EASTERN EUROPE

Bosnia and Herzegovina, November 29, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State warns American citizens of the potential danger of travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Americans in Bosnia and Herzegovina are urged to avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, and stay alert for changes in the security situation. There continues to be residual hostility towards Americans in Bosnia and Herzegovina resulting from tensions in the region. The Dayton Peace Accords halted the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina in 1995. However, there are still risks from occasional localized political violence, landmines, and unexploded ordnance. Although landmine clearance is underway, as many as one million landmines are still scattered throughout the country, and visitors are advised to remain on well-trafficked surfaces and roadways. There are also occasional flare-ups of violence, sometimes linked to protests over the return of displaced persons and arrests of war criminals. U.S. citizens in Bosnia are urged to contact the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo to register and obtain updated information on travel and security within Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Consular Section is located at Alipasina 43, tel. (387)(33) 445-700, fax: (387)(33) 659-722; Internet address. For further information on Bosnia and Herzegovina, please consult the latest Consular Information Sheet.

Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, November 24, 2000 – The U.S. Department of State warns American citizens of the potential danger of travel to the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (FRY). The U.S. Government established diplomatic relations with the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia on November 17. Persons considering travel to the FRY should note the serious conditions described below. Neither the U.S. Embassy in Belgrade nor the U.S. Office in Pristina, Kosovo, is currently staffed to provide consular services to American citizens.

Serbia: No specific threats or incidents of harassment involving American citizens have been reported since the Kostunica government took office in October 2000. However, a potential for hostility towards U.S. citizens still exists as a result of the 1999 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.

Montenegro: The security situation for Americans in Montenegro is generally more stable than in Serbia. While Montenegrin authorities have declared visas unnecessary for Americans to travel to Montenegro, the Yugoslav federal government has requested that Americans obtain FRY visas for travel to Montenegro. The U.S. Department of State strongly advises American citizens not to attempt travel to Serbia or Montenegro without a valid Yugoslav visa.

Kosovo: 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 landmines remain in some areas. Road conditions can be extremely hazardous as roads are narrow, crowded, and used by a variety of vehicles, from KFOR armored personnel carriers to horse drawn carts. The reliability of telecommunications, electric and water systems remains a problem. Travel by U.S. Government officials to and within Kosovo, particularly to areas that have experienced recent ethnic violence, is subject to restrictions.

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