Travel Update-Weekly Edition

February 28th, 2008

Airline News

 

 

 

Hotel News

 

The Plaza Hotel, New York - The Plaza, which has been closed for two years for a $400 million renovation, will reopen its doors on March 1. The Fairmont-managed hotel will reopen with 282 guest rooms and suites and 182 private residences. The hotel's public spaces - the Palm Court, the Oak Bar and Oak Room, the Terrace Room, the Grand Ballroom and the Edwardian Room - have been restored, including a replica of the original stained-glass ceiling in the Palm Court. Also, the Plaza will introduce the Champagne Bar and the Rose Club, both located in its new Fifth Avenue lobby.

 

 

 

Miscellaneous

 

State Dept Travel Warnings and Public announcements - For the full announcements or further detail on Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, please see  http://travel.state.gov/travel

Worldwide / Netherlands: A Dutch lawmaker making an anti-Quran film has stated that the film is expected to be completed sometime this week and no later than 1 March 2008. The film -- called "Fitna," an Arabic term used in the Quran that is sometimes translated as "strife" -- will be between 10-15 minutes long and will be highly critical of the Muslim holy text. In addition to being televised, the film will also be made available for viewing on the Internet. ASI Comment: As previously stated in HOT SPOTS, the film is highly controversial and there is concern that its release will spark a violent backlash in the Islamic world. Political reactions and demonstrations (although not large-scale or violent) against the film have already occurred in several countries, including Pakistan and Indonesia. Further increasing concerns is the timing of the film's production and release, which comes amid the recent republication of a caricature depicting the Prophet Muhammad in Danish newspapers. The initial publication of several cartoons deemed insulting to Islam in 2005 resulted in wide-scale unrest and reactions across the Muslim world in early 2006. The combination of these highly sensitive and controversial developments may serve as a catalyst for a renewed wave of unrest.

 

Cameroon - The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde issued the following Warden Message on February 27: "Embassy sources report that looting and unrest has begun in downtown Yaounde around the central market, and in the Mokolo, Madagascar and Carrefour Wada neighborhoods. "The Embassy advises against any travel in Yaounde until the situation is brought under control. "In response to the crisis the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy has established a dedicated phone line - 237-2220-1500 x4033, and e-mail address - YaoundeACS@state.gov. The Embassy urges any Americans in Cameroon, particularly those located in areas of unrest, to contact the Consular Section to provide information about your situation, or to get current information on developments. "All Americans are also reminded to consider reviewing their readiness for emergency situations. Specifically, citizens should review whether you have appropriate food and other supplies to remain in your residence for a week or more, should that prove necessary. Additionally, Americans should review their travel documents to ensure they are current and consider packing an emergency bag containing your most important documents and possessions. "American citizens throughout Cameroon are reminded to avoid large public gatherings or demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times."

 

Guyana - The U.S. Department of State issued the following travel alert for Guyana on February 26: "This Travel Alert is being issued to inform U.S. citizens of safety and security concerns throughout Guyana following recent events in Lusignan and Bartica by armed criminal elements. This Travel Alert expires on May 1, 2008. "U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of travel to Guyana in light of recent attacks in the Georgetown suburb of Lusignan and the Essequibo River town of Bartica. In both places, attacks were conducted by heavily armed gangs. The January 26 and February 17 attacks resulted in the deaths of twenty Guyanese civilians, including five children, and three Guyanese police officers. Due to the seemingly random nature of these crimes, the disparate locations in which they occurred, and the fact that the perpetrators have not all yet been apprehended, additional attacks in other parts of the country cannot be ruled out. "The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens traveling in Guyana to maintain a high level of vigilance, consider security issues when planning activities throughout Guyana, minimize movement when possible while avoiding large crowds, and not to travel at night. Guyanese authorities are conducting an investigation in response to the recent incidents and may institute further actions or precautions, including roadblocks or other measures."

