CORRECTED COPY: TRAVEL WARNING - HAITI

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 STATE 075057

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CASC ASEC PTER OTRA HT
SUBJECT: CORRECTED COPY: TRAVEL WARNING - HAITI


1. The State Department warns U.S. citizens to exercise
a high degree of caution when traveling to Haiti. While
the overall security situation has improved, political
tensions remain, and the potential for politically-
motivated violence persists. This Travel Warning
replaces the Travel Warning dated January 28, 2009, and
is being issued to provide updated information on
country conditions, and to alert Americans to ongoing
security concerns and on contacting and registering with
the U.S. Embassy in Haiti.



2. Haiti, like most Caribbean countries, can be
affected by hurricanes and other storms. Hurricane
season runs from approximately June 1 - November 30 each
year. The lack of infrastructure and rescue services,
combined with impassable roads and bridges, have
severely hindered rescue and relief efforts. During the
2008 hurricane season, four tropical storms struck
Haiti, causing torrential rains, extensive flooding and
mudslides, and hundreds of reported casualties. Most
transport infrastructure damaged by the 2008 storms has
been repaired, although in many cases repairs are
temporary pending the construction of more permanent
structures. Haiti has few secondary roads that are in
good condition. Drivers traveling on Haiti's roads must
be aware that there will be frequent deviations,
stoppages and obstructions due to ongoing road
construction and repairs. For additional details
concerning traffic safety and road conditions, please
see the Department of State's Country Specific
Information for Haiti.


3. There were violent confrontations between opposing
candidates' supporters and armed attacks on polling
stations in a handful of Haitian towns during the April
19, 2009, Senate elections. There was less violence in
the second round of voting on June 21. International
monitors described the elections as generally well-
organized and orderly. The absence of an effective
police force in many areas of Haiti means that, when
protests take place, there is potential for looting, the
erection of intermittent roadblocks by armed protestors
or by the police, and the possibility of random crime,
including kidnapping, carjacking, home invasion, armed
robbery and assault. Although the Haitian National
Police are more visible and are contributing to
improving public security, especially in the
metropolitan area of the capital, Americans in Haiti
should practice good personal security, take commonsense
precautions and avoid any event where crowds may
congregate. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful
occasionally turn violent. Americans should closely
monitor news media and the U.S. Embassy's website at:
http://haiti.usembassy.gov/warden_information .html.


4. U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Haiti
despite this warning are reminded that there also is
persistent danger of violent crime, especially
kidnappings. Most kidnappings are criminal in nature,
and the kidnappers make no distinctions of nationality,
race, gender, or age. The incidence of kidnapping in
Haiti has diminished from its peak in 2006 when 60
Americans were reported kidnapped. As of July 2009, one
American had been reported kidnapped this year. In
2008, 27 Americans were reported kidnapped. Most of the
Americans were abducted in Haiti's two largest cities,
Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien. Some kidnap victims
have been killed, shot, sexually assaulted, or
physically abused. While the capacity and capabilities
of the Haitian National Police have improved since 2006,

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the presence of UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH)
peacekeeping troops and UN-formed police units remain
critical to maintaining an adequate level of security
throughout the country. The lack of civil protections
in Haiti, as well as the limited capability of local law
enforcement to resolve crime, further compounds the
security threat to American citizens.


5. While MINUSTAH remains fully deployed and is
assisting the government of Haiti in providing security,
travel is always hazardous within Port-au-Prince. U.S.
Embassy personnel are under an Embassy-imposed curfew
and must remain in their homes or in U.S. government
facilities during the curfew. Some areas are off-limits
to Embassy staff after dark, including downtown Port-au-
Prince. The Embassy restricts travel by its staff to
some areas outside of Port-au-Prince because of the
prevailing road, weather, or security conditions. This
may constrain our ability to provide emergency services
to U.S. citizens outside Port-au-Prince. Demonstrations
and violence may occasionally limit Embassy operations
to emergency services, even within Port-au-Prince.


6. The Department of State strongly advises U.S.
citizens traveling to or residing in Haiti to register
either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov or
with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Port-
au-Prince. The Consular Section can be reached at (509)
(2)229-8000 or e-mail address acspap@state.gov.
Travelers should also consult the Department of State's
latest Country Specific Information for Haiti and the
Worldwide Caution at http://travel.state.gov. American
citizens also may obtain up-to-date information on
security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free
in the United States.


7. Minimize considered.
CLINTON