COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL MICHAEL THOMPSON + 3

UNCLAS MEXICO 001195

SIPDIS

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

FOR H - LMO AND JOHN CARTER

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN MX
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL MICHAEL THOMPSON + 3

REF: STATE 38978


1. Post warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to
Representative Michael Thompson (D-CA),Mr. Curtis Flood, Mr.
Larry Hannauer, and Ms. Meghann Courter for travel to Mexico
City from April 24-26, 2008.


2. Post control officer for the visit is Political Officer
Frank Penirian, telephone 52 (55) 5080-2417; fax 52 (55)
5080-2247; e-mail PeniriakFK@state.gov.


3. Post control officer will be at the airport to meet CODEL
Thompson and staff.


4. Hotel reservations have been made at the Sheraton Hotel
Maria Isabel, Paseo de la Reforma 325, Col. Cuauhtemoc,
Mexico City, D.F. 06500, telephone 011-52-55-5242-5555; fax
011-52-55-5207, at the government rate of $204.75 per night,
breakfast and gym included. The following confirmation
numbers apply: (1) 346538708; (2) 406538708; (3) 376538708;
(4) 396538708


5. The Department of State has designated Mexico City as a
critical threat post due to the high level of crime and the
ineffectiveness and corruption of Mexican law enforcement.
Robberies at gunpoint, pick pocketing, purse snatching,
taxicab abductions and quick-kidnappings continue to cause us
concern. Any hotel selected for you by the embassy will be
safe, but it is still wise to store all valuables in a room
safe or in a safe deposit box. Leaving expensive-looking
jewelry at home and wearing a plastic watch will
significantly improve your security profile. The Embassy
cautions travelers that they should never hail a cruising
taxi (or "libre" taxi) but should instead use
airport-sanctioned taxis, taxis operating from fixed sites
("sitios),or a cab called for you by your hotel.


6. Mexico does have health concerns. You should take normal
tourist precautions with regard to drinking water, eating
fresh fruits, vegetables and salads. Some employees react to
the pollution and high altitude; so take things slowly at
first. Travelers to Mexico City may require some time to
adjust to the altitude (7000 ft.),which can adversely affect
blood pressure, digestion, sleep, and energy level.
Individuals with sickle cell trait should consult with the
appropriate medical unit or their personal physician before
commencing with travel. Short-term (TDY) assignments carry
an added risk because of the lack of time to acclimatize.
Dehydration, stress, or illnesses compound the basic risks of
high altitude.


7. We encourage you to access further security and health
related information as well as post access regulations for
the region you are visiting at the Mission Mexico intranet
homepage at http://mexicocity.state.gov/IntraMissMex.html or
http://www.usembassy-mexico.gov.
Visit Mexico City's Classified Web Site at
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/wha/mexicocity and the North American
Partnership Blog at http://www.intelink.gov/communities/state/nap /
BASSETT