VZCZCXYZ0018
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHFR #0130/01 0341738
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 031738Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY PARIS
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 8249
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