US embassy cable - 05MADRID191

UNCLAS MADRID 000191 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OTRA, PREL, SP, NATO, Country Visits 
SUBJECT: SPAIN COUNTRY CLEARANCE REQUEST FOR 
AFGHANISTAN/NATO INTERAGENCY TEAM 
 
REF: SECSTATE 9853 
 
1.  Embassy warmly welcomes and grants country clearance to 
Ambassador Marueen E. Quinn, Kurt E. Amend, USN Commander 
Debra Maddrell and Worth S. Anderson to travel to Madrid, 
January 25-26, to consult with the EU and key NATO allies 
regarding the role of the international community in 
Afghanistan. 
 
2.  Control Officer at Embassy Madrid is Political Officer 
Ricardo Zuniga who can be reached at work (34-91-587-2386) on 
his mobile at (34-650-625-413) or via e-mail 
zunigarf@state.gov. 
 
3.  As requested hotel reservations in Madrid have been made 
at the Intercontinental Castellana Hotel located at Paseo de 
la Castellana, 49, Madrid, 28046.  The hotel can be contacted 
at (34-91-700-7300) or by fax at (34-91-319-5853). 
 
4.  Other specific requests to be confirmed via e-mail. 
 
5.  Visitors are reminded that bearers of diplomatic and 
official passports coming to Spain on official business need 
to obtain a Spanish visa prior to arrival in Spain. 
 
6.  THREAT ASSESSMENT: 
 
In general, Spain is safe.  However, Madrid and other large 
cities in Spain attract a number of criminals and 
pick-pockets and frequent incidents of crimes of opportunity 
against the unwary occur.  Carry only essential items, 
including a photocopy of your passport.  Visitors can protect 
themselves from crime by being street-smart, alert, and aware 
of their surroundings.  In the even you are victimized by 
crime, or experience any other security-related incident, 
please contact the Embassy's Regional Security Office at 
91-587-2550).  Additional information regarding safety and 
security in Spain is available on the U.S. Department of 
State's website (http://www.state.gov). 
 
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, ore receive 
information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from 
their fax machine. 
MANZANARES