ASIA
Georgia,
April 7, 2000 -- The U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi has advised the American
community in Georgia to maintain a heightened state of vigilance during
the period surrounding Georgia's April 9 presidential elections. While
the U.S. Embassy has no specific information regarding election-related
security threats, it is possible that local elements will engage in activities
designed to disrupt the electoral process.
American citizens, including election observers, should also avoid travel
to areas of continuing security concern, including the Pankisi Gorge north
of Akhmeta and the northern mountainous areas of Georgia bordering Chechnya
and Dagestan.
The U.S. Embassy continues to recommend that all American citizens in
Georgia register with its Consular Section by telephone at 011-995-32-98-99-67
or by fax at 011-995-32-93-37-59, and periodically check with the Embassy
for updated travel and security information.
Kazakhstan,
April 4, 2000 -- Local press reports indicate that members of a Mangystau
Atomic Energy Complex (MAEC) inspection team have found elevated levels
of radiation at five locations in the city of Atyrau in western Kazakhstan.
Sites that were reported as having elevated radiation levels included
locations near the school for the deaf and the Ak-Zhaiyk hotel, as well
as several locations on the Atyrau University grounds and on the way to
the Atyrau Airport.
According to local scientists, the only area among these with levels that
potentially could negatively affect health is the area along the road
to the airport. The scientists point out, however, that this potential
impact would require prolonged exposure, and individuals passing through
this area on the way to/from the airport would be unaffected.
Local authorities are aware of the existence of these hot spots and are
awaiting results of tests to determine what, if any, course of action
may be necessary. The American Embassy in Almaty will continue to follow
this issue and U.S. citizens having further questions may contact the
Embassy at 7-3272-63-39-21.
Indonesia,
March 28, 2000 -- American citizens traveling to Indonesia and East
Timor should exercise caution. This Public Announcement discusses some
of the more prominent areas of concern in Indonesia and East Timor, but
all American citizens traveling in these areas should be aware of their
surroundings and use common sense to avoid situations and locations that
could be inherently dangerous.
Indonesia welcomed its first democratically elected government in October,
1999, ending an extended period of political uncertainty. The new government
has widespread support, which has led to a general decrease in the level
of civil unrest. At the same time, however, unrest in various regions
of Indonesia continues, and security forces have had some difficulties
maintaining law and order. Citing security concerns, the Government of
Indonesia has restricted the travel of U.S. and other foreign government
officials to certain areas as discussed below.
East Timor voted for independence from Indonesia in an August 30, 1999
referendum and is currently under the authority of the United Nations'
Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET). UNTAET was established
by a unanimous vote of the UN Security Council on October 25, 1999 for
the purpose of rebuilding East Timor and helping to establish a new government.
Violence erupted throughout East Timor after the August 30, 1999, United
Nations-sponsored ballot in that province. Although stability has returned
to the territory following the arrival of international forces, American
citizens are strongly encouraged to exercise caution in East Timor, particularly
in areas along the border between East and West Timor.
The western half of the island has been the scene of several physical
assaults on foreigners by disgruntled pro-integration Timorese militia
forces. American citizens are encouraged to defer non-emergency travel
to West Timor, especially in areas where East Timorese refugees are concentrated.
In the Maluku Islands, serious communal violence broke out on the island
of Ambon in January 1999 and has now spread throughout this island group.
American citizens are urged to avoid all travel to the Malukus, including
the provinces of both Maluku and North Maluku, and to depart immediately
if they are already there. Although anti-Christian sentiment is not widespread
in Indonesia, inflammatory statements by community leaders, as well as
violence in the Maluku Islands, have sparked some tension between Moslem
and Christian communities elsewhere in Indonesia.
On January 17, 2000, anti-Christian violence broke out on the resort island
of Lombok, leading to looting and the burning of a number of churches.
American citizens should avoid travel to Lombok. Lombok is about 25 miles
from the island of Bali.
Political changes have given new impetus to aspirations for independence
in Aceh and Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya). Violent incidents continue
to occur in Aceh, and American citizens are strongly urged to defer all
travel to that province. Past violence has sometimes targeted American
companies. American citizens resident in Aceh should consider departing.
In Papua, violence has been less frequent. The Government of Indonesia
has restricted the travel of U.S. and other foreign government officials
to the provinces of Aceh, Papua and Maluku. Security concerns are cited
as the reason for this prohibition. American citizens should take this
into account when planning travel to these regions.
Demonstrations in Bali have been infrequent and have not been directed
at American citizens. Violent demonstrations of short-lived duration occurred
in October, 1999, but did not target foreigners or the major tourist areas.
Conditions in Bali quickly returned to normal.
Americans should remember that many parts of Indonesia, including many
tourist destinations, can be isolated and difficult to reach by available
transportation or communication links. In cases of unrest, medical emergency
or logistical problems, travelers may find it difficult to depart quickly.
Travelers and residents should ensure that passports and important personal
papers are in order in the event that it becomes necessary to leave the
country quickly. Because the situation is uncertain and new outbreaks
of violence are possible, American citizens are advised to consult the
U.S. Embassy in Jakarta and the U.S. Consulate General in Surabaya for
the most recent security information and generally to exercise caution.
Philippines,
April 18, 2000 -- On April 17, the U.S. Embassy in Manila made the
following announcement to the local American community. It is being reiterated
here for the benefit of the American community at large. Begin text: On
April 17, a spokesperson for the Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization stated
that unless its demands for the release of terrorists being held in the
U.S. were met, it would take retaliatory action against Americans throughout
the Philippines in the form of kidnappings or shootings. The Abu Sayyaf
organization is currently holding 29 Filipino hostages in Basilan (50
miles south of the southwestern tip of Mindanao) dating back to a March
20th raid on two schools. This specific area should be avoided. American
citizens in the Philippines are urged to review their security practices,
to remain vigilant to their surroundings and to exercise caution. American
citizens should avoid large crowds and gatherings, keep a low profile,
and vary routes and times of all required travel.
Maps
courtesy of 4maps.com.
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