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Anuncios
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U.S.
DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
BOLIVIA
January 12, 2007
This
Public Announcement is being issued to alert Americans traveling
to and residing in Bolivia to the ongoing volatile political
and social situation in Bolivia, particularly the city of
Cochabamba. This Public Announcement expires on February
9, 2007.
Protesters took over the main square and avenue in Cochabamba
on January 8, demanding the resignation of Cochabamba's
prefect (governor). On January 11 violent confrontations
resulted in three confirmed deaths and over 100 injured.
Local authorities restored order, but the situation remains
volatile. Demonstrations continue in Cochabamba's main plaza
and could occur in other public areas with little notice
and possible violence. U.S. citizens planning to travel
to Bolivia should carefully consider their plans in light
of continuing tension in Cochabamba and the possibility
that other parts of Bolivia may be affected by this conflict.
Grocery stores in Cochabamba reportedly are empty and roadblocks
are preventing resupply. Roadblocks at bridges and on major
thoroughfares continue throughout Cochabamba. On January
8, protestors interrupted the city's water supply for several
hours; shortages continue, particularly near the main square.
Local hotels in that area reportedly have adequate water
and food supplies. U.S. citizens traveling to or from Cochabamba
should contact their airline to confirm the situation at
the airport.
The U.S. Embassy in La Paz has restricted travel by U.S.
Government personnel to Cochabamba and directed U.S. Government
personnel in Cochabamba to remain in their residences except
for emergencies.
In other areas of Bolivia, a civic strike called for Santa
Cruz for January 16 is expected to affect public transportation.
Protestors in La Paz briefly closed El Alto International
Airport late January 11. Overland travel has been impeded
between Cochabamba and other parts of Bolivia.
Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate
into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to
avoid areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise
caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Since
the timing and routes of marches and demonstrations are
always subject to change, American citizens should monitor
local media sources for new developments. American citizens
are encouraged to avoid areas where these mass assemblies
and demonstrations are expected to occur. Under no circumstances
should anyone attempt to run a roadblock.
The U.S. Embassy routinely advises its employees to develop
and periodically review their personal emergency plans;
private U.S. citizens should do the same with particular
attention to ensuring adequate water, food and gasoline
supplies. For more information on emergency preparedness,
please consult the Federal Emergency Management Authority
(FEMA) Web site at http://www.fema.gov/.
That Web site includes a Spanish language version.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet
web site at http://travel.state.gov
where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement,
Travel Warnings, and Public Announcements can be found.
Additional information is available in the Consular Information
Sheet for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov
and on the Embassy's web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov
Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may
be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747
within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas
are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy
or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration
website at https://travelregistration.state.gov
U.S. citizens with concerns may contact the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov
or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours
or USCit.Services.Bolivia@gmail.com
or (591-2) 216-8500 after hours and on weekends. The Consular
Section is located at the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue
in La Paz, Bolivia. The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be
reached by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba
Consular Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313.
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MESSAGE
U.S. EMBASSY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
9 January 2007
This
Warden Message is being issued to alert Americans traveling
to and residing in Bolivia to the ongoing volatility of
the political and social situation in Bolivia with specific
reference to the city of Cochabamba. Numerous social protests
planned for that city today provide potential flashpoints
for confrontation among protesters and civil authorities.
* Yesterday, 8 January 2007, protesters demanding the resignation
of the prefect (governor) of Cochabamba, Manfred Reyes Villa
, set fire to the offices of the prefecture (government)
of Cochabamba after a confrontation with the police. The
fire destroyed several offices and at least two vehicles.
Police responded to the protest with tear gas and water
cannons; there have been reports of several people having
suffered grave injuries as a result of being directly struck
by the streams from water cannon s. Bystanders observing
the protest and confrontation have also reportedly been
attacked by the protestors, as have journalists recording
the events.
* There are reports of roadblocks planned along points leading
into and out of the city. Roadblocks within the city at
bridges and on major thoroughfares may occur at any time.
* Protestors have shut down the water supply to the city.
Officials from the water company have announced through
the media that they are rationing water and can only guarantee
the supply through tomorrow morning. They are advising residents
of the city to store and conserve water.
* Leaders of the protest have announced intentions to disrupt
the electrical supply to the city. This announcement is
also receiving media attention.
