THE AMERICAS

Peru, March 22, 2001 – Peru will hold national elections on April 8, 2001. If no candidate wins a majority, a runoff presidential election will be held several weeks later. Sporadic political rallies and demonstrations in Lima and other major cities are common during the election season and have the potential to turn violent. Secondly, while there has been no evidence of anti-American sentiment in recent political demonstrations, Americans are advised to use extra caution in Iquitos, the capital of Loreto Department. The Loreto Patriotic Front has called for a public demonstration during the last week in March to protest the presence of U.S. Government personnel stationed in the region in connection with anti-narcotics efforts. The U.S. Embassy in Lima has advised its personnel to exercise extra caution in Iquitos. All Americans are advised to avoid demonstrations and crowds, and to plan in-country travel in accordance with U.S. Embassy travel restrictions contained in the U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Peru. Please monitor local newscasts to keep informed about upcoming political rallies, which are usually well publicized. Current events are available on the U.S. Embassy in Lima.

El Salvador, February 14, 2001 – While cleanup and repair efforts in El Salvador continue in the aftermath of the earthquake of January 13, some roads, especially in rural areas throughout the country, may remain blocked or damaged as a result of the earthquake, subsequent and continuing aftershocks, and related landslides. A second earthquake on February 13 has caused extensive, but localized, damage and loss of life. Commercial flights within and out of El Salvador have resumed. American citizens should check on local conditions before coming to a decision on whether to travel to El Salvador. The U.S. Department of State has lifted the authorized departure status of family members of U.S. government personnel and of U.S. government personnel in non-emergency positions.

Ecuador, February 7, 2001 – Ecuador is experiencing disturbances and civil unrest as demonstrators protest government economic policies. The majority of the disturbances have been reported in areas north and south of Quito, around the towns of Otavalo and Latacunga, respectively. Indigenous groups and Ecuadorian authorities clashed in Tena, about 75 miles southeast of Quito in Napo Province, and protestors prevented some foreigners from leaving the town. Demonstrations have the potential to flare up in other outlying areas. In large cities, demonstrations may occur in public areas such as parks, government buildings and universities, and city streets may be blocked without warning. Protests in Ecuador occasionally turn violent; the police generally respond by using water cannons and tear gas. There have been several bombings in the Quito area, resulting in property damage but no injuries, for which no one has claimed responsibility. While there is no indication that American citizens or institutions have been or will be a focus of these protests/bombings, travelers are advised to take commonsense precautions, be wary of unfamiliar or unattended packages, and avoid any large gatherings. Roadblocks have been, and will likely continue to be, erected sporadically in rural areas, especially outside of Quito along the Pan American Highway north and south of the city, though it is impossible to predict where or when roadblocks may occur. Because of these conditions, Americans should seriously consider deferring non-emergency road travel within Ecuador until reports indicate that it is safe to travel. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks. Please see the U.S. Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Ecuador.

Haiti, February 5, 2001 – The U.S. Department of State warns Americans against travel to Haiti due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. The Department authorized the departure of family members of U.S. government personnel on November 17 from Haiti. Americans in Haiti should maintain contact with the Embassy and consider their own personal security situations in determining whether to remain in the country. The security situation is volatile and unpredictable. The Presidential inauguration of Jean-Bertrand Aristide, slated for February 7, 2001, has the potential to spark violence. The Haitian government has failed to contain dangerous incidents, including bombings in public areas, politically-motivated killings, indiscriminate gunfire directed at pedestrians in Port-au-Prince, and incidents directed at diplomatic facilities and vehicles. Crowd behavior is unpredictable, and violence can flare up at any time. Americans are warned to avoid political gatherings and demonstrations. Travelers encountering roadblocks, demonstrations, or large crowds should remain calm and depart the area quickly and without confrontation. Assistance from Haitian officials, such as the police, should not be expected during public political events. The state of law and order is of increasing concern, with reports of armed robberies and break-ins, murders and car hijackings becoming more frequent. The limited response and enforcement capabilities of the Haitian National Police and the judiciary mean there is little relief for victims of crime. Please see the Department of State's current Consular Information Sheet for Haiti.

For questions and comments about WorldTravelCenter.com, its World Travel Health newsletter, or its travel companion jetStream, contact:
newsletter@worldtravelcenter.com

Feature Articles
Global K-9 Rescue/Risk
Skin Cancer
Simply Read A Food Label
jetStream Travel Stories
Travel Insurance Primer