Cablegate: Country Clearance for Doj Special Counsel Rusch

VZCZCXYZ0010
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHUJA #2136/01 2300634
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 180634Z AUG 06
FM AMEMBASSY ABUJA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 6828
INFO RUEHOS/AMCONSUL LAGOS 4831
RUEAWJA/DEPT OF JUSTICE WASHDC

UNCLAS ABUJA 002136

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DOJ/OPDAT FOR JOHN MCKINLEY

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: EFIN KCRM KJUS SNAR NI
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR DOJ SPECIAL COUNSEL RUSCH

REF: DEPTOFJUST 08081726

1.SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES: Because of the security situation in
Abuja, Nigeria, Motor Pool vehicles are not authorized to leave the
city between the hours of 2300 and 0600. Flights arriving/departing
during these hours will not be supported by motor pool. Travelers
using the British Air flight for arrival will need to wait at the
airport until 0630 for Motor Pool pick up. Travelers wishing to
leave the airport on their own during these hours need to request a
waiver via cable to the Chief of Mission.

2. U.S. Mission Nigeria warmly welcomes and grants country
clearance to Special Counsel Jonathan Rusch from August 22-24, 2006
to speak at the Fifth National Seminar on Economic Crimes in Abuja,
Nigeria.

3. Control Officer for this visit in Abuja is Gregory Moore,
Economic Officer who can be reached on the following numbers:

234-9-461-4378 (OFFICE)
234-803-665-1100 (CELL)
234-9-461-4273 (FAX)
234-9-413-0090 (HOME)
MooreGA@state.gov (UNCLASSIFIED EMAIL)

4. AmEmbassy Abuja will facilitate local transportation to and from
the airport and hotel for Mr. Jonathan Rusch. Posts notes that no
assistance with reservations for hotel accommodation is been
requested. Travelers are responsible for paying the hotel directly
for the cost of their hotel bill and the hotel account must be
settled prior to traveler's departure from post. It is required
that USG employees who will have accommodation exchange privileges
bring sufficient U.S. dollars to pay hotel deposit for at least 2-4
nights lodging until they are able to get to the Embassy/Consulate
cashier (closed nights and weekends) for accommodation exchange.
Non-US Government employees/contractors are not extended
accommodation exchange privileges and must bring sufficient dollars
(no travelers checks please) to cover their expenses while at post.
It is the policy and practice in Nigeria to pay a deposit when
checking into a hotel.

A. The following procedures for TDY support are in effect in
Mission Nigeria (ref: STATE 209562, dated 18 Jul, 03). Costs
associated with visiting VIPs will be funded with fiscal data from a
visiting delegation prior to a visit. ICASS services are not
charged to TDYers who are (a) temporarily filling vacant positions
or staffing gaps, (b) providing support for ICASS services, or (c)
providing post-to-post assistance (TDYers sent from one overseas
post to another to provide temporary support/assistance).

B. Each visitor, regardless of length of stay, must provide fiscal
data to pay for direct costs of the visit. Each agency,
organization, or visiting delegation will be charged for the actual
costs attributed to their visit. Direct charge costs include, but
are not limited to: American and LES staff overtime (e.g.,
expediter, accommodation exchange, representational event support),
field travel, lodging and M&IE by Embassy employees, vehicle
rentals, long distance telephone calls, equipment rentals, office
supplies and all other costs that are directly attributable to the
visit.

C. For TDYers over thirty (30) days, there is a charge for ICASS
support services (basic package, CLO, and health services). A TDY
invoice will be prepared where the ICASS services provided to that
agency cannot be direct charged and the cumulative amount billed to
the agency billing code exceeds $2,500. If your sponsoring agency
is not signed up for ICASS services at post, please be prepared to
sign a MOU for ICASS support services upon arrival. The agency
should provide post with a written communication, generated by the
traveler's headquarters that confirms the agency agreement to pay
ICASS charges for the TDYer, provides the agency ICASS billing code
the TDY support charges should be applied to, and authorizes the
traveler to sign the ICASS invoice generated by the TDY module.

5. The Mission strongly discourages the use of credit cards
anywhere in Nigeria. Visitors should carry cash (U.S. dollars).
Visitors should verify the identification of anyone presenting him
or herself as a Consulate or Embassy employee, by checking
identification badges.

6. Visas are required for entry into Nigeria and must be obtained
prior to traveling. Airport visas are not/not an available option.

7. Photography: Permission is required to take photos of buildings,
airports, bridges or official-looking areas. These sites are not
always clearly marked. Permission must be obtained from local
security personnel. Penalties range from confiscation of equipment
to arrest. Some Nigerians object to their photos being taken;
always ask permission before taking pictures of individuals.

8. Checked baggage is frequently lost or delayed from 24-72 hours
en route to Nigeria. Travelers are therefore advised to pack
clothing and essentials in their carry on luggage.

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MEDICAL
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9. Malaria prophylaxis should be started at least one week before
arrival, continued through the length of stay and at least four
weeks after departure. Post also suggests that visitors ensure that
their immunizations are up-to-date and carry their entire yellow
shot record with them. Documentation of yellow Fever vaccination is
required for entry into this country.

10. Persons coming to post TDY without requirement for a medical
clearance (TDY for less than 60 days) with chronic medical
conditions (diabetes, heart and lung conditions) are advised that
CRITICAL/EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE (US Standards) does not exist in
this country. People with chronic medical conditions are STRONGLY
ADVISED to contact the staff at the Mission Health Unit (either
Abuja or Lagos) for further information and advice about available
medical support to manage chronic health conditions. Please refer
to Post Medical Capabilities Report located on the Office of Medical
Services web site for specifics regarding available medical
facilities/specialty care.

