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Note: The following text is a quote:
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2853.html

PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Wed Mar 22 2006 12:46:18 GMT-0800.

Italy, Holy See (Vatican City) and San Marino

March 21, 2006

This Public Announcement is issued to alert Americans to ongoing security concerns in Italy . Demonstrations are planned in various parts of the country in anticipation of the upcoming Italian Parliamentary elections April 9 and 10, and municipal elections in May. This Public Announcement will expire on June 19, 2006.

Demonstrations may be large, but even peaceful demonstrations have the potential to escalate into violence. Some of the demonstrations may be announced; others may be spontaneous. On March 11, demonstrations by “No Global” and anarchist groups in Milan became violent, resulting in broken windows and streets blockages; fifteen police officers were injured and 40-45 individuals were arrested. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Italy to avoid areas where crowds are expected to gather, take common sense precautions, and closely follow media reports.

The Department of State reminds Americans of the continuing threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas. Ongoing events in Iraq have resulted in demonstrations and associated violence in several countries. Italy continues to be under heightened public threat by al-Qaida and other Islamic extremists for its continued participation in multinational activities in

Iraq and Afghanistan . U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain vigilance, take appropriate steps to increase their security awareness, and exercise caution in public places or while using public transportation. U.S. citizens are advised to immediately report any unusual or suspicious activity in Italy to the police or the U.S. Embassy in Rome .

The U.S. Embassy Consular Section in Rome is located at Via Boncompagni 2. Our website is: italy.usembassy.gov.

U.S. Consulates are located at:
Milan : Via Principe Amedeo, 2/10
Florence : Via Lungarno A. Vespucci, 38
Naples : Piazza della Repubblica.

Consular Agents are located in:
Genoa : Via Dante 2
Palermo : Via Vaccarini 1
Venice : Venice Marco Polo Airport , General Aviation Terminal
Viale Galileo Galilei

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. , or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada , a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).