World Hot Spots

[ASIA]

Pakistan (Country threat level - 5): On 20 March 2003, the U.S. Department of State announced that it will close its embassy and consulates in Pakistan for an indefinite period of time due to security concerns associated with the U.S.-led war with Iraq. It also reportedly evacuated more non-essential personnel from the country.

Philippines (Country threat level - 4): On 20 March 2003, riot police officers used baton charges to disperse anti-war demonstrators near the U.S. Embassy in Manila. Approximately 300 demonstrators reportedly attempted to march to the U.S. embassy, prompting officers to intervene to block them. No serious incidents of violence were reported.

[EUROPE]

Italy (Country threat level - 3): On 20 March 2003, Italy's three largest unions, with more than 11 million members, will stage a two-hour strike at 1400 GMT to protest the war in Iraq. Previous strikes of this size brought the country to a virtual standstill.

[MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA]

Iraq (Country threat level - 5): On 19 March 2003, at approximately 2035 central time, Operation Iraqi Freedom commenced with a series of cruise missile strikes and F-117 stealth fighter attacks using laser-guided munitions. The initial strike was a "decapitation attack" targeting Saddam Hussein and senior military officials before the planned start of the war.

On 20 March 2003, U.S. patriot missile batteries successfully stopped an Iraqi-launched missile short of its intended target, which was Kuwait City. Iraqi forces launched three separate missile attacks starting at approximately 0900 UTC. The first two fell well short of the target. Three patriot missiles outside Kuwait City intercepted the third, launched at approximately 1100 UTC. U.S. military officials stated that the missiles used in the attack were not Scud missiles, but a type with a shorter range.

A light aircraft also crashed short of U.S. Marine troop positions, after reportedly taking off from an Iraqi airfield. Details remain sketchy, but initial reports indicate that the aircraft may have been modified to deliver chemical munitions. A recovery effort is underway.

Palestinian Authority (Country threat level - 5): On 19 March 2003, Mahmoud Abbas (also known as Abu Mazen) accepted the post of prime minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA). He will be in charge of day-to-day management of the PA and will have a mandate to combat corruption and help rein in Palestinian militants in order to facilitate a resumption of peace negotiations with Israel. The Palestine Legislative Council (PLC) gave the prime minister more power than Yasser Arafat had wanted, but Arafat retains control over the security forces and peace negotiations. On 14 March 2003, U.S. President Bush made the appointment of a prime minister with real authority a precondition for the publishing of the "roadmap" to peace, but the U.S. administration has not yet clearly indicated whether Mahmoud Abbas' appointment will meet the requirement.

[SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA]

Nigeria (Country threat level - 5): On 20 March 2003, reports emerged that U.S. oil firm ChevronTexaco has evacuated staff from Nigeria's troubled Niger Delta, closing down three facilities. This action comes just after Royal Dutch/Shell closed down 10 pumping stations due to ethnic strife just south of the oil city of Warri in the Niger Delta.

Zimbabwe (Country threat level - 4): On 20 March 2003, shops and factories around the country reopened and public transportation services resumed following a widely-observed 48-hour strike to protest the administration of President Robert Mugabe. The opposition is protesting government repression (including the arrest of activists who have organized demonstrations) and acute shortages of food and gasoline. The opposition spokesman has warned that strikes and demonstrations will resume after 31 March 2003 if the government does not ''embark on a program to dismantle the basis of its tyranny.'' A presidential spokesman has rejected the ultimatum. Police officers have arrested approximately 180 people in connection with this strike.

[WORLD]

Zimbabwe (Country threat level - 4): On 20 March 2003, shops and factories around the country reopened and public transportation services resumed following a widely-observed 48-hour strike to protest the administration of President Robert Mugabe. The opposition is protesting government repression (including the arrest of activists who have organized demonstrations) and acute shortages of food and gasoline. The opposition spokesman has warned that strikes and demonstrations will resume after 31 March 2003 if the government does not ''embark on a program to dismantle the basis of its tyranny.'' A presidential spokesman has rejected the ultimatum. Police officers have arrested approximately 180 people in connection with this strike.

Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a number of national governments have jointly determined temporary routes to divert flights away from conflict zones. According to IATA statements, passengers on approximately 150 flights between Europe and Southeast Asia will most likely not experience any noticeable change, but travelers in the Persian Gulf area could see additional flight time of up to one hour due to the new routes.

