VZCZCXRO5823
RR RUEHFL
DE RUEHRO #2793/01 2781039
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 051039Z OCT 06 ZDS
FM AMEMBASSY ROME
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6155
INFO RUEHFL/AMCONSUL FLORENCE 1782

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 ROME 002793 
 
SIPDIS 
 
C O R R E C T E D  C O P Y.  CHANGED SENSITIVE CAPTION 
TO SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
FTC PASS FOR JOHN PAISI 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: TPHY OTRA KSCA NSF IT
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE GRANTED FOR FTC - WILLIAM E. 
KOVACIC OCTOBER 12-15, 2006 
 
REF: STATE 165362 
 
ROME 00002793  001.2 OF 002 
 
 
¶1.  Embassy Rome welcomes and grants country clearance for 
FTC official Mr. William E. Kovacic to travel to Florence for 
the period of October 12 - 15, 2006 to speak at the 10th 
Annual Competition Conference at the European University 
Institute, Fiesole. 
 
¶2.  Per reftel, Embassy understands that no assistance is 
required.  However, if any help is required, the Embassy's 
duty officer may be reached at any time day or night at (39) 
06-4674-1. 
 
¶3. Security/Threat Assessment: 
Due to many factors, including the ongoing global war on 
terrorism, American diplomatic facilities in Italy operate 
under a state of heightened security. Travelers are advised 
to refer to the Public Announcement issued by the Department 
of State on March 21, 2006 which is in effect until June 19, 
¶2006. 
 
The July 2005 bombings in London have resulted in additional 
attention to security.  Travelers should continue to monitor 
public announcements regarding worldwide caution. There have 
been several high-profile arrests in Italy of alleged 
terrorists with links to Al-Qaeda.  Several groups, including 
the Red Brigades, who flourished in Italy during the late 
seventies and early eighties, and later the Autonomists, have 
claimed responsibility for violent crimes in the past. 
Members are mostly radical students and disruptive youths. 
 
There have been sporadic demonstrations, usually of a 
political nature, some with anti-war and anti-American 
themes, demanding the withdrawal of Italian troops from Iraq. 
 Although most of these demonstrations have been peaceful, 
they often cause traffic congestion, which is already very 
heavy in city centers. Workers' strikes can also affect 
transportation, and are sometimes called with as little as 24 
hours notice.  These strikes often result in the cancellation 
of local airline flights, and disruptions in local train, 
bus and metro operations. 
 
We monitor the security environment closely and issue updated 
assessments as warranted.  While there is presently no 
information available that indicates targeting of a specific 
individual, all visitors and resident USG personnel are 
encouraged to maintain a heightened state of security 
awareness. Travelers should maintain a low profile; stay 
alert for unusual activity, and avoid repetitious patterns 
and habits by varying routes and times of departures and 
arrivals.  Visitors to U.S. diplomatic and military 
facilities should be aware that increased security measures 
are in effect at these locations.  Unusual or suspicious 
incidents should be reported immediately to the RSO. 
 
Street crime occurs frequently, especially in large cities 
and at tourist locations.  Visitors are warned to safeguard 
their valuables at all times, especially while walking along 
streets and when using public transportation.  Extra care 
should be taken while in crowded tourist areas. 
Pickpocketing and purse snatching occurs regularly, and 
tourists are often targeted.  Traveling on the Autostrada 
throughout Italy can be hazardous.  Rest stops are often 
hangouts for thieves. 
 
The sale of counterfeit merchandise in Italy is widespread 
and visitors should avoid buying goods from non-licensed 
vendors or vendors whom they suspect are selling fake 
products.  To combat the sale of counterfeit CDs and bags, 
the Municipality of Florence and other cities have adopted a 
policy to strictly enforce a law that imposes high fines 
(from 3,300 to 10,000 Euros) on those purchasing or accepting 
counterfeit goods. 
 
Privately-owned laptops and personal computers are prohibited 
in all classified facilities. Cellular telephones and palm 
pilots are not permitted in CAA areas. Travelers with 
USG-owned unclassified laptop or notebook computers, 
peripherals, diskettes or tapes must obtain RSO/IMO 
authorization for access.  USG-owned classified computers 
must arrive at post via classified diplomatic pouch. 
Questions concerning other types of electronic devices and 
magnetic media should be directed to the IMO or RSO. 
 
Money Exchange 
 
The unit of currency throughout Italy is the Euro.  Dollars 
or travelers checks can be legally exchanged for Euros at 
local exchange offices, hotels and the airport.  A bank, 
which is located in the Embassy, can cash checks for dollars 
 
ROME 00002793  002.2 OF 002 
 
 
or Euros only for official travelers.  Most major credit 
cards are accepted throughout Italy.  ATM machines, including 
one in the Embassy, will accept many U.S. Bank cards. 
 
Please be advised that there has been a noted increase in the 
appearance of "skimming devices" on ATM machines in Italy. 
The devices are attached to ATM machines and are able to 
capture account information stored on an ATM card's magnetic 
strip.  Along with the card reader and pin-hole video camera, 
which is normally mounted over the keypad to record the pin 
number entered, criminals are able to access the account. 
Travelers should use ATM machines that are inside secured 
banks/businesses, and are in well-lit areas.  The keypad 
should be covered with one hand as you enter your PIN code. 
Avoid ATM machines that show evidence of tampering or other 
irregularities. 
 
Visa Requirements 
 
Italian visas are not required for TDY stays of less than 90 
days for holders of diplomatic, official or tourist passports. 
 
For further information regarding travel in Italy, consult 
the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet 
http://www.travel.state.gov/italy.html or 
Embassy Rome's Internet site on travel in Italy 
http://www.usembassy.it/usa/ 
SPOGLI