 

Indonesia - The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued the following Warden Message on February 22: "The U.S. Embassy in Jakarta would like to inform U.S. citizens that the Indonesian National Police reports that there has been an increase in "drink-spiking" incidents within the last month, targeting males who are frequenting clubs and nightspots. We have confirmed that five males of varying ethnicities have been victimized in this manner since 18 January 2007. At this time, we do not believe that American citizens are being targeted in these incidents. "The effects of this drug, believed to be an animal tranquilizer, are extremely powerful. Besides putting the victim in an unconscious state for a long period of time, the side effects include memory loss, nausea, headaches and vomiting. Although these incidents involve male victims it is important to remember that females have been victimized in the past with "Date-Rape" drugs. Everyone should consider carefully the following guidance: "How Can You Protect Yourself? The best way to protect yourself is to not put yourself in a position where you’re bringing a stranger back to your residence or room; Never accept a drink from someone you’ve just met; Do not leave your drink unattended if/when you are out socializing; Make sure any bottled beverage that is served to you is sealed; have the server open it in front of you; It’s a good practice to go out with a friend or group of people; If you find yourself a victim of such a crime, please seek medical help immediately upon regaining consciousness."

 

Nepal -  On February 25 the U.S. Department of State issued a Travel Warning, which reads in part as follows: "This Travel Warning is revised to update travelers about safety and security in Nepal in the run-up to planned constituent assembly elections on 10 April. The Department of State remains concerned about the security situation in Nepal and urges American citizens to obtain updated security information before they travel and to be prepared to change their plans on short notice. "Current Situation -- Continued violence in the Terai region of Nepal (that region which borders India) and increased agitation by political groups have made the supply of basic services in Kathmandu tenuous. Political groups in the Terai have called an indefinite strike in the region, which has shut down the border crossing from India into Nepal, the main conduit through which fuel and food supplies enter the capital. Fuel supplies are at a critical level. Demonstrations protesting the lack of fuel and increase in food prices have erupted throughout the capital, often without any prior notice. "Constituent Assembly elections, postponed twice last year, have been rescheduled for 10 April. While the fuel shortage may resolve itself in the coming weeks, there is still the potential for election-related demonstrations and violence to occur. American citizens considering travel to Nepal during this time period should stay informed about the current security situation in the run-up to the elections."

 

Serbia - On February 22 the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning: This Travel Warning updates U.S. citizens about safety and security concerns in Serbia and replaces the travel alert of February 21, 2008.  On February 22, 2008, the Department of State ordered the departure from Serbia of non-emergency personnel and eligible family members of American employees at the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade. On February 21, a large organized demonstration in front of the Serbian Parliament in downtown Belgrade turned violent.  Street protesters in different locations clashed with police and attacked the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade.  The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade remains temporarily closed to the public. U.S. Citizens should strongly consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Serbia at this time.  American citizens in Belgrade are advised to avoid areas where demonstrations may take place, such as the U.S. Embassy. U.S. citizens or family members concerned for the safety of U.S. citizens in Serbia or with an after-hours emergency may call 24/7 at 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada.  Callers outside the U.S. and Canada should call our regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade expects that future gatherings and events protesting Kosovo's declaration of independence, both official and unofficial, could pose security risks for onlookers and participants.  Businesses and organizations with U.S. affiliations may serve as focal points for these demonstrations.  We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Avoid the areas of demonstrations and exercise caution.  Since the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments. 

 

Previous Updates

February 21, 2008
February 14, 2008
February 8, 2008
February 1, 2008
January 24, 2008
January 17, 2008
January 10, 2008
January 3, 2008
December 27, 2007
December 20, 2007
December 13, 2007
December 5, 2007
November 29, 2007
November 21, 2007
November 15, 2007
November 8, 2007
November 1, 2007
October 25, 2007
October 18, 2007
October 11, 2007
October 4, 2007
September 27, 2007
September 20, 2007
September 13, 2007
September 6, 2007
August 30, 2007
August 23, 2007
August 16, 2007
August 9, 2007
August 2, 2007
July 26, 2007
July 20, 2007
July 12, 2007