Warden Message- October 18, 2007

This warden message is being issued to inform U.S. citizens of potential demonstrations which might occur on Friday, October 19, 2007 in downtown Bishkek. Though the Embassy has no information that the demonstrations will be violent, we remind American Citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are urged to avoid downtown Bishkek; including Alatoo Square, the Kyrgyz White House and streets that run through or within a two block radius of those areas. Should the police have an extended perimeter or other cordoned-off areas, do not attempt to enter any restricted areas.

American citizens should also be aware that a national Constitutional referendum is scheduled to be held on Sunday, October 21, 2007 throughout Kyrgyzstan. The Embassy has no information regarding any potential protests or security situations that might arise as a result of the referendum. As always, American citizens are urged to be mindful of their surroundings and exercise caution.
 
U.S. citizens are urged to register and update their contact information through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/. The U.S. Embassy in Bishkek is located at 171 Prospect Mira, 720016 Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. The phone number is 996-312-551-241 and may be used after hours. Fax: 996-312-551-264, and website: http://bishkek.usembassy.gov.

Updated information on travel and security in the Kyrgyz Republic may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 within the United States and Canada, or from overseas, 1-202-501-4444. U.S. citizens should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for the Kyrgyz Republic at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_945.html  and the Public Announcement for Central Asia at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2491.html, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement http://travel.state.gov/wwc1.html, and the travel publication "A Safe Trip Abroad" at http://travel.state.gov/asafetripabroad.html.