LA PAZ - ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - 2009

UNCLAS LA PAZ 000067 FOR DS/DSS/OSAC, DS/IP/ITA, AND DS/IP/WHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ASEC AMGT APER BL SUBJECT: LA PAZ - ANNUAL OSAC CRIME AND SAFETY REPORT - 2009 REF: A) 08 STATE 132056; B) 07 STATE 168473 ¶I. (U) OVERALL CRIME AND SAFETY SITUATION ¶A. CRIME THREATS Most major cities in Bolivia are currently rated as medium threat level for crime, while Santa Cruz remains high on the Department of State's threat rating scale. However, La Paz and Santa Cruz continue to experience an increase in criminal activity in formerly low crime areas. There have been several reported kidnappings and attempted kidnappings of children walking home from school within one or two blocks of the school, generally in upscale residential areas. Violent crimes such as assault or rape against foreigners are relatively rare, but occur. For instance, when an elderly American couple entered the next taxi in line after attending the theater, the taxi drove a few blocks, pulled over, two men jumped in the back, the woman was raped, and the couple was held for seven hours overnight so they could withdraw money both days from an ATM. In similar incidents, taxi customers are beaten up and thrown out of the taxi after being robbed of their personal belongings and taken to an ATM. Robberies continue to increase. For the most part, tourists can generally walk the streets in most areas of major cities without becoming victims of crime, if they observe reasonable precautions. However, violent crimes do affect U.S. citizens and a number of unwary tourists. One of the more sensational cases occurred in November 2003 when the daughter of a U.S. consular agent was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking. While non-violent petty thefts are very common throughout Bolivia, violent crimes are increasing. In particular, the following categories of theft are the most common: Vehicle thefts: Vehicle thefts remain at a constant high level in the major cities. Unattended vehicles are broken into and the computer modules, spare tires, stereos, headrests, and other items of value are often stolen. Such crimes are no longer exclusive to business and shopping districts; they occur in the more upscale residential areas as well. Personal robberies: The various forms of street crime are extremely common in the major cities of Bolivia, particularly in markets and commercial districts. Pick-pocketing, purse snatching, the slashing of pocketbooks and pants pockets, and the theft of jewelry and cell phones are reported almost daily by tourists and visitors. In La Paz, the area near the San Francisco church is particularly affected by this activity. Other areas in La Paz such as the black market, markets on Sagarnaga Street and Sopocachi Street, and municipal bus stations/terminals are notorious for such activity. Thieves typically operate in groups of two or more. Usually, one or two members of the group will create a distraction (i.e. an argument, a staged fight, a blocked passage on a sidewalk, a cut to the face with a razor, or an unknown liquid thrown on the victim). When this occurs, other members of the team rob the victim by pick-pocketing, slashing the purse, or clothes pockets. This modus operandi has also been very successful at the airports in La Paz and Santa Cruz. People are advised to avoid carrying large sums of cash or ATM/credit cards, and to avoid wearing excess jewelry. In another typical street scam, the thief poses as a police officer (tourist police or immigration official) instructing the person to accompany him to the police station using a nearby taxi. This ruse, when successful, has lured victims into losing all possessions and being injured. Visitors should demand that the U.S. Embassy be contacted and not enter the cab. Residential thefts: U.S. citizen residents have been victimized by residential burglary. Thefts of unsecured bicycles, gardening tools, and lawn furniture from garden areas are fairly common, and such items should be brought indoors during the evening. As in the past, there have been more incidents of poisoning pets through laced bread or meat. Forced entry, though not common, has been an increasingly new phenomenon as well. Finally, thefts from inside the home by household staff, workmen, and other visitors are not uncommon. The vetting of domestic help as well as the careful monitoring of visitors inside the house are necessary precautions. ¶B. SAFETY THREATS ¶1. ROAD CONDITIONS IN BOLIVIA Outside the major cities, road conditions are quite poor. Of the 42,815 Km. of roads in Bolivia, less than five percent are paved. Of the remainder, one third is topped with gravel, and the rest (approximately 60% of all the roads in country) are poorly maintained dirt. Due to limited resources, road conditions are almost solely dependent on the volume of traffic. Many winding stretches of road through insufficiently