Things have gotten worse over the past 24 hours. I have received reports of protests all over the city and outskirts as well. That includes the area of Airport Road (which is outside of town). This is was the update that I got this morning (10:00 a.m. PAP time).
Also, please see the below message that was emailed out to all U.S. citizens who live in PAP:
Copy of U.S. Embassy Warden's Message April 8, 2008 AM WARDEN MESSAGE NO. 50 Tuesday, April 8, 2008 AM
This Warden Message is being issued to alert American Citizens traveling to or living in Haiti that sporadic protests have escalated in Port-au-Prince and its environs.
The protestors are blocking main routeswith burning tires and barricades in Carrefour, Martissant, La Saline, Canape Vert, Delmas and downtown Port-au-Prince. The Embassy received reportsfrom MINUSTAH and the Haitian National Police (HNP)that protestors are scuffling with the police,throwing rocks and committing acts of vandalism hroughout Port-au-Prince.
The HNP also reported that several businesses and gas stations have been damaged in Port-au-Prince. The HNP stopped protestors from breaking into the National Palace. Tear gas and rubber bullets are being used to disperse crowds ofprotestors. Random gunfire has been heard in the capital.
Many schools, stores and businesses have closed because of the tension and violence. The airport remains open and commercial flights continueon a normal schedule, though traffic on the road tothe airport has been disrupted at times by some of theprotests.
As reported in Warden Message No. 49, protests continue in the city of Les Cayes, located in the South Department of Haiti. The Embassy urges all U.S. citizens to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security/safety awareness. Americans are encouraged to remain indoors if demonstrations are taking place in their vicinity. Monitor the local news and maintain contact with the U.S. Embassy inPort-au-Prince. Also be sure to keep friends and family updated on your welfare and whereabouts. The Embassy reminds all citizens to avoid crowds and demonstrations as even those intended to be peaceful may suddenly turn violent. The Embassy will continueto evaluate the situation and notify U.S. citizens of any potential security threats.
Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitorthe U.S. Department of State's travel website at http://www.travel.state.gov/ , where the current World wide Caution, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts can befound. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizensto review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information forthose both living and traveling abroad. In addition toinformation on the Internet, travelers may obtainup-to-date information on security conditions bycalling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. andCanada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regulartoll line at 1-202-501-4444.
Citizens living andresiding in Haiti are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department ofState's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov/.
In case of emergency, please contact the American Citizen Services Unit in the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy. The Consular Section is located at 104, rue Oswald Durand, Port-au-Prince.
The telephonenumbers are: (509) 223-7011, 223-6440, 223-6443,223-6421, 223-6426, 223-6424, 223-6407, and 223-7008.
The fax number is: (509) 223-9665.
Our e-mail addressis acspap@state.gov.
If you have an emergency when weare closed, please call the Duty Officer at (509)417-2399 or (509) 558-9099, or you may call Post One (U.S. Marine Guard) at the Chancery at 222-0200.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment