Belgium Used Car
US Department Of State Post Report
Professional calling cards are exchanged on a large scale in the diplomatic and business community in Brussels. Officers initially will need only about 300 professional calling cards and about 50 social cards for a family. Printing, comparable in quality to that in the U.S., is available locally as well as through the JAS Services Center. If possible, bring engraving plates. Since it takes from 2–6 weeks for airfreight to arrive, it is suggested that employees bring a supply of calling cards with them. Staff personnel do not need calling cards for protocol purposes but business cards are frequently exchanged. ... [Read More]
2004 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Belgium
Some groups continued to complain that their inclusion on a 1998 parliamentary commission's list of groups that may pose a threat to society or individuals caused discriminatory action against them. While the list has no official status, the groups continued to state that the prominence of the list, and governmental funding of the Center for Advice on Harmful Sects to monitor some groups from the list, caused negative assumptions and guilt by association. ... In June, Marc Dutroux was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by the Luxembourg Province Court of Assize for rape, drug trafficking, and forceful detention of six girls and the murder of three of them. His accomplices, including his wife, were also convicted. The investigation into these high profile crimes lasted 8 years, was the subject of public outrage and a parliamentary investigation, and caused a general overhaul of the police and numerous changes to the criminal code. It also led to the formation of nongovernmental, governmental, and quasi-governmental organizations focused on child protection. ... [Read More]
President Discusses American and European Alliance in Belgium
Our alliance is determined to meet natural disaster, famine, and disease with swift and compassionate help. As we meet today, American and European personnel are aiding the victims of the tsunami in Asia. Our combined financial commitment to tsunami relief and reconstruction is nearly $4 billion. We're working through the Global Fund to combat AIDS and other diseases across the world. And America's Emergency Plan has focused additional resources on nations where the needs are greatest. Through all these efforts, we encourage stability and progress, build a firmer basis for democratic institutions -- and, above all, we fulfill a moral duty to heal the sick, and feed the hungry, and comfort the afflicted. ... [Read More]
France and Monaco
Large criminal operations in Paris involving the use of ATM machines that “eat” the user’s ATM card have been reported. This most often happens during a weekend or at night when the bank is closed. The frustrated traveler often walks away after unsuccessfully trying to retrieve the card, with plans to return the first day the bank is open. In such cases, a criminal gang has modified the machine using an add-on device equipped with a microchip that records the user’s PIN number when it is typed in and also prevents the card from being ejected. The criminal retrieves the card from the device once the visitor departs, downloads the recorded PIN number and then goes to other ATMs and withdraws as much cash as possible. ATM users are strongly encouraged to carry a 24 ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Rental cars are available trough car rental agencies locally or at nearby U.S. military bases. The Embassy provides for the sale of duty-free gasoline to Embassy employees via a tax-free gas card, billed monthly. Gasoline quality is comparable to American grades. Lead-free gasoline is always available and diesel is on-sale at most gas stations in Luxembourg and neighboring countries. ... During 3 weeks in May, pilgrimages are made from all parts of the country to the Cathedral, culminating in a procession of the statue of “Our Lady of Luxembourg” through the city streets. The “Schueberfouer” comes to town at the end of August, following an almost unbroken tradition of over 450 years. This annual street fair has all the usual attractions loved by children: bumper cars, carousels, shooting ranges-plus many temporary restaurants and two dance halls. Social Activities Among AmericansLast Updated: 1/9/2005 10:38 AMLuxembourg is a small post and there is no American Embassy club. An American Chamber of Commerce, an American Business Association of Luxembourg, and an American Women's ... [Read More]
Europe and Central Asia
Corruption. Corruption has been the most significant problem within Georgia's law enforcement agencies. Georgia's anti- corruption efforts continue to be hampered by the widespread tolerance of corruption within Georgian society. During 2001 the Government of Georgia formed a commission to reform the law enforcement agencies (so-called "power ministries"). The commission developed a strategy for reorganization that was forwarded to the Georgian National Security Council; however, no significant changes were made. In any case, none of these proposed measures can truly ameliorate the situation given the low wages of officials and poor standard of behavior from those in charge that nourish wide-scale, low level corruption. The new hope of eradicating corruption within the system emerged with the appointment of a new Minister of Internal Affairs, who has publicly and repeatedly announced his commitment to combating corruption and the trafficking ... [Read More]
Europe and Central Asia
AlbaniaI. Summary Drug trafficking is a significant problem in Albania, which is a major transit country for heroin from Afghanistan and Turkey destined for markets throughout Europe. Organized crime groups use Albania as a transit point for drug and other types of smuggling due to the country’s strategic location, weak police and judicial systems, and porous borders. The most common illegal drugs are heroin, marijuana, and to a lesser extent, cocaine. Heroin is typically transported through the "Balkans Route" of Turkey-Bulgaria-Macedonia-Albania, and on to Italy, Greece and the Netherlands. Cocaine is smuggled from South America, via the United States, Italy, Spain, Greece or the Netherlands, and ... [Read More]
(F) Europe Overview
... Spanish police officers inspect the remains of a passenger bus set ablaze after a car bomb, blamed on the ETA, exploded near Madrid on 30 October. The attack killed three persons, including a Spanish Supreme Court judge, injured more than 60 others, and destroyed dozens of cars. ... [Read More]
Luxembourg
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical facilities are widely available. In an emergency, dial 112 for an ambulance or in case of fire; dial 113 for the police. Hospitals in Luxembourg operate on a 24-hour rotation system. The on-call emergency room can be determined by calling 112. Patients may self-refer to any clinic Monday-Friday between 8am-5pm. In Luxembourg City, three major hospitals offer comprehensive general medical and surgical treatment, as well as specialized care in orthopedics, cardiology and psychiatry. In addition, there are two pediatric clinics and two obstetric clinics in Luxembourg City. Hospitals also exist in the south of the country (Esch-sur-Alzette) and in the north (Wiltz). For more specialized care, including major burns, transfer to ... [Read More]
US State Department Road Safety Overseas
U.S. Department of State [Read More]
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