lighted mountainous areas increase this hazard, which is even further compounded by the lack of guard rails, traffic signs, as well as designation of traffic lanes. Additionally, the general disregard of traffic laws combines with the dangerous road conditions to make driving in Bolivia particularly hazardous, with respect to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Pedestrians also pose a hazard to driving, with a general inattentiveness to traffic. Accidents involving pedestrians are common in both urban and rural areas especially since there is little regard on behalf of motorists for pedestrians, bicycle and motorcycle/moped drivers. ¶2. ROAD HAZARDS As noted, the majority of roads are unpaved, and can be quite hazardous during the rainy season (December - March),when rock slides, and road and bridge washouts are common. There are many fatalities when bridges collapse under the torrent of the rivers fueled by heavy rains. The mountainous areas pose even greater challenges to road travel, with weather conditions varying from blizzards to heavy rain storms, and narrow, unpaved roads being blocked by rock and mud slides. Urban and paved roads have missing manhole covers and deep potholes which either is unmarked or has a branch or large stone placed nearby to warn the driver; in most cases it is difficult to see, especially in the dark. ¶3. MOST DANGEROUS ROADS The North Yungas road, which runs from La Paz northeast toward Coroico and Caranavi, has infamously been dubbed "The World's Most Dangerous Road" and has thus become a hub for thrill-seeking mountain cyclists. Though now restricted to bicycle and pedestrian traffic, it has claimed its share of vehicle and bicycle accidents and fatalities (to include several this past year) to live up to its reputation. Many of the roads north of La Paz and passing through Guanay, Mapiri, Consata, Apolo, and Sorata are extremely dangerous, due to landslides and narrow roadways traversing sheer cliffs. Compounding this, these roads are lightly traveled, and motorists involved in accidents or encountering mechanical problems often find themselves miles from the nearest village, with little help of assistance from infrequently passing motorists. In addition, many of the roads in the province of Beni and other lowland departments have fast moving streams and rivers that cross the roadways with no bridges. The stretch of road between La Paz and San Borja is crossed by rivers 23 times with no bridges. Some of these crossings have nothing more than barges that are propelled by a pull rope and pulley system. II. (SBU) POLITICAL VIOLENCE ¶1. TERRORISM - HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE Between 1988 and 1994, several Bolivian terrorist groups targeted U.S. citizens and U.S. Government (USG) interests. Most notable examples were the 1988 attack against then Secretary of State Shultz's motorcade in La Paz, the series of bombings of Mormon Church between 1989 and 1993, and the murders of two Mormon missionaries in 1989. USG facilities were also targeted in several non-lethal bomb attacks between 1990 and 1993. Groups have also attacked commercial and Government of Bolivia (GOB) targets, including office buildings, oil pipelines, and electrical towers. The Bolivian National Police (BNP) was successful in arresting the leaders of many of these groups, including the Ejercito Guerillero de Tupac Katari (EGTK) and the Comision Nesto Paz Zamora (CNPZ) in the early 1990's. However, remnants of these groups still remain, and their resurgence is possible. ¶2. RECENT TERRORISM ¶A. REGIONAL TERRORISM No international terrorist acts took place in Bolivia in 2008. To date, the GOB has not provided safe haven for terrorists. However, with political instability, a weak and fluctuating legal framework, and the opening of diplomatic relations with Iran and relations with other nations hostile to the USG, there is always concern of possible terrorist activity. While not significantly active, the National Liberation Army (ELN),the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC),the Tupac Amaru Revolutionary Movement (MRTA),the Paraguayan Free Fatherland Party (PPL),and the Shining Path are thought to be present in Bolivia. Former Peruvian terrorist from the Movimiento Revolucionario de Tupac Amaru (MRTA) and from the Sendero Luminoso (SL) are known to reside in Bolivia, some under United Nations (UN) refugee status. These former/current terrorists have provided advice and assistance to groups within Bolivia which are seeking substantive and structural changes to Bolivian democracy. This was evidenced in April 2003 when police raided an ELN-B safe-house and discovered literature and manuals from the Colombian ELN. Additionally, a Colombian ELN member, Francisco Cortes, was discovered in the house and arrested. In April 2006, the GOB released Cortez after the statute of limitations on his case expired. In May 2006, Bolivia's Vice-Minister for the Interior