MOROCCO WELCOMES CODEL LYNCH APRIL 10-11, 2009

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 RABAT 000280 CODEL SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OPREP AMGT ASEC AFIN MO SUBJECT: MOROCCO WELCOMES CODEL LYNCH APRIL 10-11, 2009 REF: STATE 29978 ¶1. (U) Mission Morocco welcomes Codel Lynch's planned April 10-11 visit (Reftel). Administrative Point of Contact is IMO Sherril Pavin (Office: (011)212-537-66-8230, Home: (011)212-537-71-3005, Mobile: (011)212-661-09-5307, Fax: (011)212-537-76-5661, SBU email: PavinSL@state.gov). Visit Control Officer is Econoff Jai Nair (Office: (011)212-537-66-8136, Home: (011)212-537-71-2813, Mobile: (011)212-661-07-5319, Fax: (011)212-537-76-3984, SBU email: NairJL@state.gov). ¶2. (SBU) Post has reserved rooms for the delegation on April 10 at the Tour Hassan Hotel in Rabat (Hotel Address: 26, Rue de Chellah, Rabat, Morocco, Hotel Tel: (011)212-537-23-9000, Fax: (011)212-537-20-1946). The guest room rate is MAD 1489.60 per night (currently equivalent to USD 179.47, slighly above per diem rate of USD 169),including taxes. Breakfast is not included in this rate. The hospitality room rate is MAD 5300 per night (currently equivalent to USD 638.55). Rooms may be canceled without penalty up to 48 hours before the reservation date. -------------- Health and Security Information -------------- ¶3. (U) Health: In general the health problems in Morocco are very similar to those of the United States with a few exceptions. There are no required immunizations for entry into Morocco. Recommended vaccines are Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Rabies pre-exposure and current Tetanus/Diptheria. The number one risk for serious medical problems in Morocco is traffic accidents. The range in the availability and quality of health care varies from almost non-existent in many rural areas to good care available in Rabat, Casablanca, and some of the other metropolitan areas. Emergency services are not comparable to what we would find in the United States. Therefore, injury prevention is extremely important as you move about the country. ¶4. (U) Terrorism: In March/April 2007, a series of terrorist bombings occurred in Casablanca, two of which simultaneously targeted the U.S. Consulate General and the private American Language Center. In 2003, a series of similar attacks in Casablanca targeted hotels and restaurants. The potential for terrorist violence against American interests and citizens remains high in Morocco. Moroccan authorities continue to disrupt groups seeking to attack U.S. or Western-affiliated and Moroccan government targets, arresting numerous individuals associated with international terrorist groups. With indications that such groups still seek to carry out attacks in Morocco, it is important for American citizens to be keenly aware of their surroundings and adhere to prudent security practices such as avoiding predictable travel patterns and maintaining a low profile. Establishments that are readily identifiable with the United States are potential targets for attacks. These may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate, including clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, movie theaters and other public areas. Such targets may also include establishments where activities occur that may offend religious sensitivities, such as casinos or places where alcoholic beverages are sold or consumed. Travelers should stay abreast of recent developments within the country and read the latest State Department Consular Information Sheet covering travel to Morocco and any current Worldwide Caution Messages about travel to the Middle East and North Africa before arrival in country. The Mission takes all information concerning terrorist incidents and terrorism very seriously. The Mission investigates all incidents fully in conjunction with Moroccan authorities. All travelers are expected to report any suspicious incidents or information to the RSO immediately, 24 hours a day, at Tel. 0537-76-96-39. ¶5. (U) Crime: The threat level for crime in Morocco has been designated "high". Crimes including aggressive panhandling, pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, theft from vehicles and harassment of women are reported most frequently. They are more likely to occur in crowded market areas, transportation centers, parks and beaches. Additionally, criminals have brandished weapons, primarily knives, during some street robberies. These have generally occurred at night in either isolated places or areas less frequented by visitors. It is always best to have a travel companion and utilize taxis from point to point, particularly at night. Taxis and trains in Morocco are generally crime-free, though city buses are not considered safe. Avoid carrying large sums of cash and be particularly alert when utilizing ATM machines. In the event you are victimized by crime or an attempted crime please report the incident to the Consulate General in Casablanca as soon as possible. ¶6. (U) Demonstrations and Harassment: Demonstrations occur frequently in Morocco and usually center on local domestic issues. During periods of heightened regional tension, large demonstrations may take place in the major cities. All demonstrations require a government permit, but on occasion spontaneous unauthorized demonstrations may occur. Avoid demonstrations if at all possible. If caught in a unauthorized demonstrations, remain calm and move away immediately when provided the opportunity. Women walking alone in certain areas of cities and rural areas are particularly vulnerable to harassment from men. Women are advised to avoid walking or traveling alone. ***************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.intelink.sgov.gov/wiki/Portal:Moro cco ***************************************** Jackson