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Viewing cable 07USNATO123, USNATO WELCOME FOR MODERN INSURGENCY TEAM FEBRUARY

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
07USNATO123 2007-02-26 15:54 2011-08-24 01:00 UNCLASSIFIED Mission USNATO
VZCZCXYZ0024
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHNO #0123/01 0571554
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 261554Z FEB 07
FM USMISSION USNATO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0542
INFO RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN 0519
RUEHBS/AMEMBASSY BRUSSELS 6216
RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS
UNCLAS USNATO 000123 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: MARR OTRA PREL NATO PINS BEXP GM
SUBJECT: USNATO WELCOME FOR MODERN INSURGENCY TEAM FEBRUARY 
27-MARCH 2, 2007 
 
REF: STATE 12490 
 
1.  USNATO, in conjunction with USEU welcomes the visit of 
the Modern Insurgency Team February 27-March 2, 2007 for 
meetings at NATO and the European Union.  The USNATO control 
officer for this visit is USNATO Political Officer Mr. John 
Cockrell, work:(32-2) 724-3136, fax:(32-2) 724-3421.  He can 
also be reached through the tri-mission switchboard at (32-2) 
508-2111.  USEU Control Officer Ms. Patricia Lerner, Tel: 
(32-2) 508-2636.  Special Assistant Brett Kobie, Tel. (32-2) 
508 2625. 
 
2.  Hotel accommodations have been confirmed at the Sheraton 
Hotel, Place Rogier 3, 1210 Brussels.  Tel: (32-2) 224-3111. 
Confirmation numbers are as follows:  Lt. Col. Peter John 
Evans, Arrival February 27-Depart March 2, #696210260; Ms. 
Janine Anne Davidson, Arrival February 27-Depart March 2, 
#286210264; Ms. Kathleen McInnis, Arrival February 27-Depart 
March 2, #296210264; Col. Mark Sullivan, Arrival February 
28-Depart March 2, #796210260; Mr. Rodney Fabrycky, Arrival 
February 28-Depart March 2, #736210260. 
 
3.  The primary mode of transportation for visitors to 
Brussels is metered taxis, which are plentiful and reliable. 
Fares, which can be vouchered, are quite expensive.  The bus, 
tram and metro system are excellent. 
 
3.  A NATO visitor pass has been requested and will be 
available at NATO HQ's main entrance gate.   For security 
reasons, all visitors, even those with a green NATO badge, 
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. 
 
4.  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. Visitors must leave 
cell phones and other electronic equipment with the Marine 
Guard.  Mission appreciates your cooperation. 
 
5.  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. 
 
6.  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:Travel.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. 
 
7.  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 Centrale 
(Central Station), and especially Gare du Midi (South 
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 Centrale 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. 
 
 
8.  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). 
 
9.  Please advise if further information is needed. 
NULAND