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Viewing cable 07USNATO299, WELCOME JOHN ERATH AND PAUL BROTZEN TO NATO MAY

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
07USNATO299 2007-05-11 13:11 2011-08-24 01:00 UNCLASSIFIED Mission USNATO
VZCZCXYZ0010
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNO #0299/01 1311311
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 111311Z MAY 07
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0828
INFO RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 0187
RUEHVI/AMEMBASSY VIENNA 0360
UNCLAS USNATO 000299 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: ASCE NATO OTRA AU BE EUN GM SI UK
SUBJECT: WELCOME JOHN ERATH AND PAUL BROTZEN TO NATO MAY 
13-16, 2007 
 
REF: STATE 006311 
 
1.  Mission welcomes Mr. John F. Erath, EUR/SCE Deputy 
Director, and  LTC Paul C. Brotzen, EUR/RPM Policy Officer 
for meetings.  Control officer for the visit is Greg Shaffer, 
work tel:(32)2-724-3383 and fax: (32)2-724-3421. Admin. 
support is provided by Lucia Krul (32) 2-724-3233. 
 
2.  Hotel reservations for Mr. Erath have been confirmed at 
the Jolly Sablon, Bodenbroeck 2, 1000 Brussels, ph: (32) 
2-512-8800 and fax: (32) 2-512-6766 for arrival May 13 and 
departure May 16, confirmation number 359584.  Reservations 
for Mr. Brotzen have been arranged by DOD via email at the 
Jolly Sablon, Confirmation number 359784. 
 
3.  The primary mode of transportation for visitors to 
Brussels is metered taxis, which are plentiful and reliable. 
However, fares, which can be vouchered, are quite expensive. 
The bus, tram and metro system are excellent. 
 
4.  NATO visitor passes have been arranged for meeting 
participants and can be picked up at NATO's main gate 
entrance between 0800-1700.  After 1700 passes are available 
for pick up at the main reception desk.  Visitors should then 
proceed directly to the U.S. Mission, near the NATO "F-wing" 
entrance.  For security reasons, all visitors, even those 
with green NATO badges, must present two pieces of 
identification or their blue State Department-issued badge to 
the Marine Guard before being admitted into the U.S. Mission. 
Visitors must also leave cell phones and other electronic 
equipment with the Marine Guard.  Mission appreciates your 
cooperation. 
 
5.  Computer and Electronics Usage:  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. 
 
6.  Regarding money, there is a branch of the ING Bank at 
NATO which has an ATM that accepts U.S. bank/credit union 
cards on the "PLUS" system.  Numerous downtown banks also 
have ATM machines.  Traveler's checks can be exchanged in 
most banks.  On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, there is a 
cashier at USNATO to which TDY visitors with travel orders 
have access. 
 
7.  Threat Assessment:  A worldwide caution regarding the 
threat of transnational terrorism was issued by the 
Department of State.  (Please consult the Department's 
website for text:  HTTP:HTravel.State.Gov.)  In light of this 
caution and the events of September 11, 2001, all visitors 
are encouraged to assess their security posture, and be alert 
to their surroundings.  All visitors should exercise caution 
while traveling abroad as U.S. citizens and facilities are 
often the target of groups demonstrating opposition to the 
U.S. foreign policy. 
 
8.  Belgium remains a relatively safe country but as a result 
of the war in Iraq, and sentiments expressed by its citizens 
against the war, American visitors are advised to exercise 
caution and avoid anti-American demonstrations.  Also, it is 
prudent not to wear clothes or carry articles with logos and 
emblems associated with the United States at this time.  By 
taking reasonable precautions, visitors should enjoy an 
uneventful stay. However, purse snatching and pick-pocketing 
are occurring more frequently.  In Brussels, pick-pocketing 
and purse snatching are more prevalent in the metro system 
(subway, bus, tram) and at Brussels' three major train 
stations:  Gare du Nord (North Station), Gare Central 
(Central Station), and especially Gare du Midi (South 
Station).  Extra caution should be used at the Gare Centrale 
Station.  Victims have been asked for assistance by someone 
who appeared lost and anxious to catch their train.  As the 
victim responds to the request, a third person appears and 
steals laptop computers, and other related travel items. 
According to the police, this is a new strategy by criminal 
gangs operating at Central Station.  Apparently they prefer 
platforms 3 and 4, used by trains going to the airport and 
obviously carrying the best category of potential victims. 
Valuables should never be left unattended in vehicles and car 
doors should always be kept locked when driving.  Carry only 
a minimum amount of cash, credit cards and ID.  Expensive 
jewelry, financial records, address books and other personal 
effects should be left at home or stored in a safe place 
during your visit. 
 
9. Emergency numbers for the Police and Medical Assistance 
 
are 101 and 100 respectively, and for cellular phones 
(locally) 112.  Visitors to Belgium requiring additional 
information should contact the Brussels Regional Security 
Office at 32-2-508-2370 (if dialing locally, 02-508-2370). 
 
10.  Please advise if further assistance is needed. 
NUAND