VZCZCXYZ0043
PP RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNY #1395/01 3131359
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 091359Z NOV 06
FM AMEMBASSY OSLO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4880

UNCLAS OSLO 001395 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
H FOR TYREA LONON 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN NO DA
SUBJECT: STAFFDEL EDWARDS VISIT TO OSLO NOVEMBER 21-23 
 
REF: STATE 182325 
 
¶1.  Embassy Oslo welcomes the visit of Mr. Issac Edwards, 
Professional Staff Member, to Oslo, Norway from November 
20-23, 2006 to participate in meetings of the Standing 
Committee of Parliamentarians of the Arctic Region.  Post 
requests security clearance information for Mr. Edwards. 
Please see paragraph 15 for an important action request. 
 
¶2.  The Control Officer for the visit is Mr. David Henry, 
Pol/Econ Section, who can be reached at (47) 2130-8962 
(office), (47) 9340-7807 (cellular) or via e-mail at 
henryda@state.gov. 
 
¶3.  Lodging:  Reservations have been made at the Radisson SAS 
Scandinavia Hotel, Holbergsgate 30, 0166 Oslo, phone (47) 
2329-3000 and fax (47) 5176-6001 for the nights of November 
21 and 22 for Mr. Edwards (#724047).  Please contact the 
embassy's General Services Office at least twenty-four hours 
prior to arrival for cancellations. 
 
¶4.  Embassy control officer will meet and assist Mr. Edwards 
at the airport.  Embassy will provide a cellular phone for 
Mr. Edwards' use in Norway. 
 
¶5.  Embassy Information:  The Embassy is located in downtown 
Oslo on Henrik Ibsens Gate 48 and directly across the street 
from the National Theater Rail Station (Drammensveien exit). 
The main Embassy switchboard number during working hours is 
(47) 22 44 85 50; after hours Post One telephone is (47) 21 
30 85 01. The general Management fax number is (47) 22 43 07 
¶77.  The Embassy website is:  www.usa.no. 
 
¶6.  In accordance with the guidance issued to all U.S. 
citizens by the State Department in the Worldwide Public 
Announcement dated 18 October 2006, U.S. citizens should be 
alert of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and 
anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests 
overseas. 
 
¶7.  The Department of State is deeply concerned about the 
continued threat of terrorist attacks against U.S. citizens 
and interests abroad, as well as the potential for 
demonstrations and violent actions against U.S. citizens and 
interests overseas.  U.S. citizens are reminded that 
demonstrations and rioting can occur at any time.  In 
reaction to the execution of hostages in Iraq, there have 
been demonstrations and associated violence in the hostages' 
country of origin.  While Americans are generally not the 
targets in such incidents, U.S. citizens could be caught up 
in the violence.  U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain a 
high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to 
increase their security awareness. 
 
¶8.  The Department of State remains concerned by indications 
that Al-Qaida and affiliated groups continue to prepare to 
strike U.S. interests abroad.  Al-Qaida and its associated 
organizations have struck in Europe, Asia, and the  Middle 
East.  Future Al-Qaida attacks could possibly involve 
non-conventional weapons such as chemical or biological 
agents as well as conventional weapons of terror, to include 
explosive devices. 
 
¶9.  Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, 
assassinations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings.  These 
may also involve aviation and other transportation and 
maritime interests.  Terrorists do not distinguish between 
official and civilian targets.  These may include facilities 
where U.S. citizens and other foreigners congregate or visit, 
including residential areas, business offices, clubs, 
restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels and public 
areas.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to maintain a high level 
of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their 
security awareness. 
 
¶10.  In the wake of the July 2005 London bombings and the 
March 2004 train attacks in Madrid, Americans are reminded of 
the potential for terrorists to attack public transportation 
systems.  In addition, extremists may also select aviation 
and maritime services as possible targets. 
 
¶11.  U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a 
heightened state of alert.  These facilities may temporarily 
close or suspend public services from time to time to assess 
their security posture.  In those instances, U.S. embassies 
and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency 
services to U.S. citizens.  Americans abroad are urged to 
monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest 
U.S. embassy or consulate. 
 
¶12.  As the State Department continues to develop information 
on any potential security threats to U.S. citizens overseas, 
it shares credible threat information through its consular 
information program documents, available on the Internet at 
http://travel.state.gov.  In addition to information on the 
Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on 
security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in 
the U.S. or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll 
line at 1-317-472-2328. 
 
¶13.  Travelers intending to bring, and use, any USG provided 
electronic or photographic equipment (including Personal Data 
Assistants (PDAs)) must contact the embassy's Regional 
Security Officer and receive permission prior to introducing 
that equipment into the Chancery.  Personal electronic or 
photographic equipment is not permitted in the Chancery. Only 
in severely limited cases will notebook or laptop computers 
be permitted in the Chancery. 
 
¶14.  Norway has a relatively low crime rate.  However, the 
exercise of basic security awareness is prudent and called 
for.  Violent crime throughout Norway is rare, but not 
unheard of.  Instances of pick-pocketing and petty theft are 
predictably common in the major tourist areas, hotel lobbies 
and buffets and in the train, bus stations and surrounding 
urban areas.  Travelers are urged to use their hotel safes or 
safe deposit boxes and to carry limited amounts of cash and 
valuables.  Exercising common sense and good judgment can 
best insure your personal safety.  The Norwegian police are 
responsive, professional and cooperative.  The emergency 
number throughout Norway is 112. 
 
¶15.  Action Request:  Each visitor, regardless of length of 
stay, must bring/forward fiscal data to pay for direct costs 
of the visit.  Each agency, organization, or visiting 
delegation will be charged for the actual costs attributed to 
their visit.  Direct charge costs include, but are not 
limited to:  American and LES staff overtime, field travel by 
Embassy employees, vehicle rentals, long distance telephone 
calls, equipment rentals, office supplies, and all other 
costs directly attributable to the visit. 
 
¶16.  Embassy Oslo looks forward to your visit. 
Whitney