VZCZCXYZ0006
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHLI #3260 3621618
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 281618Z DEC 07
FM AMEMBASSY LISBON
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6533
INFO RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0337
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID 2557
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS 0406

UNCLAS LISBON 003260 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR EUR/WE, H AND RM/F/DFS/FO/AA/CAA 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT ASEC OREP AFIN
SUBJECT: LISBON GRANTS COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CODEL SHELBY 
 
REF: STATE 169176 
 
 ¶1. Embassy Lisbon warmly welcomes and grants country 
clearance for U.S. Senator Richard Shelby, Ranking Member of 
the Senate Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee and 
accompanying delegation to Lisbon from January 9 to 11.  The 
purpose of the trip is to meet with high-level officials on 
financial, economic and security issues.  Members of the 
delegation include Congressman Bud Cramer, Dr. Annette 
Shelby; Ms. Anne Caldwell, Personal staff; Mr. William 
Duhnke, Professional staff member of the banking Committee; 
Colonel Mike Barbero. 
 
¶2. Embassy Control Officer for the visit is ARSO Ray 
Kyliavas. 
 
CONTACT INFO: 
------------- 
OFC : 351-21-770-2547 
CELL: 351-91-691-5974 
E-MAIL: KyliavasR@state.gov 
 
 
¶3. Rooms have been reserved at the Dom Pedro Hotel from 
January 9-11, 2008. 
 
Address:    Av. Eng. Duarte Pacheco, 24 
            Lisbon, Portugal 
Telephone:  351-21-389-6636 
FAX:      351-21-389-6629 
 
Rate:  EUR 130.00/night for a classic single and EUR 155 for 
a classic double.  Both rates come with a buffet breakfast. 
 
We would like to mention that a 48-hour notice is due in case 
of cancellation or modification in travel plans in order to 
avoid no-show charges. 
 
¶4. TRAVEL TIPS: It is possible to use most ATM cards in 
Multibanco teller machines located throughout Lisbon. Though 
Multibanco does not assess a service charge for this 
transaction, normal service charges assessed by your own bank 
will apply.  USD 1.00 equals approximately Euro .68.  The ATM 
machine will automatically do the exchange. 
 
¶5. THREAT ASSESSMENT:  In light of the current worldwide 
security situation all Americans are reminded that it is more 
important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and 
to take the appropriate steps to increase their security 
awareness.  Be sure to vary your times and routes and avoid 
patterns in your activities. There are no known specific and 
credible threats to include violent demonstrations, terrorist 
or criminal acts that would impact on your visit.  Personnel 
under the Chief of Mission's authority will be notified of 
any security advisories issued during the visit.  While in 
Portugal, if you notice any suspicious activity or have any 
security concerns, the Embassy Regional Security Officer 
(RSO) should be notified as soon as possible. 
 
¶6.  Portugal has a relatively low amount of street crime. 
Violent criminal confrontations and the use of weapons are 
rare in Portugal.  Burglars and pickpockets are active and 
visitors are encouraged to safeguard their valuables and not 
carry large amounts of cash or unneeded credit cards. 
Visitors should be very careful on crowded streets, in 
entertainment areas, department stores, restaurants or 
crowded public transportation.  Car crime, such as auto 
thefts and thefts from vehicles is low.  Travelers are warned 
not to leave valuables in hotel rooms.  Eastern European 
organized crime groups are active in Portugal, but mainly 
target the immigrant population.  The police and other 
emergency services in Portugal are adequate.  Threat 
information, through the Consular Information Program is 
available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In 
addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers may 
hear recorded information by calling the Department of State 
in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone 
telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by 
dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine. 
Stephenson