NOTE: The following text is a quote:
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2758.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Fri Dec 09 2005 14:04:06 GMT-0800.
Eritrea
December 09, 2005
This Public Announcement is being issued to alert Americans to heightened tensions over the border dispute with Ethiopia, to increased scrutiny of foreigners, including Americans, and to advise that the U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist Americans within the country is severely limited due to travel restrictions. This Public Announcement expires June 7, 2006.
The Department of State cautions U.S. citizens about travel to Eritrea at this time given significantly heightened tensions relating to the disputed border between Eritrea and Ethiopia. Since October, the government of Eritrea has imposed significant restrictions on the UN Observer Mission (UNMEE) working in the temporary security zone on the Eritrean side of the disputed border, and on December 6 ordered the departure of American, Canadian, European and Russian members of UNMEE staff. Other UN agencies in Eritrea ordered dependents to depart Eritrea in mid-November, 2005.
Some long-term expatriate residents have been ordered to leave Eritrea on short notice and without explanation, while others are finding their activities subject to increased government scrutiny. Eritrean government officials have also recently voiced concerns about the possibility that foreigners in the country may be engaged in espionage or other activity directed against the government.
Americans traveling to Eritrea should be aware that the government of Eritrea has significantly restricted the travel of diplomatic personnel. Consequently, the U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist Americans in Eritrea may be severely limited. It is not clear at this time whether similar travel restrictions will be imposed on foreign visitors in Eritrea.
Americans living or traveling in Eritrea are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Eritrea. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at 179 Alaa Street, P.O. Box 211, Asmara; telephone (291-1) 12-00-04; fax (291-1) 124-255 and (291-1) 127-584.