Meanwhile, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and a number of national governments have jointly determined temporary routes to divert flights away from conflict zones. According to IATA statements, passengers on approximately 150 flights between Europe and Southeast Asia will most likely not experience any noticeable change, but travelers in the Persian Gulf area could see additional flight time of up to one hour due to the new routes.

WHO advises that no restrictions on travel to any destination are necessary. Persons travelling to Asia and the Far East should be aware of the major symptoms of SARS, and of the need to report promptly to a health care worker in the unlikely event that they fall ill during their travel or after returning home."

WHO advises that no restrictions on travel to any destination are necessary. Persons travelling to Asia and the Far East should be aware of the major symptoms of SARS, and of the need to report promptly to a health care worker in the unlikely event that they fall ill during their travel or after returning home."

Worldwide: On 20 March 2003, protests against the U.S.-led attack on Iraq took place in cities in Europe and Asia. These protests were mainly peaceful, but caused some disruptions to traffic and business activity. Some of these are described below.

Asia: Approximately 40,000 protesters brought Australia's second largest city, Melbourne, to a standstill. An estimated 10,000 to 15,000 anti-war demonstrators marched through Sydney's central business district on 20 March 2003 to protest against military action in Iraq. Anti-war demonstrators also gathered at Sydney's Town Hall. An estimated 3,000 people gathered in Brisbane's King George Square to voice their opposition to the war in Iraq. An estimated 1,500 anti-war demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Canberra. Armed police officers deployed for the first time around parliament in Canberra and increased their presence at U.S. diplomatic missions. In Pakistan, peaceful rallies took place around the country. Hundreds of people demonstrated in the commercial hub of Karachi, the cities of Multan and Lahore, and Peshawar near the northwest border with Afgahnistan, as well as Rawalpindi. In Jakarta, Indonesia, approximately 3,000 people demonstrated outside the U.S. Embassy to denounce the U.S.-led war against Iraq. No violence was reported. In India, anti-war demonstrations were reported in a number of Indian cities, including New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Lucknow, but no serious incidents of violence have been reported so far. In Thailand, several Islamic groups announced that they would launch an anti-U.S. campaign in southern Thailand, including demonstrations and a boycott of U.S. products.

S. Embassy to denounce the U.S.-led war against Iraq. No violence was reported. In India, anti-war demonstrations were reported in a number of Indian cities, including New Delhi, Hyderabad, Kolkata and Lucknow, but no serious incidents of violence have been reported so far. In Thailand, several Islamic groups announced that they would launch an anti-U.S. campaign in southern Thailand, including demonstrations and a boycott of U.S. products.

Europe: In Berlin, 50,000 students marched from the central Alexanderplatz past the U.S. embassy (which is under heightened security) and through the Brandenburg Gate. An estimated 5,000 students also demonstrated in Cologne. Demonstrations are slated for later in the day in Berlin and other cities. In France, a coalition of groups called for a rally at 1700 GMT outside the U.S. embassy in Paris, which has closed until 24 March 2003. There is a strong presence of anti-riot police officers outside the facility. Small protests have been taking place at the adjacent Place de la Concorde. In Italy, anti-war activists and labour unions staged demonstrations and work stoppages. Small protests took place outside the Milan cathedral and in various venues in Venice and Rome. Thousands of protesters are expected to march to the U.S. embassy in Rome later today. Civil servants are observing a day-long strike. In Athens, nearly 100,000 people gathered in the city center to march to the ! U.S. Embassy. Approximately 10,000 people marched to the U.S. Consulate in the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki and another 10,000 marched to the British Consulate in the western port city of Patras. In Istanbul, clashes occurred between protesters and police officers, who used batons and pepper spray. In the United Kingdom, anti-war campaigners blocked roads, boycotted schools and workplaces and rallied in public places. In Spain, several hundred chanting demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. embassy in Madrid. In Vienna, Austria, thousands of schoolchildren held a protest march. An estimated 20 Swiss towns saw demonstrations and student strikes.

