Czech Republic, August 16, 2000

– Demonstrators may attempt to disrupt the upcoming IMF/World Bank meetings in Prague on September 26-28, 2000. Local authorities estimate that as many as 20,000 demonstrators may be present before and during the meetings of world financial leaders. As in previous World Trade Organization (WTO) meetings in Seattle, Washington and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) meetings in Washington, DC, some demonstrations may become disorderly or violent. Local officials are working to minimize the potential for disruption. Nonetheless, Americans may wish to exercise prudence, and to consider avoiding non-urgent travel to Prague during the second half of September. It is unlikely that the other areas of the Czech Republic would be affected. The Czech Republic is a rapidly developing European nation undergoing profound economic and social change. Tourist facilities, particularly those found in the capital, Prague, are quickly approaching the level of those found in most western European countries. Outside Prague, these facilities are not as developed, and some goods and services taken for granted in other European countries may not yet be available. The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Washington, DC has a home page.

Serbia-Montenegro, August 14, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State warns American citizens against travel to the Serbia and Kosovo regions of Serbia-Montenegro. The U.S. Embassy in Belgrade suspended operations as of March 23, 1999. There currently is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Serbia or Montenegro to provide up-to-date security assessments or consular assistance to Americans. The U.S. Office in Pristina, Kosovo, which was established in October, 1999, is not staffed to provide consular services to U.S. citizens. In Serbia, there is a potential for hostility towards Americans by both government officials and ordinary Serbian citizens, following the end of the conflict between members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and Serbian forces. Other hazards include damaged infrastructure and unexploded ordnance scattered throughout the country. Protests against the Federal and Serbian governments have been taking place throughout Serbia and, while state security forces thus far have demonstrated restraint, the potential for violence exists. The situation in Kosovo remains unsettled and potentially dangerous. Despite the deployment of Kosovo Force (KFOR) troops throughout the province, and United Nations Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) attempts to re-establish civil authority, some civil institutions in Kosovo, including the criminal justice system, are not fully functioning. Incidents of violence in Kosovo continue to be reported, and land mines remain in some areas. Road conditions can be extremely hazardous because roads are narrow, crowded, and used by a variety of vehicles, from KFOR armored personnel carriers to horse-drawn carts. The reliability of phones, electric and water systems remains a problem. Travel by official Americans to and within Kosovo, particularly to areas that have experienced recent ethnic violence, is subject to restrictions. Americans should consider Belgrade's hostile attitude toward U.S. Government officials as a security factor affecting travel to Montenegro. The government in Belgrade has engaged in an aggressive anti-American propaganda campaign, including baseless accusations that U.S. diplomats had a role in political killings in Serbia-Montenegro. The early August 2000 arrest by federal Yugoslav authorities of Dutch citizens on vacation for alleged spying, as well as the subsequent arrest of two Canadians and two UK nationals for alleged attempted terrorism, highlight the risks of casual entry into Montenegro. During the current period before September 24 elections in Serbia and Montenegro, Americans considering travel should be aware of a likelihood of increased tension, perhaps including incidents directed against Western nationals. During this period, extreme caution is required, recognizing that the situation could change rapidly. U.S. consular assistance is unavailable in Montenegro. Further, Americans should avoid travel along the northern areas of Montenegro near the border with Serbia. While Montenegrin authorities have declared visas unnecessary for travel for Americans into Montenegro, Yugoslav authorities do not recognize this declaration and may attempt to detain travelers without visas in Montenegro. The U.S. Department of State strongly advises American citizens not to attempt travel to Serbia from Montenegro without a valid Yugoslav v

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