Cablegate: Codel Frist Aug 11

This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.

271434Z Jul 04

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 THE HAGUE 001894

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR H, EUR/UBI, EUR/PGI

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN CH SU KE NL
SUBJECT: CODEL FRIST AUG 11

REF: STATE 160305

1. Embassy The Hague warmly welcomes and grants country
clearance for Senator Frist and staff members in The
Netherlands on August 11, 2004.

2. As museums and stores in Amsterdam will not be open during
transit time, post recommends delegation remain at the
Schipol airport. Post also recommends the Senator and staff
use Schiphol's VIP facility, which affords comfort and
expedited transit through customs, immigration, and security.
VIP services/lounge costs 199 euros to accommodate up to
eight people. If desired, Post can also reserve rooms for the
party at the Airport Mercur hotel, which would allow Senator
Frist and his party to freshen up before continuing their
trip; alternatively, hotel showers are available (without
rooms) at a cost of 25 euros. Ambassador would like to offer
Senator and staff members an airport briefing focusing on the
Dutch EU Presidency's relations with China and Sudan.

3. Jody Buckneberg and Julie Roberts will be co-control
officers. Buckneberg can be reached via the following: Tel:
(W) 31-70-310-9424, (M) 31-6-1250-8957; Fax: 31-70-9348;
Email: BucknebergJL@state.gov. Roberts can be reached via
the following: Tel: (W) 31-70-310-9342, (M) 31-6-2221-9301;
Fax: 31-70-310-9322; Email: RobertsJK@state.gov. Please
note: When dialing telephone/fax numbers within the
Netherlands, replace country code 31 with a zero.

POST ACCESS:

4. Visitors who need unescorted access into secure areas of
the Mission must provide proof of at least a secret
clearance. If level of clearance was not provided in the
original country clearance request it should be done by
separate cable. The cable should include SSN, and the name
of the agency granting the security clearance. Cables must
include the ASEC Tag to ensure distribution to the RSO office.

COMPUTER and ELECTRONICS USAGE:

5. 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.

6. Travelers who anticipate having special needs in terms of
either access or computer usage should contact the RSO office
before arriving at post.

SECURITY ADVISORY:

7. Post provides the following threat assessment for The
Netherlands: On July 9, 2004, the Dutch government
implemented heightened security measures in response to
concerns of terrorist activity. U.S. citizens in the
Netherlands are encouraged to monitor media reports, and are
reminded to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.

The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the
heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S.
citizens and interests abroad. As noted in the Department of
State's Worldwide Caution of April 29, 2004, terrorists do
not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Such
targets may include facilities where U.S. citizens and other
foreigners congregate or visit, including residential areas,
clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and
public areas. U.S. citizens should remain in a heightened
state of personal security awareness when attendance at such
locations is unavoidable.

Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to,
suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings.
These may also involve commercial aircraft and maritime
interests, and threats to include conventional weapons, such
as explosive devices.

A concern for visitors is crime. Most crimes against
official Americans are limited to pick-pocketing and luggage
theft. Theft from automobiles and hotel rooms are not
unknown. Recently, theft of laptop computers has increased,
especially at Schiphol Airport and major train stations. The
thieves operate in small groups that target travelers. They
are determined and well practiced at distraction theft.
Several official travelers have been victimized losing
personal or unclassified government computers, valuable
software and data. Travelers are reminded regulations
require the use of the diplomatic pouch for shipment of
classified equipment and information.

Streets can be walked in relative safety, but as in any U.S.
urban area, caution should be exercised after dark in the
more populated cities of The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam.
Red-light districts and public transportation hubs are
common locations for incidents of street crime.

For the latest security information, Americans living and
traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's
Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at
http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide
Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be
found. Up-to-date information on security can also be
obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S.,
line at 1-317-472-2328. These numbers are available from
8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday
(except U.S. federal holidays).
SOBEL

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