Warden Information

Livingston, Izabal

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

February 21, 2008

Dear American Citizen Warden:

The following is a Warden Message concerning security in the Livingston-Rio Dulce area. Please share the following information with the American citizens on your warden list, and any other Americans you know, as soon as possible. It should be disseminated as widely as possible within the American citizen community. Please contact the American Citizen Services section via e-mail (amcitsguatemala@state.gov), fax (2326-4655), or telephone (2326-4405) if you have any questions. Thank you very much for your support and assistance.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

WARDEN MESSAGE

Livingston-Rio Dulce, Izabal

The Guatemalan Tourist Assistance Office (ASISTUR) informed the Embassy that on Thursday, February 21, 2008, in protest of an arrest in Livingston, Izabal, groups of indigenous persons have taken a number of Guatemalan National Police hostage and briefly took control of the municipality. According to ASISTUR, the indigenous group is planning a protest for the Castillo de San Felipe area near the town of Rio Dulce.

In light of these events, ASISTUR advises -- and the Embassy strongly endorses – that American citizens avoid travel to the Rio Dulce and Livingston area for the next 24 hours. Since it is possible that the situation may last longer, American citizens are encouraged to check with ASISTUR at 2421-2800 extensions 1301, 1305 and 1306, or the U.S. Embassy at 2326-4405, for the latest information before traveling to the area.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala is located at Avenida Reforma 7-01, Zone 10, Guatemala City. Please contact the American Citizen Services section by phone at 011-(502)2326-4405, by fax at (502)2326-4655, or by sending an email to amcitsguatemala@state.gov. The after-hours emergency number is 011-502-2331-2354 or (502)2331-2354