Warden Information

Livingston, Izabal

American Embassy Guatemala
American Citizen Warden Program

February 27, 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, Izabal

Although all police taken hostage last week in Livingston, Izabal, were released unharmed, the Embassy has now been informed that negotiations between the government and local indigenous communities have been suspended, and threats of further actions are being made against police, businesses and foreigners in the Rio Dulce and Livingston area of Izabal as well as the areas of Alta and Baja Verapaz . The Guatemalan Tourist Assistance Office (ASISTUR) informed the Embassy that there is a high possibility of protests and of road blockages. There is currently no police presence in Livingston and the police station is closed. The Embassy has also learned that hotels in the area have been advised not to accept any new visitors and to provide additional security for guests who choose to remain at hotels.

In light of these events, ASISTUR advises -- and the Embassy strongly endorses – that American citizens avoid travel to the Rio Dulce and Livingston area as well as Alta and Baja Verapaz until the current situation is resolved. ASISTUR also advises that tourist groups who are already in these locations remain in their hotels. American citizens who chose to travel to the area 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.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, including the Worldwide Caution, 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