US embassy cable - 04MADRID3994

UNCLAS MADRID 003994 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR L/LEI-K. PROPP, AND J. ALLEN 
JUSTICE FOR DOJ/OIA- D. ASHLEY 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CJAN, CPAS, KCRM, SP (WALTER, RENE GREGG) 
SUBJECT: EXTRADITION CASE OF GREGG RENE WALTER 
 
REF: STATE 312918 
 
1. Country clearance is granted for Deputy U.S. 
Marshals, Randy M. Johnson and Richard B. Cobb. 
 
2. Two double rooms for single use have been reserved 
for U.S. Randy M. Johnson and Richard B. Cobb, at Hotel 
Melia Los Galgos, Claudio Coello 139, 28006 Madrid, 
tel.: 91 5626600, from October 18 to October 21, 2004. 
The rate per room and night _165.85/$203.20  (VAT 
included) and breakfast buffet is _18.20/$22.20 (VAT 
included) 
 
3. Due to staffing problems, Spanish Interpol is not 
able to meet USM at the airport. Official Madrid taxis 
are very numerous at the airport and the cost from 
airport to hotel should be between _15 and _20. Upon 
arrival, on October 18, 2004, U.S. Marshals are 
requested to contact Kim Wise at Embassy Madrid, 91-587- 
2242, to discuss surrender arrangements. 
 
4. Please be advised that Spanish visas are required 
for holders of official/diplomatic passports coming to 
Spain on official business. 
 
5.  In general, Spain is safe. However, Madrid, 
Barcelona and other large cities in Spain - including 
resort/convention areas such as Benidorm - attract a 
large number of criminals and pickpockets and frequent 
incidents of crime of opportunity against the unwary do 
occur.  Carry only essential items including a photo- 
copy of your passport's photo page.  Visitors can 
protect themselves against crime by being street-smart, 
alert and aware of their surroundings.  In the event 
you are victimized by crime, or experience any security- 
related incident, please contact the Embassy's Regional 
Security Office at 91-587-2550 or after ours at 91-587- 
2355. Official visitors to the Embassy in Madrid or the 
Consulate General in Barcelona are encouraged to 
receive a security briefing from the RSO office at 
their earliest convenience.  Additional information 
regarding safety and security in Spain is available on 
the U.S. Department of State's website 
(http://www.state.gov) and the U.S. Embassy's website 
(www.embusa.es). 
 
 
6. Travelers are encouraged to review the most recent 
Worldwide Caution issued by the Department of State. 
As the Department of State continues to develop 
information on any potential security threats to 
Americans 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, U.S. travelers can 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. 
ARGYROS