US embassy cable - 04BRUSSELS2295

UNCLAS BRUSSELS 002295 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT, OTRA, ECON, ETRD, EWWT, BE, USEU BRUSSELS 
SUBJECT: BELGIUM COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR CBP/ICE ROBERT 
ONTIVEROS 
 
REF: FAX FROM PARIS/US CUSTOMS AND BORDER PROTECTION 
 
1.  Country clearance is granted for visit of Customs and 
Border Protection Chief Inspector Robert Ontiveros of El 
Paso, TX, to replace a Container Security Initiative (CSI) 
team member already stationed at the port, pursuant to the 
U.S. Customs and Belgian Customs Agreement on Implementing 
CSI.  Country clearance is limited to 90 days unless Mr. 
Ontiveros arrives with the necessary Belgian visa in his 
passport. 
 
2.  Embassy Control Officer is Terri Robl, Economic Counselor 
who can be reached via the Embassy switchboard number 
322-508-2111. 
 
3.  Embassy understands that no further assistance is 
requested for this visit.  Nonetheless, Embassy would like to 
underscore the necessity of having the correct visa for an 
extended stay in Belgium.  Please check with the Belgian 
Embassy in Washington in this respect.  Also please schedule 
a security briefing with the RSO as soon as possible upon 
arrival. 
 
4. Threat Assessment: A worldwide caution regarding the 
threat of transnational terrorism was issued by the 
Department of State. (Please consult the Department's web 
site 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. 
 
5. 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 reasonable precautions, visitors should enjoy an 
uneventful stay. 
 
However, purse snatching and pick pocketing is occurring more 
frequently.  In Brussels, pick pocketing and purse snatching 
are prevalent in the metro system, (subway, bus tram), and at 
Brussels, three major train stations, the Gare du Nord (North 
Station), Gare Centrale (Central Station) and especially the 
Gare du Midi (South Station).  Extra caution should be used 
at the Gare Centrale 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 central 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.  The 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 (322) 508-2370. 
 
6.  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. 
 
7.  Systems Access:  If you are a DOS employee and would like 
to access Opennet during your visit (without taking the 30 
minute systems security briefing), please bring confirmation 
that you have attended within the last year, the "security 
awareness briefing on Opennet Plus."  This can be a copy of 
the form you signed when you took the briefing, a signed 
memorandum from your systems administrator or ISSO, or an 
e-mail message from your systems administrator or ISSO to 
"Brussels E-Mail-DL" or brussjasisc@state.gov. 
 
Schoonover