Travel Update-Weekly Edition

Georgia - On July 2 the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi issued the following Warden Message: "The media have reported a series of explosions near and in the separatist region of Abkhazia over the past several days. Abkhaz de facto authorities declared a state of emergency in the region that may last for some time and reportedly closed the administrative boundary between Georgia and the separatist-controlled region on July 1. Due to these events, we would like to reiterate that the U.S. Embassy advises Americans not to travel to the separatist-controlled regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia. Any American citizens currently in the separatist-controlled regions, regardless of purpose, should register with the U.S. Embassy either through the State Department website at the website listed in the message below or by visiting the Consular Section from 2-5 pm on business days for American Citizens Services. The U.S. Embassy recommends that Americans regularly monitor warden messages on the Embassy web site for the latest information on the security situation throughout Georgia. "American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. American citizens in Tbilisi may also tune in to Radio Syndicati at FM 104.3 or throughout Georgia at Radio Green Wave at FM 107.4 for updated US Embassy warden message information for US citizens."

 

Mongolia - The U.S. Embassy in Ulaanbaatar issued the following Warden Message on July 2: "On July 1, Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar declared a four-day state of emergency, established a 10:00 P.M. to 8:00 A.M. curfew and prohibited public gatherings. The actions were taken in response to demonstrations that occurred in Ulaanbatar following the June 29 parliamentary elections, after preliminary reports indicated a victory for the ruling party, the Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party. Some of the protests in the area of the party’s headquarters, off Sukhbaatar Square in the city’s central area, turned violent, with protestors breaking into the party’s building and setting fire to some offices and burning nearby cars. American citizens are urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. Americans should monitor local media for announcements of possible demonstrations."

 

Sierra Leone - On July 2 the U.S. Embassy in Freetown issued the following Warden Message: "The U.S. Embassy wishes to advise all U.S. citizens in Sierra Leone to stay alert and exercise caution during the final days before the Sierra Leone local municipal elections on Saturday, July 5. We wish to remind American citizens that even political rallies intended to be peaceful can suddenly and without warning become confrontational and potentially even violent. Americans should exercise caution and avoid large crowds and any locations or events where disturbances might take place leading up to and on election day."

 

South Korea- The U.S. Embassy in Seoul issued the following Warden Message on 2 July 2008: "The U.S. Embassy urges American citizens throughout the Republic of Korea to exercise caution during demonstrations and vigils protesting the resumption of American beef imports and the policies of the Korean Government. The protests, which began eight weeks ago, have become more violent in recent days. Korean authorities stated on June 29 that they would crack down further on violent protesters. They have begun using water cannon and fire extinguishers to stop the advance of demonstrators and have stated that they reserve the right to use tear gas.
"Up to this point the demonstrations have not been overtly anti-American in nature, but American citizens are nevertheless strongly urged to avoid the areas of the protests and to exercise extreme caution if within the vicinity of demonstrators. The center of protests in Seoul has thus far been Seoul Plaza in front of City Hall, with demonstrators frequently attempting to move north along Sejongno toward the Blue House, the Presidential residence.