Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08USNATO85
2008-03-04 13:18:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Mission USNATO
Cable title:  

WELCOME TO NATO FOR A/S RICHARD A. BOUCHER AND MS.

Tags:  PARM PREL OTRA OVIP BE 
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VZCZCXYZ0438
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNO #0085/01 0641318
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 041318Z MAR 08
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1685
INFO RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 6478
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 0112
UNCLAS USNATO 000085 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL OTRA OVIP BE
SUBJECT: WELCOME TO NATO FOR A/S RICHARD A. BOUCHER AND MS.
CAITLIN HAYDEN MARCH 6-7, 2008

REF: STATE 020623

UNCLAS USNATO 000085

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PARM PREL OTRA OVIP BE
SUBJECT: WELCOME TO NATO FOR A/S RICHARD A. BOUCHER AND MS.
CAITLIN HAYDEN MARCH 6-7, 2008

REF: STATE 020623


1. Mission welcomes Ambassador Richard A. Boucher, Assistant
Secretary, and Ms. Caitlin Hayden, Bureau of South and

SIPDIS
Central Asian Afairs to USNATO on March 6-7, 2008. Control
Officer for the visit is USNATO Political Officer John
Cockrell. Office: (32)2-724-3136 Mobile: (32)496-198-008
Fax: (32)2-724-3404. Administrative support is provided by
Michon Halladay (32)2-724-3233.


2. Hotel reservations have been confirmed at the Hilton
Hotel, Boulevard de Waterloo 38, 1000 Brussels. Tel:
(32)2-504-1111 Fax: (32)2-504-2111. Confirmation contact is
Sandra Slawinski of Joint Administrative Services GSO/TVC,
mobile phone number (32)0479-976916. A/S Boucher and Ms.
Hayden are both arriving on March 6 and departing on March 7.
A/S Boucher may proceed to the S/ES control room on the 17th
floor for room key. A/S Boucher does not need to check in or
check out of the hotel. Ms. Hayden will need to check in and
out of the hotel at the front desk.


3. USNATO Political Officer John Cockrell will be at the
Brussels International Airport in anticipation of Jet Airways
Flt 0230's arrival at 0720 to meet A/S Boucher and Ms.
Hayden. Transportation has been arranged to and from the
airport and their meetings throughout the trip. NATO visitor
passes will be distributed by Mr. Cockrell at the airport.
The schedule has been passed via e-mail.


4. 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.
NULAND