Warden Information

Several Issues Alert

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

January 14, 2005

Dear American Citizen Warden:

The following is a Warden Message issued by Embassy Guatemala concerning several issues. 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

PROTESTS: The press has reported that civil and social organizations may hold protests at Guatemalan Government buildings on Friday, January 14 and, possibly, subsequent days. These groups may also seek to block roads around the country, including access to La Aurora Airport in Guatemala City. As stated in the Consular Information Sheet, we recommend avoiding areas and locations where protests are occurring. Even initially peaceful demonstrations can become confrontational and escalate into violence without warning.

SOLOLÁ PROVINCE: Tensions in Sololá Province and other parts of Guatemala remain high in the wake of confrontations that occurred on CA-1 earlier this week.

VOLCANOES: Three volcanoes in Guatemala, Pacaya, Santiaguito and Fuego, have simultaneously become active. Employees of the American Embassy have been advised not to climb the volcanoes at this time. American Citizens traveling or resident in Guatemala should heed the same warning.

AIRPORT: La Aurora Airport is presently operating on its normal schedule.

NEW EMBASSY TELEPHONE NUMBERS: Beginning today, the Embassy switchboard telephone number has changed to (502) 2-326-4000. The American Citizen Services Office and American Consular Officers may be reached at the same, unchanged number: (502) 2-334-8473. Other new numbers in the Consular Section are: Warden System: (502) 2-326-4411; Federal Benefits: (502) 2-326-4294; Passports: (502) 2-326-4404; General questions: (502) 2-326-440.5

IRS ASSISTANCE: The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is sending a representative to the Embassy on March 1st and 2nd to meet with American taxpayers who have specific problems or questions. Appointments will be for fifteen-minute intervals between 1 and 4pm on March 1st and 8am and 4pm on March 2nd. To make an appointment, Americans should call (502) 2-326-4405.

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.