Middle East: On 20 March 2003, clashes occurred in Cairo between police officers and participants in a protest against the United States and the Egyptian leadership. Police officers used water cannon and batons to prevent the students from reaching the U.S. Embassy, located in Cairo's Garden City district, on the eastern bank of the Nile River. The protesters, numbering approximately 500 people, threw stones and pounded on cars. They then joined another group of demonstrators on Tahrir Square, located approximately 0.25 mi north-northeast of the U.S. Embassy. A total of approximately 2,000 people congregated on the square and chanted slogans against the United States and Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak. Some demonstrators also blocked traffic near the Egyptian Museum, located approximately 0.5 mi north of the U.S. Embassy. Separate protests occurred in Cairo's Ain Shams and al-Azhar universities. Elsewhere in Egypt, approximately 10,000 students participated in a demonstration on the university campus in Zagazig and several thousand turned out in Alexandria. There were no reports of violence or disturbances at any of those protests. In Syria, demonstrators waved U.S. flags and called for the expulsion of the U.S. ambassador. Approximately 1,000 people marched to the U.S. Embassy building but turned around when confronted by police officers. The demonstrators threw rocks at police officers guarding the Qatari Embassy and attempted to do the same at the Egyptian Embassy, but security officials prevented them. Qatar has generated anger in the Arab world due to its willingness to host U.S. military facilities, and Qatari embassies in Arab countries have been the targets of previous demonstrations.

[GOVERNMENT WARNINGS]

Indonesia (Country threat level - 4): On 19 March 2003, the British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) issued updated Country Advice for Indonesia. The relevant section of the statement reads as follows: "We advise against all non-essential travel to Indonesia. There continues to be a high risk of terrorism directed against Westerners throughout the country. If you are already in Indonesia you should consider leaving if your presence is not essential. The number of UK based staff at the British Embassy in Jakarta has been reduced. Developments on Iraq and any further increase in regional tension could lead us to further strengthen our travel advice. You should check it daily and follow developments closely..."

Indonesia (Country threat level - 4): On 20 March 2003, the U.S. Embassy in Jakarta issued a Warden Message for U.S. citizens in Indonesia. The statement reads as follows: "The Department of State and American Embassy advise American citizens in Indonesia to take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming days as a result of heightened risks associated with the outbreak of hostilities, including the continued threat of terrorist attacks on Americans from groups associated with al-Qaeda. Specifically, Americans should remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current. Listen to news reports and maintain contact with your assigned warden, the Embassy or the Consulate General in Surabaya for an update on developments...

U.S. Government facilities are on a heightened state of alert. On Friday, March 21 the Embassy in Jakarta will close for visa services and the Consulate General in Surabaya will be completely closed. The Embassy in Jakarta and the Consulate General in Surabaya may temporarily close or suspend public services at other times in the weeks ahead for security reasons. In any event, we will make every effort to continue to provide emergency services to American citizens and will provide contact information by a warden message and on our web site...American citizens in Indonesia who have not registered with the Embassy are urged to do so as soon as possible...American citizens already registered with the Embassy are urged to update their registration information...At this time, the American Embassy does not have plans to evacuate to a safe haven either its own employees or other American citizens. American citizens should carefully follow the directions in this message to stay ! apprised of developments. Be certain that your travel documents and those of your family members are current for use in the event that the situation deteriorates."

Middle East And North Africa (Country threat level - ): Late on 19 March 2003, the U.S. Department of State issued the following updated Public Announcement for the Middle East and North Africa: "This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result of the military action in Iraq. This supersedes the Public Announcement of November 20, 2002 and expires on July 20, 2003. The Department of State reminds Americans traveling to or residing in the Middle East and North Africa (including the Arabian Peninsula and the Persian Gulf region) to exercise caution. Tensions generated by the current crisis in Iraq have increased the potential threat to U.S. citizens and interests abroad posed by those harboring anti-American sentiments. Public demonstrations throughout the Middle Eastern region now carry a greater potential for precipitating violence directed! at American citizens, symbols, or interests. The threat to U.S. citizens in the Middle East includes the risk of attacks by terrorist groups, including to those with links to Al-Qaeda. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. While conventional weapons such as explosive devices are a more immediate threat in many areas, use of non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents must be considered a possible threat. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists and their sympathizers to seek softer targets such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, hotels, schools, outdoor recreation events, resorts and beaches. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. Facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services for security reasons. On occasion, the travel of official personnel! at embassies and consulates around the world is restricted because of security concerns, and these posts may recommend that private American citizens avoid the same areas if at all possible. Services to American citizens may be affected if employees' movements are restricted. If this happens, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. In case office hours are reduced, American citizens in need of emergency assistance should telephone the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate before visiting in person. In countries where the security of U.S. citizens is considered at particularly high risk, the Department of State may authorize non-emergency Embassy personnel and/or their dependents to voluntarily depart the country or may, if security conditions warrant, order the departure of some or all Embassy personnel. The Department of State will inform the U.S. public when decisions of this nature are made. In addition, ! U.S. citizens planning to travel to the Middle East or North Africa should consult the Department of State's Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, Fact Sheets, and regional travel brochures on the Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov."

