TRAVEL ALERT NICARAGUA

UNCLAS STATE 121866 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: CASC PTER ASEC NU SUBJECT: TRAVEL ALERT NICARAGUA ¶1. The Department of State warns U.S. citizens about heightened security concerns in Nicaragua, and advises U.S. citizens traveling to or already in Nicaragua to maintain a high level of vigilance and to take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness. This Travel Alert expires on December 12, 2008. ¶2. Municipal elections across Nicaragua took place on November 9, 2008. Violent demonstrations followed and witnesses have reported numerous injuries. The situation remains fluid. Street protests and or clashes are likely to continue in the coming days and can be unpredictable in time, place, and intensity. ¶3. Activities observed during protests include but are not limited to tear gas, rubber bullets, setting off fireworks, rock-throwing, tire burning, road blocks, bus and vehicle burning, and physical violence between law enforcement and protestors or between political rivals. Activities tend to become increasingly violent in the early afternoon. Passersby and observers are not immune from the effects of these protests. ¶4. We remind U.S. citizens that even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. We urge American citizens to avoid the affected areas if possible, and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gathering. U.S. citizens should monitor media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. ¶5. Americans traveling abroad should regularly review the U.S. Embassy's website (http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov) and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs' website www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/sa fety_1747.ht ml, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to- date information on security conditions by calling 1-888- 407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or outside the United States and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. ¶6. The U.S. Embassy in Managua is located at Km 5 1/2 C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua. The U.S. Embassy in Managua can be reached 24/7 at 011-505-252-7100. For emergencies (deaths, arrests, etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can call this phone number and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer. The American Citizen Services unit also is available by email at ACS.Managua@state.gov. ¶7. General information regarding consular services is available by calling 011-505-252-7888. Non-emergency services for U.S. citizens are available Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, except on Nicaraguan and U.S. holidays. ¶8. Minimize considered. RICE