News Watch
Belize crime
The U.S. Embassy in Belmopan, Belize, has warned travelers of increases in violent crime in the capital as well as in the central and western regions of the country. Shootings and armed robberies have increased in both urban and rural areas, especially in Belize City.
Current warnings for September 2008
As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 27 destinations: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Timor-Leste, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Chad, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Eritrea, Côte d&rs
Rioting in Mongolia
in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, after allegations that the majority party had interfered in the June 29 election, rioting left five people dead. The next day, campaign offices of the ruling Mongolian People’s Revolutionary Party were ransacked and later set ablaze.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
The Department of State continues to warn U.S. citizens against travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Congo-Kinshasa).
Argentina roads
In mid-July, Argentina’s senate voted (37 to 36) to not impose grain export taxes, appeasing farmers. For the previous several months, farmers had blocked roads throughout the country in protest, preventing deliveries to supermarkets and disrupting commerce.
Indonesia warning lifted
The State Department announced on May 27 that it had “determined that the current security climate in Indonesia no longer warrants a Travel Warning,” this after eight years on the list.
Another Chile volcano
The Llaima Volcano, in Conguillio National Park about 435 miles south of Santiago, Chile, spewed lava and ash in January and February 2008, but its eruption again in July prompted the evacuation of tourists and residents from the area.
Eritrea tensions
Those considering travel within Eritrea should be aware of the presence of large numbers of Eritrean and Ethiopian troops along that border plus the acute political tensions between the two countries.
Polio from Nigeria
Northern Nigeria is currently affected by a new outbreak of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) which has the potential to cause international outbreaks.
Balkans declared ‘safe’
The United Nations Office on Drugs & Crime (UNODC) on May 29 released a 126-page report, “Crime and Its Impact on the Balkans and Affected Countries,” stating, “Surprising as it may be, the Balkan region is one of the safest in Europe.”
Argentina roadblocks
In Argentina at press time, striking farmers had been blocking hundreds of roads and highways since March to restrict deliveries of agricultural products, leaving supermarkets empty, doubling the price of beef and even affecting tourism, as bus companies stopped selling tickets.
Chad safety iffy
The Department of State continues to advise deferring travel to Chad due to the unstable security situation throughout the country. Armed rebel groups resumed activity in eastern Chad in mid-June and present real dangers.
Lead toxicity, Senegal
Following an unexplained cluster of deaths in children from the NGagne Diaw quarter of Thiaroye sur Mer, Dakar, Senegal, an investigation revealed that the area was contaminated with lead from the informal recycling of lead batteries.
Philippines ferry disaster
MV Princess of Stars, a ferry carrying 850 passengers and crew from Manila to Cebu, capsized two miles from Sibuyan Island in the middle of the Philippine Archipelago on June 22 after sailing into the eye of Typhoo
Current warnings for August 2008
As ITN went to press, the State Department had travel warnings on 27 destinations: Chad, Sri Lanka, Iraq, Eritrea, Côte d’Ivoire, Lebanon, Somalia, Nepal, Haiti, Burundi, Syria, Yemen, Algeri
Eye on Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, a 2002 failed coup attempt evolved into an armed rebellion that split the country in two. Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo and New Forces leader Guillaume Soro signed an accord in March 2007 and a new government was formed with Soro as prime minister.
Nepal a republic
Nepal lawmakers formally voted on May 28, 2008, to end the 239-year-old Hindu monarchy and begin the process of forming a republic. The unpopular King Gyanendra was given 15 days to vacate the palace and move to his private residence.
Somalia unsettled
The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against all travel to Somalia, including the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. Kidnapping, murder, illegal roadblocks, banditry and other violent incidents can occur in many regions.
Be alert in China
The Department of State reminds travelers that any large-scale public event, such as the upcoming Olympic Games in China, may present an attractive target for terrorists.
Nicaragua highwaymen
In May, the U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua reported two separate incidents in which groups of travelers were kidnapped and robbed at night while driving on the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway from the Managua International Airport to Granada.