Pakistan (Country threat level - 5): Late on 19 March 2003, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for Pakistan: "This Travel Warning is being updated to alert Americans to increased tensions in the region and continued high security concerns in Pakistan. The Department of State has authorized the departure on a voluntary basis of non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy and U.S. Consulates in Pakistan. Family members were ordered to leave the country in March 2002 and have not yet been allowed to return. Private American citizens currently in Pakistan should consider departing. This Travel Warning supersedes that issued August 12, 2002. On March 19, 2003, the Department of State authorized the departure on a voluntary basis of non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the U.S. Consulates in Lahore and Peshawar. U.S. consular personnel remain available to provide emergency information and services to American citizens. On A ugust 5, 2002 the U.S. Consulate in Karachi closed its public operations indefinitely due to security concerns. U.S. citizens requiring emergency assistance should contact the consular section in Karachi by telephone (provided below). U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Pakistan despite this warning are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad or the Consulates in Peshawar or Lahore and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) to obtain updated information on travel and security in Pakistan. Persons wishing to register at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi should call that office. Americans in Pakistan should exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security. These measures include being vigilantly aware of their surroundings, avoiding crowds and demonstrations, keeping a low profile, varying times and routes for all required travel and ensuring travel documents are current. The possibility of! threats to Americans, Christian facilities and other civilian targets continues. Although the high level of tension that existed last spring between India and Pakistan has subsided, the risk of renewed tension cannot be ruled out. From time to time, the missions in Pakistan may temporarily suspend public services as necessary to review their security posture. Due to security concerns, official Americans may be prohibited from traveling to certain areas of Pakistan. Americans should telephone the Embassy or Consulates or check their websites to ensure the offices are open and to obtain the latest information on travel restrictions. There is a growing possibility that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek more vulnerable targets. These may include facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, or outdoor recreation events. The Government of Pakistan continues to give full support to the international campaign against terrorism. As Operation Enduring Freedom defeats Al-Qaida strongholds in Afghanistan, some Al-Qaida members have fled to Pakistan and other countries. This, coupled with the presence of indigenous sectarian and militant groups in Pakistan, requires that all Americans in or traveling through Pakistan take appropriate security measures. Events in the Middle East also increase the possibility of violence. American citizens also should be aware that there are many areas of Pakistan that are restricted by the Government of Pakistan and require non-Pakistanis to obtain official permission before they may travel to them. This includes the tribal areas of Pakistan's Northwest Frontier Province, and areas along the Line of Control, the Pakistan-India border, and near other sensitive areas and facilities. Travelers need to determine in advance of travel whether the areas they intend to visit are r! estricted in any way. If so, the appropriate authorities must be contacted and approval obtained before travel is undertaken."

Turkey (Country threat level - 3): Late on 19 March 2003, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for Turkey: "This Travel Warning is being issued to alert U.S. citizens that the Department of State has authorized the departure, on a voluntary basis, of family members and non-emergency personnel at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul and the U.S. Consulates in Adana and Izmir. Due to heightened tensions and increased security concerns resulting from the current situation in the region, the Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer non-essential travel to Turkey. U.S. citizens in Turkey should consider departing. This Travel Warning supersedes the Public Announcement of March 17, 2003. On March 19, 2003, the Department of State authorized the departure of family members and non-emergency personnel, on a voluntary basis, at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, the U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul, and the U.S. Consulates in Adana and Izmir. The departure on a voluntary basis of family members of U.S. Government employees in Adana was authorized on March 17, 2003. These facilities remain open to provide the full range of services to American citizens and the general public. U.S. citizens who remain in or travel to Turkey despite this warning should register at the nearest U.S. Consular office and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) in order to obtain updated information on travel and security in Turkey. Americans in Turkey should exercise caution and take prudent measures to maintain their security. Americans should remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure that travel documents are current. American citizens should not attempt to cross the border into Iraq."