directly intervened to arrange the release of PPL member Angel Acosta after he was arrested on an Interpol warrant for his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of Cecilia Cubas. The Vice-Minister stated that the warrant was invalid. In 2005, Bolivian authorities arrested Aida Ochoa, a suspected member of the MRTA, but released her in early 2006. After a four month delay, the GOB issued a new arrest warrant, as requested by the Peruvians for Ochoa, who, by that time, was a fugitive. In October 2007, the Peruvian government requested the extradition of Walter Chavez, a close advisor to the GOB. Chavez was arrested in Peru in 1990 for alleged illegal activities and involvement with the MRTA. Chavez was released on bail and disappeared before turning up in Bolivia in 1992. The GOB is defending and protecting Chavez, and stated that he was a political refugee protected by international agreements. ¶B. LOCAL TERRORISM As the events of February and October 2003 showed, homegrown Bolivian groups are capable of carrying out violent anti-government activities. Supporters of Felipe Quispe's Movimiento Indigena Pacakuti (MIP) party ambushed a military and police convoy evacuating Europeans and Americans from Sorata and Warizata, causing the deaths of at least two Bolivian soldiers. In 2008, Quispe admitted to ties and sympathy with the FARC. Other groups who have at least discussed potential terrorist actions in Bolivia include the Ejercito Guerillero Tupac Katari (EGTK) and the CNPZ, although they do not currently appear to be active. This is in part because many of the suspected leaders are either in the current administration, or extremely close to it. Army Lieutenant Jorge Nava was arrested in connection with the June 21, 2008 bombing of the Unitel television station in Tarija. ¶C. INTERNATIONAL OR TRANS-NATIONAL TERRORISM While there are no known Middle Eastern terrorist groups active in Bolivia, lax immigration controls, porous borders, the ease in which fake Bolivian travel documents can be obtained, and Bolivia's geographic location would make it attractive for an international terrorist to transit Bolivia if necessary. The Colombian FARC and Japanese Red Army (JRA) are known to have operated in Bolivia, as evidenced by the arrest of FARC and JRA members in Bolivia in 1998. In September 2007, the GOB announced the opening of diplomatic and commercial relations with Iran. The September 27th agreement pledges $1.1 billion in Iranian assistance to Bolivia over five years. In addition, Bolivia continues to receive increased support from Venezuela and Cuba, both whom the GOB has very close relations with since 2006. In January 2009, marchers in La Paz and Santa Cruz held anti-Israeli demonstrations in support of Hamas over the Gaza fighting. ¶2. CIVIL UNREST Demonstrations, road blocks, protests, and other forms of civil unrest are common in Bolivia. For the most part, such actions have been non-violent and directed against the GOB, and U.S. citizens are normally only affected indirectly by having to contend with traffic disturbances and transportation stoppages. These past years, however, civil unrest has reached a level of violence not seen for several decades. In September 2008, major civil unrest occurred in the city of Santa Cruz requiring the international airport to provide limited service for 10 days. Thousands of demonstrators gathered and marched in a residential area which housed many U.S. Embassy personnel. The American school closed twice to avoid demonstrators. The U.S. Embassy went on authorized departure evacuation status for almost 90 days as a result. Clashes between protesters from opposing factions resulted in several injuries and many deaths. U.S. citizens received timely Warden Notices and frequent updates. Fortunately, there were no U.S. casualties. As a result of the political unrest and safety to its volunteers, the Peace Corps suspended operations indefinitely in Bolivia in October 2008. In 2007 and 2008, political tensions resulted in frequent demonstrations across the country. Leading causes of unrest included a new, government-backed draft constitution, calls for autonomy from Eastern Departments (States),Sucre's claims to full capital status, and opposition claims of exclusion from political institutions (Constituent Assembly and Senate). Many smaller demonstrations were also organized to protest economic conditions, political grievances, and perceived government inattention to local needs. Although largely peaceful, protests occasionally turned violent. In November 2007, three protestors were killed during demonstrations against actions of the Constituent Assembly outside the city of Sucre. In January 2007, the city of Cochabamba saw demonstrators protest by setting up road blocks and setting fire to the main municipal building. There were also a handful of protests directed against the U.S. Embassy. During one particularly heated attack in October 2007, about 