US embassy cable - 05BRATISLAVA860

UNCLAS BRATISLAVA 000860 
 
SIPDIS 
 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP, LO, NATO 
SUBJECT: Country Clearance granted for Stuart Seldowitz 
 
REF: USNATO 000637 
 
1.   Embassy Bratislava welcomes D/PolAd Stuart Seldowitz and 
grants country clearance for the period of October 26-28, 2005. 
The embassy control officer for your visit is Lora Berg, CAO, 
tel: 421 2 5922 3083; cellphone: 421 903 721 174.  Assisting 
Ms. Berg will be Aaron Chase, POL/MIL, tel: 421 2 5922 3376; 
cellphone: 421 903 227 328. Reservation has been made at the 
Hotel Radisson SAS Carlton (address: Hviezdoslavovo nam. 1, 
Bratislava, tel. 421 2 5939 0512, res. no 152932). Room charge 
at the hotel is USD 175, which is within Bratislava per diem. 
Post understands no other assistance is requested. 
 
2.   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. 
 
3.   Security clearances and building access: if necessary, the 
regional security officer will provide a temporary embassy 
badge for you. Thank you for providing your clearance level in 
reftel. 
 
4.   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. 
 
5.   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. 
 
6.   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. 
 
7.   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. 
 
SILVERMAN 
 
 
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