11. Medevac insurance coverage is REQUIRED for persons NOT COVERED
under a medical care program with the State Department.

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SECURITY
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12. Security regulations govern access to U.S. Government facilities
and to classified information and classified information processing
equipment. Implementation of these regulations requires that the
Regional Security Officer be notified of the full name and type of
security clearance, if any, held by the visitor. Without this
notification, visitors will require escort in facilities where
classified information is stored, produced or discussed. Visitor
may use their diplomatic or official passports or State Department
building passes, along with a copy of this cable, to obtain a
temporary Mission identification card, which is required to access
and remain on any USG office compound in Nigeria.

13. U.S. Mission of Nigeria has not seen the security clearance held
by Mr. Jonathan Rusch.

14. There is no specific terrorist threat against American citizens
or American interests in Nigeria. Rather, the main threat to U.S.
citizens and U.S. interests is mostly criminal based upon prevailing
economic conditions. Violent crime is endemic throughout the
country. Armed street robberies, carjackings, sexual assaults,
residential burglaries and credit card fraud threaten every person
in the country, foreigners and Nigerians alike. U.S. citizens and
official travelers have not been singled out, but they are generally
perceived to be affluent and are subject to the same threat as all
other persons in Nigeria. There have also been incidents of violent
communal unrest outside Abuja and Lagos during the past several
months, and innocent bystanders have suffered. RSO has determined
that most violent crimes around Abuja take place between the hours
of 2400-0500. Post, in consultation with the RSO, has placed a
temporary travel restriction on embassy Abuja motor pool vehicles.
Embassy vehicles are not permitted to travel outside of Abuja
between the hours of 2400-0500. Since the airport is outside of
Abuja, travelers should arrange their arrival/departure flights
accordingly.

15. The security environment in Nigeria mandates that the Regional
Security Officer be notified of all travel outside Abuja at least
TWO WORKING DAYS prior to the proposed travel. Travelers need to be
aware that many areas in the country are significantly less safe
than the capital city of Abuja. Travel outside Abuja should be
undertaken with caution and scheduled to insure return to Abuja, or
another major city, before darkness.

16. Poorly maintained roads and vehicles are a danger to travelers.
Highway robberies and other violence are real threats. Public
transportation, especially buses, is extremely risky and is not
recommended. Vehicular accidents are common and frequently draw
large, confrontational crowds. Roadside assistance is sometimes
non-existent. Always use Embassy/CG Motor pool or a reliable car
hire service. TDY visitors under Chief of Mission authority who
will be in country more than ten working days are required to
receive a mandatory security briefing by the Regional Security
Office. Your sponsor will provide you with the date and time of
your briefing.
17. FOR VISITORS TO LAGOS: Due to the critical crime threat, all
official Americans, be they permanent or temporary duty, under the
authority of the Chief of Mission are to follow latest mission-wide
travel policies which may require the use of lightly armored
vehicles (LAVs) and/or armed escort. Nighttime travel outside of
Lagos is restricted.

18. Scams: Nigeria-based scams are infamous for their cleverness
and their ingenuity. These so called "419" scams target foreigners
worldwide posing both a financial loss and personal danger to
participants. Scams are frequently initiated by credit card use,
telephone calls, and unsolicited faxes or letters. No one should
provide personal or financial information to unknown parties.

19. Hotel security: Hotels used for TDY employees and visitors are
relatively safe. Guests should not venture off of the hotel grounds
to shopping areas on the street without being accompanied by a
seasoned visitor or hotel representative. Also, use of taxis or
other vehicles or drivers not specifically arranged by the hotel is
strongly discouraged. Visitors must always be cognizant of the
presence of commercial sex workers who frequent the casinos,
lobbies, pools bars and, at times, brazenly knock on individual
hotel room doors, offering their services. If confronted, be firm
and the solicitation will usually end. Persistent solicitors should
be brought to the attention of hotel security.

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PUBLIC AFFAIRS
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20. If your office has issued a press release on your visit, please
fax a copy to the Embassy's Public Affairs Section (PAS) at
234-9-523-5228, so that we can accurately answer any questions from
the local media. PAS frequently arranges press releases, background
briefings, press conferences, or one-on-one interviews with Nigerian
and resident international press correspondents to help promote USG
objectives. U.S. Mission Nigeria can work with you to place op-eds
before, during, or after the visit that can advance understanding of
the issues. Visitors who will be keynoting or making remarks at the
conferences should provide PAS with copies of remarks and handouts,
which can reach additional audiences through magazines, newspapers
or niche publications. Please advise whether you anticipate or want
any media events during your visit. To communicate directly with
PAS, please contact in Abuja, Rudolph E. Stewart, CPAO (Country
Public Affairs Officer) at 234-9-461-4202 (office phone),
234-9-461-4011 (fax), StewartRE@state.gov (e-mail) or in Lagos, Atim
George, PAO, atim_eneida_george@hotmail.com , 234-803-408-0352
(mobile), 234-1-261-5753 (office), and 234-1-263-5397 (fax).

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COMMUNICATIONS
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21. Email accounts: As a policy, post does not create email
accounts for TDY personnel. If you wish to check your email while
in Nigeria please bring the IP address or name of your home email
server.

22 The U.S. Mission wishes you a safe journey and a pleasant stay
with us.

CAMPBELL

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