VISIT OF CODEL TANNER TO PARIS, FEBRUARY 16 - 19

UNCLAS PARIS 000130 FROM USOECD PARIS SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN OVIP FR SUBJECT: VISIT OF CODEL TANNER TO PARIS, FEBRUARY 16 - 19 REF: SECSTATE 10759 ¶1. (SBU) The U.S. Mission to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) welcomes CODEL Tanner travel to Paris from February 16 to 19, 2010 to attend several official events and meetings. ¶2. (U) The control Officer for the visit is Secretary of Delegation, ¶J. Palmer Roseli, who can be reached by e-mail at RoseliJP@state.gov, by phone at 33-1-45-24-74-15, by mobile at 33-6-20-43-72-45 or by fax at 33-1-45-24-74-07. He can also be reached at home at 33-1 73-64-77-30. ¶3. (U) The administrative point of contact for the visit is Kim Walterthum. She can be reached by e-mail at walterthumka@state.gov, by phone at 33-1-45-24-74-31, by mobile at 33-6-30-09-00-73 or by fax at 33-1-45-24-74-68. ¶4. (SBU) Mr. Roseli will meet and assist at Le Bourget Airport. All hotel accommodation and transportation have been arranged. Hotel accommodations have been made at the Westin Paris Hotel; 3, rue de Castiglione, Paris 75001; Tel: +33-(0)-1-44-77-11-11; Fax: +33-(0)-1-44-77-14-60. ¶5. (U) In the event of a crisis or serious international incident involving the United States, you should immediately contact your control officer. Check the Embassy website for the latest Warden Message: http://france.usembassy.gov. ¶6. (U) Mission Media Policy: In accordance with Embassy Paris media policy, visitors from all agencies should coordinate all media events, including press interviews or statements, with the Embassy press officer. ¶7. (U) Embassy wishes to remind visitors that visas are required for holders of U.S. diplomatic or official passports on official business in France. ¶8. (U) Following is current security information for France: (A) Terrorism: The current security situation remains fluid, and American citizens should be aware of the potential risks and to take these into consideration when making travel plans. Visitors should maintain a low profile, vary routes and times for all required travel, and treat mail and packages from unfamiliar sources with suspicion. Additionally, in response to acts of terrorism within France, the French Government has continued its terrorism awareness posture, the "Plan Vigipirate." This plan calls for increased vigilance on the part of the general public, particularly in crowded public places which could be attractive targets for terrorists. French security services are also continuing to conduct identity checks and vehicular searches of the general public. All visitors to France are encouraged to assess their security posture, exercise prudent security practices, and report any suspicious incidents to the regional Security Office, Embassy Extension 2132. (B) Crime: As with many large metropolitan cities, street crime in a problem. The two major problems in this regard are pick pocketing and thefts of opportunity. Tourist attractions, the public transportation system (both metro and RER),and some of the better-known hotels are considered to be main target areas. Robbers have been known to use tear gas-type spray either prior to the robbery or to divert the victim's attention or following the attack to prevent pursuit. A good strategy is to secure valuables in hotel facilities and carry only a minimal amount of money/credit cards on the street. Criminals have been known to enter hotel rooms to steal money, credit cards, etc. They have also been known to approach a room even if the occupant is present; visitors are urged to exercise caution when admitting unknown persons into hotel rooms. Hotel occupants should directly hand room keys to hotel personnel when departing because thieves are known to pick up unattended keys from hotel counter tops. While the threat of criminal activity is somewhat reduced in outlying cities, caution is still recommended. All crimes or untoward incidents should be reported to the Regional Security Office. (C) Electronic devices: Privately-owned laptops and personal computers are prohibited in controlled access areas (CAAs) of the Mission and consulates. Travelers with USG unclassified and classified laptop or notebook computers should review '95 State 244394 (classified machines) and '95 State 243825 (unclassified machines) and notify the Information Management Office (IMO) before bringing these machines into a CAA. Cellular telephones are also prohibited in the CAA and must be left outside this area. Questions concerning other types of electronic devices may be directed to the Information Management Office or Regional Security Office. (D) Travelers planning to stay longer than 30 days are required to schedule a security briefing with the RSO. For additional threat assessment information regarding France and/or Europe, you may contact DS/ITA in the State Department at (202) 663-0787. ¶9. (U) Health Concerns: For up-to-date information on Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS),Mad Cow Disease and other health precautions for France, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website contains a detailed analysis of risks involved at: http://www.cdc.gov/travel/diseases.htm. KORNBLUH