10,000 protesters attempted to overrun the front entrance. They threw projectiles over the compound wall (including sticks of dynamite). The demonstrators (commemorating 'Black October') even used a coffin with a corpse inside as a battering ram to the front pedestrian entrance. In June 2008, a violent demonstration (supported by the GOB) took place against the U.S. Embassy. In an attempt to overtake the U.S. Embassy, over 10,000 demonstrators hurled dynamite, rocks, and burning wood and tires at the U.S. Embassy compound. At least 10 BNP officers were injured during this clash that required the police to use canines and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Afterward, the President himself personally congratulated the demonstrators for their actions against the U.S. Embassy. Some common areas for civil disturbances in La Paz: - The Prado area - Student plaza - Main highway toll booth area in El Alto - Plaza San Francisco - Plaza Murillo - Bridge of the Americas - Plaza Bolivia (across from the Radisson Hotel) - Plaza Garita de Lima - Sopocachi (road blockages) - Obrajes (road blockages, marches) III. (U) POST-SPECIFIC CONCERNS ¶A. NATURAL DISASTERS EARTHQUAKES: From data gathered by the San Calixto Observatory in La Paz, there have been 13 reported incidents of seismic activity since January 1994, the last being in October 2002 when an earthquake measuring 6.1 on the Richter scale hit the Zongo area. During this 10-year period, the largest earthquake, which was felt in La Paz, measured 7.1. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID),with resources from its Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA),donated portable seismic monitoring equipment to the San Calixto Observatory to improve its early warning capabilities. FLOODS: Between January and April 2008, low lying areas in Beni, Pando, Tarija, Potosi, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba experienced once again severe flooding and was declared a natural disaster are by the GOB. The results of this severe flood affected over 500,000 (loss of life, cattle lost, farming lost) and a total damage of over $150 million to the economy. The USG donated more than $1 million in disaster assistance to relieve suffering. ¶B. COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION Public transportation is poor, except along the more frequently traveled routes where roads have been upgraded and maintained (i.e. La Paz to Cochabamba, Cochabamba to Santa Cruz, and La Paz to Oruro). Bus service along these routes is generally safe, although accidents occur periodically, with fatalities resulting. As noted, travel along less-utilized routes is considered dangerous due to poor roads, reckless drivers, and poorly maintained buses and trucks. Added dangers are the lack of formal training for most drivers, lack of lights on vehicles at night, and drunk or overly tired drivers, including commercial bus drivers. Most roads are rarely patrolled by police, and have many isolated stretches between villages. Consequently, traffic accidents and vehicle breakdowns are particularly hazardous. Urban bus transportation is considered risky for foreigners, with frequent incidents of theft and robbery reported. Similarly, taxis are generally poorly maintained and operated by drivers working part-time. Trufis (taxis that transport passengers along a designated route) and radio taxis are recommended within larger cities, but still prone to robbery incidents. ¶C. KIDNAPPINGS While kidnappings do occur in Bolivia, there have been no reported incidents of U.S. citizens being kidnapped this past year. In September 2008, however, there was a rash of "express kidnappings" of grade school students from wealthier neighborhoods. The parents of the young victims would be called to provide a quick ransom before releasing them unharmed. Throughout the year, other typical reports of "express kidnappings" occurred when a victim would use an ATM machine (usually at night) and then forced into a nearby vehicle at knife or gunpoint. The victim would then be driven to various ATMs to exhaust the maximum withdrawals. Sometimes, the victim would be held for several days before being released. Finally, other "express kidnappings" occurred when victims would leave a club, bar or restaurant late at night (usually alone) and hale a taxi. The taxi driver would then drive to a remote location with accomplishes driving behind him. The victim would then be taken to a remote location to be robbed, assaulted or taken to various ATMs (as described above). ¶D. DRUGS AND NARCO-TERRORISM Despite questionable eradication efforts, Bolivia remains the third largest source of coca leaf, and the third largest producer of cocaine base and cocaine hydrochloride, which is shipped to markets in Latin America, Europe and last the U.S. The USG, along with the Bolivian ruling class, is held responsible for this effort, which began in 1997, in eradicating much of the illegal coca