VZCZCXYZ0016
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNO #0094/01 0451641
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 141641Z FEB 07
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 0486
INFO RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 6202

UNCLAS USNATO 000094 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN AORC NATO USEU OECD BEXP
FR, IT 
SUBJECT: WELCOME TO USNATO FOR HONORABLE JOHN TANNER AND 
DELEGATION, FEB 17-20,2007 
 
REF: SECSTATE 13564 
 
¶1.  Mission welcomes the visit of Representative John 
Tanner(D-TN), Chairman, House NATO Parliamentary Assembly, 
and traveling party: 
-Honorable John Tanner and Mrs. Betty Ann Tanner 
-Honorable Dennis Moore and Mrs. Stephene Moore 
-Honorable Mike Ross and Mrs. Holly Ross 
-Honorable Ben Chandler and Mrs. Jenifer Chandler 
-Honorable Davis Scott and Mrs. Alfredia Scott 
-Honorable Melissa Bean and Mr. Alan Bean 
-Honorable Paul Gilmore and Mrs. Karen Gilmore 
-Honorable Jo Ann Emerson and Mr. Ron Gladney 
-Honorable John Boozman and Mrs. Kathy Boozman 
(Staff)-Mrs. Melisa Adamson, Ms. Kathy Becker, Mr. Lee Cohen, 
Dr. Paul Gallis, Dr. Kay King, Ms. Susan Olson, Ms Marylyn 
Owen, Mr. Mark Wellman, (Military Escorts)-Col Darrell Adams, 
Major Eric Hommel, MSgt Michael Edwards, SSgt Cari Woodford, 
and LT Brad Serwer to NATO HQ for meetings on February 18-20, 
¶2007.  Overall control officer for the visit is Political 
Officer Mr. Greg Shaffer, Tel: (32-2) 724-3383, fax: (32-2) 
724-3422, cell (32) 0477-981-129. E-Mail: shaffergm@state.gov. 
 
¶2.  Hotel reservations are confirmed at the Hilton Hotel, 
Boulevard de Waterloo 38, 1000 Brussels. Tel: (32)02-504-1111 
Fax: (32)02-504-2111. Cashier will be available and per diem 
will be issued.  Delegation and Embassy Control rooms have 
been set-up according to received instructions. 
 
¶3.   USNATO will provide protocol and transportation for the 
duration of the visit.  Scheduling arrangements are being 
made by email. 
 
¶4.  NATO visitor passes have been arranged for the delegation 
and will be provided by Mr. Shaffer upon arrival.  For 
security reasons, all visitors, even those with green NATO 
badges, must present two pieces of identification to the 
Marine Guard before being admitted into the U.S. Mission. 
 
¶5.  Computer and Electronics Usage:  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.  Travelers who anticipate having special needs 
in terms of either access or computer usage should contact 
the RSO office before arriving at post. Visitors must leave 
cell phones and other electronic equipment with the Marine 
Guard.  Mission appreciates your cooperation. 
 
¶6.  Threat Assessment:  A worldwide caution regarding the 
threat of transnational terrorism was issued by the 
Department of State.  (Please consult the Department's 
website for text:  HTTP:Travel.State.Gov.)  In light of this 
caution and the events of September 11, 2001, all visitors 
are encouraged to assess their security posture, and be alert 
to their surroundings.  All visitors should exercise caution 
while traveling abroad as U.S. citizens and facilities are 
often the target of groups demonstrating opposition to the 
U.S. foreign policy. 
 
¶7.  Belgium remains a relatively safe country but as a result 
of the war in Iraq, and sentiments expressed by its citizens 
against the war, American visitors are advised to exercise 
caution and avoid anti-American demonstrations.  Also, it is 
prudent not to wear clothes or carry articles with logos and 
emblems associated with the United States at this time.  By 
taking reasonble precautions, visitors should enjoy an 
uneventful stay.  However, purse snatching and pick-pocketing 
are occurring more frequently.  In Brussels, pick-pocketing 
and purse snatching are more prevalent in the metro system 
(subway, bus, tram) and at Brussels' three major train 
stations:  Gare du Nord (North Station), Gare Centrale 
(Central Station), and especially Gare du Midi (South 
Station).  Victims have been asked for assistance by someone 
who appeared lost and anxious to catch their train.  As the 
victim responds to the request, a third person appears and 
steals laptop computers, and other related travel items. 
According to the police, this is a new strategy by criminal 
gangs operating at Centrale Station.  Apparently they prefer 
platforms 3 and 4, used by trains going to the airport and 
obviously carrying the best category of potential victims. 
Valuables should never be left unattended in vehicles and car 
doors should always be kept locked when driving.  Carry only 
a minimum amount of cash, credit cards and ID.  Expensive 
jewelry, financial records, address books and other personal 
effects should be left at home or stored in a safe place 
during your visit. 
 
¶8.  Emergency numbers for the Police and Medical Assistance 
are 101 and 100 respectively, and for cellular phones 
 
(locally) 112.  Visitors to Belgium requiring additional 
information should contact the Brussels Regional Security 
Office at 32-2-508-2370 (if dialing locally, 02-508-2370). 
 
¶9.  Please advise if further information is needed. 
NULAND