Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07USNATO94
2007-02-14 16:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Mission USNATO
Cable title:  

WELCOME TO USNATO FOR HONORABLE JOHN TANNER AND

Tags:  OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN AORC NATO USEU OECD BEXP 
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VZCZCXYZ0016
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNO #0094/01 0451641
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141641Z FEB 07
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0486
INFO RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 6202
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

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