US embassy cable - 04THEHAGUE2410

UNCLAS THE HAGUE 002410 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR AC/CB 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: AMGT, ASEC, NL, OTRA, PARM, CWC 
SUBJECT: CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC):  COUNTRY 
CLEARANCE FOR LISA BENTHIEN 
 
REF: STATE 202945 
 
This is CWC-109-04. 
 
1.  (U)  Country clearance is granted to the following 
individual traveling to The Hague to attend the OPCW 2005 
Budget meeting: 
 
--BENTHIEN, Lisa 
Arrive: 26 September 
Depart: 03 October 
 
Hotel reservations have been made for 26 Sept-2 Oct at the 
Golden Tulip Bel Air Hotel; address: Johan de Wittlaan 30, 
2517 JR, The Hague; phone: (31) (70) 352-5354; fax: (31) (70) 
352-5385.  Single room rate is EURO 115 plus tax.  Reftel 
requested the Dorint, however it was unavailable for Ms. 
Benthien's travel dates. 
 
2.  (U)  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. 
 
3.  (U) On July 9, 2004, the Dutch government implemented 
heightened security measures in response to concerns of 
terrorist activity.  U.S, citizens in the Netherlands are 
encouraged to monitor media reports, and are reminded to 
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate 
steps to increase their security awareness. 
 
4.  (U) The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about 
the heightened possibility of terrorist attacks against U.S. 
citizens and interests abroad.  As noted in the Department of 
State,s Worldwide Caution of April 29, 2004, terrorists do 
not distinguish between official and civilian targets. 
Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, 
suicide operations, hijackings, bombings or kidnappings. 
These may also involve commercial aircraft and maritime 
interests, and threats to include conventional weapons, such 
as explosive devices. 
 
5.  (U) A concern for visitors is crime.  Most crimes against 
official Americans are limited to pick-pocketing and luggage 
theft.  Theft from automobiles and hotel rooms is not 
unknown.  Recently, theft of laptop computers has increased, 
especially at Schiphol Airport and major train stations.  The 
thieves operate in small groups that target travelers.  They 
are determined and well practiced at distraction theft. 
Several official travelers have been victimized, losing 
personal or unclassified government computers, valuable 
software and data.  Travelers are reminded regulations 
require the use of the diplomatic pouch for shipment of 
classified equipment and information. 
Streets can be walked in relative safety, but as in any U.S. 
urban area, caution should be exercised after dark in the 
more populated cities of The Hague, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam. 
 Red-light districts and public transportation hubs are 
common locations for incidents of street crime. 
 
6.  (U) For the latest security information, Americans living 
and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the 
Department,s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at 
http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide 
Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be 
found. 
 
7.  (U)  Ito sends. 
SOBEL