Warden Information

Public Demonstrations Alert

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

February 15, 2005

Dear American Citizen Warden:

The following is a Warden Message issued by Embassy Guatemala concerning public 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

This Warden Message is being issued to remind U.S. citizens that public demonstrations may turn violent and that the security situation in Guatemala remains serious. Members of former civilian patrols known as Ex-PACs met in mid-February, and some are threatening to organize demonstrations and strikes throughout the country. The activities may include road blockades, potentially affecting border crossings and airport access. Such demonstrations may occur with little or no warning in the coming days or weeks.

Large demonstrations can occur throughout Guatemala and can cause serious traffic disruptions. Although most demonstrations are peaceful, they can turn violent, and travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place. The use of roadblocks barring access to public facilities, including the international airport has occurred, preventing movement to or from the airport.

All U.S. citizens should avoid gatherings of agitated people, keep informed of possible demonstrations by following the local news and consulting hotel personnel and tour guides, and avoid areas where demonstrations are occurring.

U.S. citizens who are victims of crime are urged to contact the Consular Section of the Embassy for advice and assistance. U.S. citizens should update their contact information at http://travel.state.gov/travel/abroad_registration.html or at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City. The Embassy is located at Ave. la Reforma 7-01, Zona 10. The Embassy’s new telephone number is (502) 2326-4000. The American Services Office telephone number is (502) 2326-4405 and the fax number is (502) 2332-4353. The Embassy website is http://guatemala.usembassy.gov, and the e-mail address is: AmCitsGuatemala@state.gov.

Updated information on travel and security for Guatemala may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the U.S., or from overseas, 1-317-472-2328. U.S. citizens should consult the Consular Information Sheet for Guatemala, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, and the travel publication "A Safe Trip Abroad," all of which are available on the State Department's Internet site at http://travel.state.gov.