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PP RUEHC
DE RUEHNY #0448/01 1201306
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 301306Z APR 07 ZDK ZUI SVC RUEHZC #0779 1201652
FM AMEMBASSY OSLO
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 5599

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 OSLO 000448 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KSCA TSPL OTRA NO
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR E. BRUCE HOWARD AND ANITA 
EISENSTADT TO VISIT NORWAY MAY 9-14 
 
REF: STATE 57198 
 
¶1.  Embassy Oslo welcomes and grants country clearance to E. 
Bruce  Howard and Anita Eisenstadt to U.S. Department of 
State to travel to  Oslo, Norway from May 9-14, 2007 to 
participate in the US-Norway Bilateral Meeting on Science and 
Technology Cooperation.  Security clearance information for 
Mr. Howard and Ms. Eisenstadt was not provided. 
 
¶2.  Post has reserved hotel accommodations at the Radisson 
SAS Scandinavia Hotel Holbergsgate 30 N-0166 Oslo, Norway, 
Tel. 47,23293000, Fax  47 2329 3001.  Reservations for Ms. 
Eisenstadt are for nights of May 9 and May 13.  Reservations 
for Mr. Howard are for nights of May 9 and May 10. 
 
¶3.  There are three primary modes of transportation to/from 
the airport: 
 
¶A.  Post recommends that visitors take the Fly-toget express 
train that leaves the airport every 15 to 20 minutes. 
Visitors should exit the train at the National Theater 
Station at Drammensveien (located  directly across the street 
from the Embassy).  The price for a one-way ticket from the 
airport is 160 NOK. 
 
¶B.  Alternatively, visitors can take a SAS airport bus (about 
one hour) to mid-town Oslo with stops at the SAS hotels and 
the central bus station.  The bus fare is 110 NOK for a 
one-way ticket, and 170 NOK for a return ticket. 
 
¶C.  Taxis from the airport cost between 650-850 NOK.  Please 
confirm that the driver will accept payment by credit card 
before departing the airport. 
 
¶4.  Automatic teller machines, which accept most U.S. 
bankcards, and currency exchange windows are located directly 
across from the International Arrivals gate at the airport. 
Credit cards are readily used and accepted in Norway.  The 
current rate of exchange is approximately 6 NOK to 1 USD. 
 
¶5.  Travelers intending to bring, and use, any USG provided 
electronic or photographic equipment (including Personal Data 
Assistants (PDAs)) must contact RSO 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. 
 
¶6.  Embassy Information:  The Embassy is located in downtown 
Oslo on Henrik Ibsens Gate 48.  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. 
 
¶7.  Security: In accordance with the guidance issued to all 
U.S. citizens by the State Department in the Worldwide Public 
Announcement dated 08 March 2005, U.S. citizens should be 
alert of the continuing threat of terrorist actions and 
anti-American violence against U.S. citizens and interests 
overseas. 
 
¶8.  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. 
 
¶9.  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. 
 
¶10.  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, 
 
OSLO 00000448  002.2 OF 002 
 
 
restaurats, 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. 
 
¶11.  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. 
 
¶12.  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. 
 
¶13.  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. 
 
¶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.  Embassy Oslo looks forward to your visit. 
WHITNEY