Hot Spots
Submitted by Templar Titan on Tue, 04/05/2005 - 00:30.
| HOT SPOTS Snapshots of Today's Events 31 March 2005 IN TODAY'S ISSUE AMERICAS ASIA SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA GOVERNMENT WARNINGS |
| [AMERICAS]
Chile (Country threat level - 2): On 30 March 2005, a student protest in Valparaiso turned violent after participants began hurling rocks and damaging buses and private property. Anti-riot police officers used a water cannon to control the demonstrators. At least 120 of the approximately 5,000 students who took part in the demonstration were arrested. No injuries were reported. The protest was called as a result of a 50-percent increase in student bus fares. A non-violent demonstration was reported in Viña del Mar. Colombia (Country threat level - 5): At least one person was killed and several others were injured on 30 March 2005, during a police pursuit in northern Bogotá, specifically in the Zona Rosa, which is considered one of the safest parts of town and the city's entertainment and commercial center. According to reports, the incident occurred after police officers intercepted five armed men who had just robbed a foreign exchange house, entered a hotel -- taking a female hostage -- and tried to hijack a vehicle. Ecuador (Country threat level - 3): Simon Bolivar International Airport Nicaragua (Country threat level - 3): Public transit workers, demanding an increase in fares due to rising gas prices, staged a strike in Managua, the capital, on 30 March 2005, disrupting public transportation throughout the city. Commuters were forced to use alternatives means of reaching their destinations. Venezuela (Country threat level - 4): At approximately 0800 local time on 31 March 2005, a group of indigenous people from Sierra de Perija -- located in western Venezuela -- began marching from Plaza Morelos Square to the presidential palace in downtown Caracas to protest against foreign companies exploiting charcoal reserves in the area and to demand the abolition of the concessions granted to these companies. The demonstration is affecting traffic in the downtown area, particularly near the presidential palace. [ASIA] Bangladesh (Country threat level - 4): Dhaka and other cities across Bangladesh observed a general strike on 31 March 2005. Bangladesh's opposition parties called for the nationwide strike to demand the resignation of the current government. The strike affected stores, schools and traffic. Police officers attempted to control demonstrators in Dhaka during the strike. In the district of Dhanmandi, police officers dispersed a group of approximately 50 demonstrators with batons. Several demonstrators were arrested, but no one was injured. Police officials also blocked off the opposition headquarters building in downtown Dhaka to prevent approximately 300 demonstrators from protesting in the street. Nepal (Country threat level - 4): A general strike closed shops and businesses in eastern Nepal on 31 March 2005. Traffic at border points near India was halted, disrupting the delivery of goods between the two countries. It is not known if the strike impacted daily life in Kathmandu. The strike is in response to King Gyanendra's seizure of power. An 11-day nationwide strike is set to begin on 2 April. [SUB-SAHARAN AFRICA] Niger (Country threat level - 4): A nationwide protest against price increases for basic goods began in Niger on 31 March 2005. In Tahoua, located approximately 405 mi/650 km north of the capital city of Niamey, police officers fired tear gas canisters to disperse protesters who were throwing rocks. Protesters in Maradi blocked roads with burning tires. While shops were closed throughout Niamey, there were no reports of demonstrations. Uganda (Country threat level - 4): Police officers fired water cannons and tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters in central Kampala on 30 March 2005. Government officials had banned the protest, and as a result, anti-riot police officers were deployed to Constitution Square and Makerere University. There were no reports of injuries, however, police officers arrested several demonstrators. The demonstration was to protest a constitutional proposal that would lengthen President Yoweri Museveni's term in office. [GOVERNMENT WARNINGS] Russia (Country threat level - 4): On 30 March 2005, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Public Announcement: "This Public Announcement is being updated to remind American citizens traveling or living in Russia that there remains a heightened potential for terrorist actions, including attacks against civilians. This situation is likely to continue for some time. This supersedes the public announcement of October 27, 2004 and expires on September 30, 2005. "Acts of terrorism including bombings and hostage taking have occurred in Russia over the last several years. Bombings have occurred at Russian government buildings, hotels, tourist sites, markets, entertainment venues, schools, residential complexes, and on public transportation including the subway and scheduled commercial air flights. Hostage taking incidents have included a raid on a school that resulted in horrific losses of life of children, teachers, and parents. "There is no current indication that American institutions or citizens are targets but there is a general risk of American citizens being victims of indiscriminate terrorist attacks. American citizens in Russia should be aware of their personal surroundings and follow good security practices. Americans are urged to remain vigilant and exercise good judgment and discretion when using any form of public transportation. When traveling, Americans may wish to provide a friend, family member, or coworker a copy of their itinerary. Americans should avoid large crowds and public gatherings that lack enhanced security measures. Travelers should also exercise a high degree of caution and remain alert when patronizing restaurants, casinos, nightclubs, bars, theaters, etc., especially during peak hours of business. "Due to continued civil and political unrest throughout much of the Caucasus region, the Department of State already warns U.S. citizens against travel to Chechnya and all areas that border it: North Ossetia, Ingushetia, Dagestan, Stavropol, Karachayevo-Cherkessiya and Kabardino-Balkariya. United States government personnel are generally prohibited from traveling to these areas, and American citizens residing in these areas should depart immediately as the safety of Americans and other foreigners cannot be effectively guaranteed. ..." Yemen (Country threat level - 4): On 30 March 2005, the U.S. Embassy in Sanaa issued the following Warden Message: "This Warden Message is being issued to reiterate our previous warning advising against travel to the Sadah region following recent military activity in the area. The U.S. Embassy also advises Americans to exercise caution in the Old City of Sanaa, particularly around the Baab al-Yemen area, following a security incident there the afternoon of March 29. The incident is still being investigated and the embassy will provide further information as soon as it becomes available. ..." Democratic Republic Of Congo (Country threat level - 5): On 30 March 2005, the U.S. Department of State issued the following Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo: "This Travel Warning for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa) is being issued to update security information and registration requirements, and to note the Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to the country. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued August 19,2004. "The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Democratic Republic of the Congo. Despite efforts to advance the peace process following the 2003 formation of a transitional government, there has been periodic fighting in North and South Kivu and other areas of eastern Congo. Wide-scale civil unrest occurred in May and June 2004; rioting and looting took place in many cities, including the capital Kinshasa, resulting in United Nations (U.N.) peacekeeper and civilian casualties. Likewise, demonstrations in several areas of Kinshasa in January 2005 resulted in civilian and police casualties. The challenges of implementing national elections scheduled for 2005 raise the possibility of further civil disturbances over the next several months. "Though a U.N. observer force is deployed to a number of locations
throughout the country, unofficial armed groups and active duty troops
operating in some parts of the country are responsible for pillaging,
vehicle thefts, carjackings, extra-judicial killings, rapes, kidnappings,
ethnic tensions, and continued military/paramilitary operations. The large
number of rebel and government soldiers to be decommissioned as a result
of the peace process poses another source of potential security concerns.
Travelers may be subject to detention and questioning by ill-disciplined
security forces. There are numerous military roadblocks throughout the
country. While government-imposed curfews are no longer in effect, they
could be reinstated upon short notice if the security situation deteriorates.
Travelers to the Democratic Republic of the Congo have routinely experienced
difficulties at the airport and other ports of entry, being temporarily
detained by immigration and security personnel demanding payment of unofficial
"special fees." Entry visas at the port of entry are not available.
All foreigners, including Americans, are required to register at the office
of the Direction General de Migration "Travel in the eastern provinces, especially in rural areas, remains unsafe due to continued sporadic attacks by uncontrolled militias. Land borders with Rwanda may temporarily close with little or no notice. "Americans should avoid demonstrations and areas where crowds are gathered, exercise extreme caution, and continuously review their personal security posture. Changing security conditions result in periodically restricted travel by U.S. Mission personnel. ..." [SIGNIFICANT DATES] 31 March Bangladesh: Nationwide strike called by opposition Awami League (AL)
party is underway. 1 April Benin: Youth Day (Public holiday) 2 April Senegal: Thousands of Muslims conduct pilgrimage to city of Touba. 3 April Guinea: Anniversary of the Second Republic. 4 April Argentina: Veterans Day. 5 April Chinese Calendar: Chi'ng Ming or Qingming Festival - considered inauspicious day to conduct business transactions. 6 April Sudan: Uprising Day. 7 April Rwanda: Commemoration of 1994 genocide. 9 April Philippines: Philippines: Bataan Day (Day of Valor) - Commemorates the
valor of WW II soldiers. [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. |
