Note: The following text is a quote:
https://www.osac.gov/Reports/report.cfm?contentID=61349
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Warden Message: Ukraine Racially Motivated Attacks
Consular Affairs Bulletins
Europe - Ukraine
5 Jan 2007
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Ukraine Security Reminder
U.S. Embassy Kyiv issued the following warden message on January 5:
On December 28, 2006, a citizen of Gambia was stabbed to death in the Solomenskiy District of Kyiv. This incident is the latest in a string of murders of foreigners in Kyiv in 2006 in which the victim's race and/or skin color appears to have been a primary motivation. Although none of these murders has involved United States citizens, there have been several non-lethal assaults in Ukraine in recent years against U.S. citizens which were determined to be racially motivated. The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv would like to remind American citizens resident in Ukraine of the following information contained in the Consular Information Sheet for Ukraine, available on-line at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1053.html
While most travelers do not encounter problems with crime in Ukraine, there has been an increase in the number of racially-motivated attacks conducted by "skinheads" in Kyiv. These incidents, in which non-Caucasian foreigners are specifically targeted for violence, have occurred without provocation in prominent areas of downtown Kyiv that are commonly frequented by tourists. While the majority of people targeted have been of Asian, African or other non-European descent, all travelers should exercise caution. In addition to incidents of assault, persons of African or Asian heritage may be subject to various types of harassment, such as being stopped on the street by both civilians and law enforcement officials.
U.S. citizens are strongly encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security. For additional information, please refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" found at http://travel.state.gov.
American citizens are encouraged to report any security incidents or problems to the Embassy. American Citizens Services unit can be reached during working hours by calling at (38-044) 490-4445 or 490-4422. The Embassy's duty officer can be reached after hours at (38-044) 490-4000 or by contacting (38-050) 311-1796.
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1158.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Jan 06 2007 02:36:41 GMT-0800.
East Africa
January 04, 2007
This public announcement is being re-issued to remind Americans of the continuing potential for terrorist actions against U.S. citizens in East Africa, particularly along the East African coast, to alert Americans to possible continuing sporadic violence in Somalia, and to note a number of incidents of maritime piracy near the horn of Africa and the southern Red Sea near Yemen. This supersedes the Public Announcement of May 5, 2006, and expires on May 4, 2007.
A number of Al-Qaida operatives and other extremists are believed to be operating in and around East Africa. As a result of the conflict in Somalia, some of these individuals may seek to relocate elsewhere in the region. Americans considering travel to the region and those already there should review their plans carefully, remain vigilant with regard to their personal security, and exercise caution. Terrorist actions may include suicide operations, bombings, kidnappings or targeting maritime vessels. Terrorists do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Increased security at official U.S. facilities has led terrorists to seek softer targets such as hotels, beach resorts, prominent public places, and landmarks. In particular, terrorists may target civil aviation and seaports. Americans in remote areas or border regions where military or police authority is limited or non-existent could also become targets.
Americans considering seaborne travel near the Horn of Africa or in the southern Red Sea should exercise extreme caution, as there have been several incidents of armed attacks, robberies, and kidnappings for ransom at sea by pirates during the past several years. In early 2006, a number of merchant vessels were hijacked in Somali territorial waters, while others were hijacked as far as 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia in international waters.
The U.S. Government maritime authorities advise mariners to avoid the port of Mogadishu, and to remain at least 200 nautical miles off the coast of Somalia. In addition, when transiting around the Horn of Africa or in the Red Sea near Yemen, it is strongly recommended that vessels travel in convoys, and maintain good communications contact at all times.
Americans living or traveling in East Africa are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. 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.
U.S. citizens planning to travel to East Africa should consult the Department of State's country-specific Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, Consular Information Sheets, the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement and other information, available at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security conditions can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.