Worldwide: Late on 19 March 2003, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Worldwide Caution Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is being updated to alert Americans to an increased potential for anti-American violence, including terrorist actions against U.S. citizens, as a result of the military action in Iraq. The U.S. Government remains deeply concerned about the security of Americans overseas. American citizens are reminded that it is more important than ever to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Worldwide Caution supersedes that issued on February 6, 2003 and expires on July 20, 2003. As a result of military action in Iraq, there is a potential for retaliatory actions to be taken against U.S. citizens and interests throughout the world. Public demonstrations carry the potential for precipitating violence directed at American citizens, symbols associated with the United Sta! tes or other U.S. and western interests. The threat to U.S. citizens includes the risk of attacks by terrorist groups. Terrorist actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations, bombings or kidnappings. Possible threats include conventional weapons such as explosive devices or non-conventional weapons, including chemical or biological agents. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. These may include facilities where Americans and other foreigners congregate or visit, such as residential areas, clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools, hotels, outdoor recreation events or resorts and beaches. U.S. citizens should increase their security awareness at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert and some have drawn down their dependents and/or personnel. These facilities ma! y temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time for security reasons. In those instances, U.S. embassies and consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American embassy or consulate. As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov."

On 20 March 2003, many U.S. Embassies around the world issued warden messages, urging U.S. travelers and expatriates in foreign countries to exercise heightened caution and "take prudent steps to ensure their personal safety in the coming days." It also states: "Remain vigilantly aware of surroundings, avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, vary times and routes for all travel, and ensure travel documents are current. Listen to news reports and maintain contact" with the respective U.S. embassy. U.S. citizens traveling or residing overseas have been urged to register with their local embassy in many countries.

[SIGNIFICANT DATES]

20 March

Tunisia: Independence Day (Public holiday. Most offices and businesses close)

21 March

Mexico: Benito Juarez's Birthday. Celebration of Mexican president's birthday. Public holiday, businesses close.

Namibia: Independence Day (Everything closes)

South Africa: Human Rights Day (Anniversary of 1961 protests when police opened fire, killing 69 people) (Public holiday - Government offices close)

Tunisia: Youth Day (Public holiday. Most offices and businesses close)

Turkey: Kurdish New Year (Authorities often increase security measures in the southeast and other areas with a Kurdish population. Kurdish demonstrations are possible and may turn violent)

Nowruz (Persian New Year. Occurs on the vernal equinox, on 20, 21 or 22 March each year)

Japan: Vernal Equinox (Shunbun no Hi)

22 March

Puerto Rico: Emancipation Day (Commemorating day slaves on the island were freed. Some businesses and schools close)

23 March

Pakistan: Constitution Day (Government and business offices close) Parades are held in Islamabad, Lahore, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta)

25 March

Greece: Independence Day (Commemorates independence from the Ottoman Empire in 1821. Offices and businesses close. Parades organized throughout the country. May be observed on the following Monday if it falls on a weekend)

Christianity - Orthodox New Calendar: Annunciation

Cyprus: Greek Independence Day (Observed as a public holiday when falling on a weekday. Parades organized)

26 March

Bangladesh: Independence Day (Government and Business offices close)

27 March

Angola: Victory Day (Unofficial holiday, widely celebrated)

28 March

China: Anniversary of Deposing of Dalai Lama

29 March

Madagascar: Commemoration of 1947 colonial massacres (Peaceful public gatherings. Schools, offices and shops close early)

Taiwan: Youth Day (A day for youth to learn about national heroes. Government and business offices close)

Central African Republic: Boganda Day

Chile: Youth Combatant Day (Outbreaks of violence traditionally occur)

30 March

Benin: Legislative elections

Israel: Land Day (Protests by Israeli Arabs against alleged expropriation of Arab property - violent protests against Israelis sometimes occur on this day)

[ASI THREAT LEVEL DEFINITIONS]

1 - A minimum threat of physical harm. Petty crime is the most common threat.

2 - A low threat of physical harm. Petty crime and infrequent demonstrations are the most common threats.

3 - A medium threat of physical harm. Petty crime and demonstrations are common and violent acts do occur.

4 - A high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, demonstrations or terrorism.

5 - A very high threat of physical harm due to violent acts associated with crime, terrorism, demonstrations or war.