cce blog

public announcement

Date: Wed, 19 Mar 2003 23:02:25 -0500
From: AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL HONG KONG
    <R-6-792271-9844027-2-7577-HK1-966D2C37@xmr3.com>
To: chris@erway.org
Subject: U.S. Public Announcement - Worldwide Caution

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT - WORLDWIDE CAUTION

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 States 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 may 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.  In addition to information on the
Internet, U.S. travelers can get up-to-date information on
security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S.
and outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at l
317-472-2328.

AMERICAN CONSULATE GENERAL HONG KONG
26 GARDEN ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG