Warden Information

Public Protest Alert

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

January 9, 2005

Dear American Citizen Warden:

The following is a Warden Message issued by Embassy Guatemala concerning demonstrations. Please share it with the American citizens on your warden list, and any other Americans you know, as soon as possible. Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (amcitsguatemala@state.gov), fax (502) 2332-4353, or telephone (502) 2334-8473 if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your support and assistance.

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WARDEN MESSAGE

There is a potential for a public protest occurring on CA-1 between Tecpán and Sololá, approximately between kilometers 117 to 127. This public disruption may involve a large Guatemalan security presence.

The Embassy would like to remind American citizens living in or visiting Guatemala that even peaceful demonstrations can turn into confrontational situations and possibly escalate into violence. During the coming week, travelers should pay particular attention to this location on CA-1, and should use caution wherever demonstration are taking place. The use of roadblocks and/or blocking of this main highway is possible, and demonstrators may prevent vehicles caught behind the blockades from passing through on the road. U.S. citizens should monitor local media reports and consult hotel personnel and tour guides to see if this protest activity justifies suspension of travel on CA-1.

More information about travel security is available from the Tourist Protection Office of INGUAT (The Guatemalan Tourist Board) 24 hours, seven days a week at (502) 2421-2810 or (502) 5578-9836. U.S. citizens may also consult with the Consular section of the U.S. Embassy for updated security information after hours and weekends at (502) 2331-2354 or during business hours at (502) 2334-8473.

For further information on travel to Guatemala, please consult the latest Consular Information Sheet (CIS) for Guatemala.

The U.S. Embassy is located in Guatemala City at 7-01 Avenida la Reforma, Zone 10; telephone (011-502-2326-4000); Web site at http://guatemala.usembassy.gov.