* Small groups of protestors and counter-protesters have
had isolated violent clashes throughout the day, centered
on the central plaza. This appears to be random encounters
between the two groups.
* A large counter-protest by supporters of the prefect in
the city of Cochabamba is scheduled for 3:00pm tomorrow,
10 January, 2007. Please review local media for more information
as to this counter protest as it develops.
* American citizens should be aware of the calls for mass
street demonstrations and blockades if planning travel to
or within Bolivia and are encouraged to contact the Consular
Section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz with any questions.
Roadblocks may affect the route to and from El Alto International
Airport in La Paz with little or no prior notice. American
citizens are encouraged to avoid the areas where these mass
assemblies and demonstrations are expected to occur. Under
no circumstances should anyone attempt to run a roadblock.
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations
intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly
escalate into violence , as happened yesterday. American
citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations
if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity
of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of marches
and demonstrations are always subject to change, American
citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet
web site at http://travel.state.gov < http://travel.state.gov/>
where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement,
Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Additional
information is available in the Consular Information Sheet
for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov < http://travel.state.gov/>
and on the Embassy web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov
< http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/>.
Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may
be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747
within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas
are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy
or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration
website at https://travelregistration.state.gov <https://travelregistration.state.gov/
>
U.S. citizens with concerns may contact the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov
or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours
or 216-8500 after hours and on weekends. The Consular Section
is located at the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue in La
Paz, Bolivia. The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be reached
by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba Consular
Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313
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MESSAGE
U.S. EMBASSY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
December 22, 2006
This Warden Message is being issued to alert U.S. citizens
traveling to and residing in Bolivia to the ongoing volatility
of the political and social situation in Bolivia. As we
head into the holiday season the Embassy has no specific
information regarding planned strikes or protests, however
protests, strikes, and other civic actions can occur at
any time and disrupt transportation on a local and national
level. The police have used tear gas to break up protests
in the past. In addition to rallies and street demonstrations,
protesters sometimes block roads; they sometimes react with
force when travelers attempt to pass through or go around
roadblocks and occasionally have used the threat of explosives
to press their point.
In addition the Consular section would like to remind/inform
U.S citizens living or traveling in Bolivia that it is common
practice during times of celebration to use dynamite in
lieu of fireworks. Travelers, especially in rural areas,
are advised to be aware and to avoid if possible areas where
such celebrations may occur. Additionally all travelers
and residents should be alert to the possibility that thieves
may be targeting foreign travelers during this season of
increased travel.
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations
intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly
escalate into violence as has happened in the past. American
citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations
if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity
of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of marches
and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens
should monitor local media sources for new developments.
For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet
web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide
Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public
Announcements can be found. Additional information is available
in the Consular Information Sheet for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov
and on the Embassy web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.
We wish to remind you that the Embassy will be closed on
26 December, 2006 in observance of the Christmas holiday.
The countrywide emergency number for the police, including
highway patrol, is 110. The corresponding number for the
fire department is 119.
Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may
be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747
within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas
are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy
or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration
website at https://travelregistration.state.gov
U.S. citizens with concerns may contact the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov
or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours
or 216-8500 after hours and on weekends. The Consular Section
is located at the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue in La
Paz, Bolivia. The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be reached
by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba Consular
Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313.
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WARDEN
MESSAGE
U.S. EMBASSY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
OCTOBER 11, 2006
This
Warden Message is being issued to alert Americans traveling
to and residing in Bolivia to the ongoing volatility of
the political and social situation in Bolivia. Numerous
social protests planned for the next few days provide potential
flashpoints for confrontation among competing social groups
and political agendas:
-
The Presidential Spokesman for the Government of Bolivia
has called upon supporters of the MAS party to gather
in downtown La Paz on Thursday, October 12, 2006 in a
show of support for the government. Organizers announced
that they expect approximately 30,000 participants to
attend the gathering.
-
The strike called by the transportation syndicates in
protest of the new traffic patterns in La Paz which began
on October 9, 2006 was temporarily suspended on October
11, 2006. However, union officials have announced that
they may resume the strike once again if their demands
are not met. Additionally, the Federation of Bolivian
Transporters called for a 48-hour nationwide strike for
October 12-13 in opposition to the government’s
plan providing for the registration/legalization of undocumented
and/or smuggled vehicles (“chutos”).
