US embassy cable - 05BRATISLAVA689

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000689 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
SECDEF FOR DTSA/ARLINGTON SITE 
DOC/BIS FOR LOCKWOOD-SHABAT AND S. PORTER 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ETTC, KSTC, PARM, PREL, KNNP, LO 
SUBJECT:  Country Clearance granted for Rossitza B. Petrov  and 
Jennifer C. Whitcomb 
 
REF:  STATE 155454 
 
1.   Embassy Bratislava welcomes U.S.-Slovakia Internal Control 
Program instructors Rossitza B. Petrov and Jennifer Carol 
Whitcomb and grants country clearance for the period of 
September 24-30, 2005. The embassy point of contact for the 
visit is Richard "Trey" Lyons, POL Officer, tel: +421-2-5922- 
3210. 
 
2.   Reservation has been made at the Hotel Marrol's (Address: 
Tobrucka 4, Bratislava, tel.+421-2-5778-4600, res.no 14549). 
Room charge at the hotel is USD 160 which is within Bratislava 
perdiem. Please note that the Radisson SAS Carlton hotel was 
not available for the requested period. Post understands no 
other logistical assistance is required. 
 
3.   The U.S. Embassy's address is Hviezdoslavovo nam. 4, 811 
02 Bratislava, Slovakia. Telephone numbers are: +421-2-5443- 
0861 or +421-2-5443-3338. 
 
4.   Security clearances and building access: if necessary, the 
regional security officer will provide a temporary embassy 
badge for you. However a clear telegraphic indication of your 
security level must be provided for unescorted access into any 
mission facility. 
 
5.   Computer access to mission facilities: privately owned 
laptops and personal computers (including palm pilots), 
peripherals, diskettes and tapes are prohibited in all mission 
facilities. Travelers with United States Government (USG) owned 
unclassified laptop or notebook computers, peripherals, 
 
SIPDIS 
diskettes and tapes must receive RSO/IPO authorization prior to 
being granted access to U.S. mission buildings.  USG-owned 
classified computers must be sent to post via classified 
diplomatic pouches. Classified equipment must bear external USG 
bar codes, inventory numbers, and classification marking 
commensurate with the highest level of information processed on 
the system. 
 
6.   Security: post reminds traveler that we are under a high 
level threat of potential terrorist activities.  This warning 
is especially applicable to those of us in diplomatic missions 
overseas. The U.S. government continues to receive credible 
indications that extremist groups and individuals are planning 
additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests worldwide. 
Such actions may include, but are not limited to suicide 
operations.  Because security and security awareness have been 
elevated within the United States, the terrorists may target 
U.S. interests overseas.  There is a possibility that American 
citizens may be targeted for kidnapping or assassination. 
Employees are reminded to remain vigilant with regard to their 
personal security and to exercise caution. 
 
7.   The Slovak republic has a "medium" rate of crime, although 
violent crime is relatively uncommon.  Visitors are urged to 
exercise reasonable precautions.  If you must walk alone at 
night, keep to populous and well-lighted areas.  Pay attention 
to your wallet, purse, handbag and cellular telephone, as all 
are popular targets of the local thieves.  The local 
pickpockets are professional and most active during the summer. 
They tend to utilize distraction techniques to confuse their 
target, preferring locations such as shopping centers, markets 
and public transportation in the vicinity of the "old town", 
near major hotels where foreigners stay and tourist sites, and 
the night trains to Prague and Warsaw. Power struggles between 
organized crime elements, which can be violent, occur from time 
to time.  This activity is not/not directed against Americans 
or other foreigners.  The rate of auto theft, which is also 
connected to organized crime, is very high in Bratislava.  Up- 
market European and American cars are preferred targets.  The 
use of alarm systems or anti-theft devices is strongly 
encouraged. 
 
8.   Medical: The Embassy's principal physician liaison is Dr. 
Julia Bruce (tel.+421-2-5922-3138). If you experience a medical 
emergency after work hours, contact the embassy duty officer at 
cell phone 0903-703-666. If you cannot reach the duty officer, 
the embassy has a contract with an English-speaking Slovak 
doctor, Dr. Capova, who is available 24 hours a day to provide 
consultations and arrange treatment at local hospitals. Dr. 
Capova can be reached at 6252 5068 (home) or at 0904 637 836 
(cell phone). Tell Dr. Capova that you are with the U.S. 
embassy and require emergency assistance. If necessary, dial 
155 to contact the city ambulance service. 
 
VALLEE 
 
 
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