leaf traditionally grown by thousands of native families to supply this international cocaine trade. As a result, coca growers quickly began periodic nationwide protests resulting in widespread civil disturbances and road blockages. On November 01, 2008, the President of Bolivia (who is still president of the coca growers union) expelled the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Over the summer of 2008, cocaleros (coca farmers) successfully forced the USAID out of the Chapare and Yungas. All of these actions were supported by the GOB and publicly applauded by the President of Bolivia. The President and his coca growing supporters view these act as a success and progress towards their political aspirations. U.S. citizens visiting the Chapare region should monitor local news and media before traveling there, particularly when transiting through areas where eradication efforts are ongoing. Also, U.S. citizens should note that penalties for possession of illegal drugs are very strict, and offenders receive lengthy prison sentences if convicted. Further aggravating this, those accused of drug offenses are often imprisoned two years or more before being tried and sentenced. Prison conditions are extremely primitive by U.S. standards. IV. (U) POLICE RESPONSE ¶A. POLICE RESPONSE The BNP have limited resources, particularly outside major cities. In many cases, officers assigned to the smaller villages and towns do not have a vehicle to respond to traffic accidents or criminal activity. Even when such resources are available, response is extremely slow. Travelers may contact the consular section at the U.S. Embassy in La Paz for assistance in dealing with the BNP. U.S. citizens are advised to cooperate with the police if stopped or questioned. If involved in a traffic accident or victimized by crime, one may be required to accompany the investigating officer to the local police station to file a complaint or respond to questions. Should a police report be required for an insurance claim, a nominal fee will be charged. The BNP emergency telephone number is 110. ¶B. POLICE HARASSMENT OR DETENTION U.S. citizens who are detained by the BNP, or feel that they are being harassed, should contact the American Citizen Services (ACS) unit of the consular section in the U.S. embassy in La Paz (note: U.S. citizens in the Santa Cruz or Cochabamba areas should contact the consular agencies in those cities). The consular section and consular agencies maintain an online list of attorneys in Bolivia (http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/arrestosatt.htm l). Local attorneys will charge based upon the magnitude of the case. ¶V. (U) MEDICAL EMERGENCIES The altitude of La Paz is approximately 13,400 feet above sea level. This can prove to be a serious risk to those suffering from respiratory or circulatory conditions. Those with severe anemia (especially sickle cell anemia or sickle cell trait) should not come to La Paz. Those with mild to moderate heart or lung disease should consult with their physicians before coming to La Paz. Travelers with respiratory infections should delay travel to La Paz until they have fully recovered. Adapting to altitude normally requires only a few days. Travelers should limit their physical activity for 48 to 72 hours after arrival in La Paz and avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least a week after arrival. Diamox (acetazolamide - 250 mg dosage) is recommended twice each day to relieve the effects of high altitude. Diamox is only available by prescription in the U.S. and cannot be taken by pregnant women or nursing mothers. ¶A. MEDICAL ASSISTANCE Medical care in large cities is adequate for most purposes but of varying quality. Medical facilities, even in La Paz, are not adequate to handle serious medical conditions, such as cardiac problems. Below are recommended medical facilities: ¶1. LA PAZ - Clinica del Sur, 3539 Avenida Hernando Siles, Obrajes. Telephone: (591) (2) 278-4001, 278-4002, 278-4003 ¶2. SANTA CRUZ - Clinica Folianini, Avenida Irala 468. Telephone: (591) (3) 422-9407, 423-1403, 425-0928 ¶3. COCHABAMBA - Centro Medico Belga, Calle Antezana 0455 (between Calles Venezuela and Paccieri). Telephone: (591) (4) 422-9407, 423-1403, 425-0928 Further medical information is available at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov/medcare.html. ¶B. AIR AMBULANCE SERVICES The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the U.S. unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare/Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the U.S. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plan that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations. Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad", available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000. For additional health information: CDC International Traveler's hotline (U.S.): (404) 332-4559; website: http://www.cdc.gov For international treatment and medical insurance: AEA International (U.S.): (206) 340-6000 Air ambulance service (recommended for severe injuries or illnesses best treated in the U.S.): AEA International (U.S.): (800) 752-4195 VI. (U) ADVICE TO TRAVELERS ¶A. PERSONAL SECURITY PRACTICES ¶1. Maintain a low profile. Do not advertise the fact that you are a U.S. citizen. Dress casually, keep valuables out of sight, and do not draw attention to yourself with your actions. ¶2. Vary your routines. Be unpredictable in your movements; vary your routes from home to/from the office as well as your departure and arrival times. ¶3. Be alert to possible surveillance. Note any individual who appears out of place along your routes to regularly scheduled activities, such as going from home to office. Avoid sitting outside at restaurants. Instead, try to find a seat in an area not clearly visible from the street. ¶4. Watch your surroundings. Minimize valuables and do not carry large sums of money while in crowded, urban areas. Be aware of popular scams and robbery tactics used to distract your attention. ¶B. TRAVEL PRECAUTIONS ¶1. Prior to road travel, ensure that your vehicle is in good operating condition, paying particular attention to the engine, tires, brakes, head and tail lights, spare tire and jack, horn, and oil/gas/brake/coolant fluid levels. ¶2. The following items are recommended for extended road trips: - Cellular telephone with charger - An extra spare tire - Portable gas can of gasoline with funnel - Potable water - Non-perishable food items - First Aid kit - Camping gear (sleeping bag, blanket, stove, etc) - Fire extinguisher - Emergency tool kit with: * Flashlight with additional batteries * Battery operated radio * Extra fan belt/drive belt * Extra fuses, spark plugs, and light bulbs * Duplicate ignition key * Screwdriver (regular and Phillips head) * Socket wrench set * Pliers * Wire * Electrical tape - Jumper cables - Compressed air tire inflator - Flares/reflectors - Collapsible shovel ¶3. Particularly on long trips to remote areas, try to travel in tandem with other vehicles. ¶4. Advise someone of your travel plans, including anticipated arrival and departure times and contact numbers. ¶C. PROTECTING YOUR VEHICLE Headlights and tail lights: The headlights and tail lights are held in place by easily accessible screws. Install grilles around the lights, or simply tap out the heads of the screws holding the lights in place. Spare tire: If your spare tire is mounted on the outside of the vehicle, secure it in place with chain and padlock, or similar device. If this is not possible, remove the spare tire and keep it at home, and then reinstall it only for extended trips outside the city. Items inside the vehicle: Theft of the vehicle's operating computer is a common crime, as is the theft of car sound systems. The installation of a car alarm is strongly recommended. Also, if you purchase a car radio, look for that can be removed from the dash and locked in the trunk. Also, keep your vehicle sterile, storing anything that would entice a thief out of plain view. Locking hubs: Replace one lug nut on each wheel with a specially keyed bolt that locks or can only be removed with a special attachment to the tire iron. Emblems: Should be secured with rivets. Parking: Avoid leaving your vehicle on the street. Park your vehicle inside a residential compound, in a parking lot with an attendant, or at least within view of the location of your visit. If this isn't possible, leave your car at home and take a taxi. Car Alarm: As previously mentioned installation of a car alarm is a recommended precaution in deterring vehicle thefts and thefts of interior contents. ¶D. PROTECTING YOURSELF - Avoid wearing jewelry and carry a clutch purse or a neck purse instead of a shoulder bag. - Carry a wallet in the front trouser pocket or front jacket pocket. - Never leave shopping bags or merchandise unattended. - When hiring domestics, vet them to the greatest extent possible. Ensure that they are trained not to volunteer information to strangers or to allow access of workers without prior authorization. VII. (U) ADDITIONAL INFORMATION US citizens are encouraged to register with the American Citizens Services, located in the consular section at the U.S. Embassy, 2780 Avenida Arce, La Paz; telephone: (591) (2) 216-8246; the consular agency in Santa Cruz, Avenida Roca Aguilera 146 (Tercer Anillo); telephone: (591) (3) 351-3477 or the consular agency in Cochabamba, 1122 Avenida Pando, Saal Bldg, Office B & C, Recoleta; telephone: (591) (4) 411-6313. Further information is available via the Embassy's consular section website at http://bolivia.usembassy.gov and the U.S. Department of State website at http://www.travel.state.gov. Embassy contact numbers: - Embassy Main Switchboard: (591) (2) 216-8000 - American Citizen Services: (591) (2) 216-8246 - Marine Security Guard (Post One): (591) (2) 216-8500 - Regional Security Office: (591) (2) 216-8300 URS