-
The October 5 Huanuni mine strike between the National
Federation of Mining Cooperatives (Fencomin) and salaried
mine workers for control of the mine’s tin deposits
is ongoing. Four thousand Fencomin miners attempted to
close the Huanani mine on October 5, but were met by salaried
mine workers of Central Obrera Boliviana (COB) who attempted
to defend the mine against Fencomin’s actions. The
clash between the two groups resulted in 16 deaths, numerous
injuries, and substantial property destruction from dynamite
exploded during the confrontation. COB conducted a march
from El Alto on October 10 against the government to publicly
demand the GOB nationalize all natural resources and recoup
the mines. Fencomin on October 10th threatened to shut
down the country with blockades if its demands are not
met by Friday, October 13th.
American citizens should consider the calls for a general
strike and road blockades if planning travel to or within
Bolivia and are encouraged to contact the Consular Section
at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz with any questions. Roadblocks
may affect the route to and from El Alto International Airport
in La Paz. American citizens are encouraged to avoid the
downtown area and the streets mentioned during this activity.
Under no conditions should anyone attempt to run a roadblock.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet
web site at http://travel.state.gov
where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement,
Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Additional
information is available in the Consular Information Sheet
for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov
and on the Embassy web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.
Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may
be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747
within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas
are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy
or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration
website at https://travelregistration.state.gov
U.S. citizens with concerns may contact the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov
or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours
or 216-8500 after hours and on weekends. The Consular Section
is located at the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue in La
Paz, Bolivia. The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be reached
by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba Consular
Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313.
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| WARDEN
MESSAGE
U.S. EMBASSY LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
OCTOBER 10, 2006
This
Warden Message is being issued to alert Americans traveling
to and residing in Bolivia to the ongoing volatility of
the political and social situation in Bolivia.
Transportation workers in La Paz, Bolivia called an indefinite
general strike in La Paz which began October 9, 2006 to
protest new traffic patterns in the city and have blocked
access to many parts of La Paz. Some violence against property
(especially vehicles) has been reported in conjunction with
this strike. In addition, the Central Obrera Boliviana—in
conjunction with several other organizations—has blockaded
the downtown area. Other demonstrations are affecting El
Prado Avenue and Naciones Unidas Avenue. Some of the demonstrators
are throwing dynamite to increase the impact of their protest.
Roadblocks may affect the route to and from El Alto International
Airport. American citizens are encouraged to avoid the downtown
area and the streets mentioned during this activity.
Additionally, workers from the National Confederation of
Bolivian Chauffeurs have threatened a nation-wide strike
commencing on Thursday, October 12, 2006 if the government
continues with its plans to legalize undocumented vehicles
(“chutos”) in Bolivia. Previous calls for nation-wide
strikes have met with mixed results, ranging from partial
to near-total adherence. Travelers should not attempt to
pass through or around roadblocks, even if they appear unattended.
American citizens should consider the calls for a general
strike and road blockades if planning travel to or within
Bolivia and are encouraged to contact the Consular Section
at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz with any questions.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling
abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet
web site at http://travel.state.gov
where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement,
Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Additional
information is available in the Consular Information Sheet
for Bolivia at http://travel.state.gov
and on the Embassy web page at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov.
Current information on travel and security in Bolivia may
be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747
within the United States, or, from overseas, 1-202-501-4444.
These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal
holidays). American citizens traveling or residing overseas
are encouraged to register with the appropriate U.S. Embassy
or Consulate on the State Department's travel registration
website at https://travelregistration.state.gov
U.S. citizens with concerns may contact the Consular Section
of the U.S. Embassy in La Paz, Bolivia via e-mail at consularlapaz@state.gov
or by telephone at (591-2) 216-8297 during working hours
or 216-8500 after hours and on weekends. The Consular Section
is located at the U.S. Embassy at 2780 Arce Avenue in La
Paz, Bolivia. The Santa Cruz Consular Agency can be reached
by telephone at (591-3) 351-3477 and the Cochabamba Consular
Agency can be reached by telephone at (591-4) 411-6313. |
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