EUROPE
Albania,
June 27, 2000 – The
U.S. Department of State warns Americans of the potential danger of travel
to Albania, the poorest and least developed country in Europe which is
still unstable. During the political and economic unrest in 1997, many
weapons were looted from government arms depots and remain in unauthorized
civilian hands. All gatherings of large crowds should be avoided, particularly
those involving political causes or striking workers. Throughout Albania
there are armed robberies, assaults, bombings and carjackings. Organized
criminal gangs are endemic to all regions; gangland-style assassinations
and street fights can erupt without warning. It is not unusual to hear
sporadic gunfire in Tirana and other Albanian cities. Travel at night
outside the main urban areas is particularly dangerous and should be avoided
given the possibility of encountering armed robbers in isolated rural
areas and deplorable road conditions. The U.S. Government maintains security
procedures regarding the travel of U.S. Government employees outside Tirana,
with such travel restricted to secure vehicles with escort. Dual nationals
may be subject to Albanian laws that impose special obligations. The Albanian
government considers any person born in Albania of Albanian parents to
be an Albanian citizen, which has in the past delayed notification to
the U.S. Embassy in certain consular cases.
Northern
Ireland, July 7, 2000 – The Department of State urges Americans
in Northern Ireland to exercise caution due to civil unrest related to
the controversial Protestant marches through some predominantly Catholic
neighborhoods across the province. This situation has been complicated
by widespread Loyalist protests in Belfast and elsewhere as the Parades
Commission has refused marchers access to traditional routes. The protests
have resulted in sporadic street violence, property damage and road closures,
especially at night. So far, injuries have been minor. The July 4, 2000,
Orange Order Parade from Drumcree church was re-routed from the Garvaghy
Road in Portadown. Further protests over this decision could continue
to escalate in the Portadown area, despite a massive security presence.
In 1997 and 1998, marching-related violence in Belfast, Londonderry, Newry,
Portadown, Ballymoney, Armagh and other areas included gunshot attacks
on police, the throwing of petrol bombs and rocks, carjackings and the
burning of vehicles. Although 1999 was much calmer, incidents this week
have already heightened tensions throughout the region. As in previous
years, there is a strong possibility that some civil unrest could continue
through the July 12/13 holidays, when Protestant marches are scheduled
throughout Northern Ireland. Another contentious date is August 12, when
the Apprentice Boys of Derry celebrate the anniversary of the Seige of
Derry. The Department of State recommends that Americans in Northern Ireland
take special care during this period. American citizens are not normally
targeted during these protests, but at times they have had to seek alternate
routes to their destinations and there is a potential risk of being caught
up in dangerous situations. Republic of Ireland registered cars have often
been vulnerable to vandalism. American citizens may contact the U.S. Consulate
General in Belfast at telephone (011-44) 2890-328-239 or the U.S. Embassy
in London at (011-207) 499-9000. The Northern Ireland police, the Royal
Ulster Constabulary, can be contacted on (011-44) 2890-650-222 or on a
special travel number, (011-44) 2890-574-000. For further information
on travel to Northern Ireland, please consult the Department of State's
latest Consular Information Sheet
on the United Kingdom.
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