been set-up according to received instructions. ¶3. USNATO will provide protocol and transportation for the duration of the visit. Scheduling arrangements are being made by email. ¶4. NATO visitor passes have been arranged for the delegation and will be provided by Mr. Shaffer upon arrival. For security reasons, all visitors, even those with green NATO badges, must present two pieces of identification to the Marine Guard before being admitted into the U.S. Mission. ¶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. Visitors must leave cell phones and other electronic equipment with the Marine Guard. Mission appreciates your cooperation. ¶6. 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:Travel.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. ¶7. 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 reasonble 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 Centrale (Central Station),and especially Gare du Midi (South 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 Centrale 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. ¶8. 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). ¶9. Please advise if further information is needed. NULAND