Cablegate: Travel Alert Nicaragua

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UNCLAS STATE 121866

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC NU
SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT NICARAGUA

1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens about
heightened security concerns in Nicaragua, and advises
U.S. citizens traveling to or already in Nicaragua to
maintain a high level of vigilance and to take
appropriate steps to increase their security awareness.
This Travel Alert expires on December 12, 2008.

2. Municipal elections across Nicaragua took place on
November 9, 2008. Violent demonstrations followed and
witnesses have reported numerous injuries. The situation
remains fluid. Street protests and or clashes are likely
to continue in the coming days and can be unpredictable
in time, place, and intensity.

3. Activities observed during protests include but are
not limited to tear gas, rubber bullets, setting off
fireworks, rock-throwing, tire burning, road blocks, bus
and vehicle burning, and physical violence between law
enforcement and protestors or between political rivals.
Activities tend to become increasingly violent in the
early afternoon. Passersby and observers are not immune
from the effects of these protests.

4. We remind U.S. citizens that even events intended to
be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly
escalate into violence. We urge American citizens to
avoid the affected areas if possible, and to exercise
caution when in the vicinity of any large gathering.
U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local
events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

5. Americans traveling abroad should regularly review
the U.S. Embassy's website
(http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov) and the U.S. Department
of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' website
www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide
Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country
Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also
encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip
Abroad," found at
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/sa fety_1747.ht
ml, which includes valuable security information for those
both living and traveling abroad. In addition to
information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-
date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-
407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or
outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll
line at 1-202-501-4444.

6. The U.S. Embassy in Managua is located at Km 5 1/2 C.
Sur Managua, Nicaragua. The U.S. Embassy in Managua can
be reached 24/7 at 011-505-252-7100. For emergencies
(deaths, arrests, etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can
call this phone number and ask for the Embassy Duty
Officer. The American Citizen Services unit also is
available by email at ACS.Managua@state.gov.

7. General information regarding consular services is
available by calling 011-505-252-7888. Non-emergency
services for U.S. citizens are available Monday through
Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, except on Nicaraguan and U.S.
holidays.

8. Minimize considered.
RICE

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