Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3073.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Nov 03 2007 02:12:08 GMT-0700.
Fiji
November 02, 2007
This Public Announcement is updated to reflect the current security situation in Fiji. The Department of State advises U.S. citizens to consider carefully the risks of travel to the Republic of Fiji due to the current unstable environment in the country. This Public Announcement supersedes the Public Announcement issued on August 9, 2007 and expires on February 1, 2008.
On December 5, 2006, the Commander of Fiji’s military deposed the lawfully elected government of Fiji. An unelected interim government was later established. While a State of Emergency is no longer in effect, some basic rights may be denied. Some protections ordinarily afforded by the rule of law are not guaranteed in the current situation.
While Fiji is currently calm, political and economic uncertainties continue. Some nighttime police checkpoints remain in place in and around major population centers. The security situation, especially in Suva, could deteriorate without warning.
American citizens in Fiji should remain vigilant, particularly in public and near military sites in the greater Suva area, and should avoid demonstrations and large crowds. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and become violent unexpectedly. Americans considering travel to Fiji despite this Public Announcement, as well as those residing or traveling in Fiji, are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ . By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Embassy is located at 31 Loftus Street in Suva. The American Citizen Services Unit of the U.S. Embassy can be reached by phone at (679) 331-4466 and by email at consularsuva@state.gov .
Updated information on travel and security in Fiji may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Consular Information Sheet for Fiji and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affaires internet website at http//travel.state.gov .
Note: The following text is a quote:
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3835.html
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesman
This information is current as of today, Sat Nov 03 2007 02:14:15 GMT-0700.
Mali
November 02, 2007
This Public Announcement is being issued to alert U.S. citizens to security concerns in Mali. Due to recent armed conflict, kidnappings, and the presence of landmines, the Department of State advises U.S. citizens to avoid travel to northern Mali. Areas of particular concern include the Mali-Niger and Mali-Algeria borders, the Kidal region, and the city of Tinzawaten. This Public Announcement expires on January 30, 2008.
On August 26-27, 2007, Tuareg dissidents attacked and kidnapped civilian and military convoys near the Mali-Niger border. On August 30, a truck transporting civilians from Algeria to Tinzawaten hit a landmine, killing at least 14 people. In September 2007, the Malian military garrison at Tinzawatan clashed with armed rebels. While the government of Mali is working to strengthen security in northern Mali and achieve a peaceful settlement, the area remains unstable.
Al-Qaeda in the Land of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) has a presence in northern Mali, and was designated as a terrorist organization by the United States. The presence of AQIM and other armed groups in the north present potential dangers to travelers.
Many people who reside in or visit northern Mali travel with security escorts. However, the August 2007 convoy attack on agricultural researchers (escorted by Malian military personnel) illustrated that this does not ensure safety. U.S. government employees, including those on temporary duty, must be given special permission before traveling north of the Niger River, including to Kidal, Tessalit, Lere, Goundam, Essakane, and Menaka towns.
Americans planning travel to the northern regions of Mali despite this Public Announcement, including those planning to attend music festivals like the Festival in the Desert in Essakane or Sahara Nights Festival at Essouk, as well as Americans residing or traveling in Mali, are urged to register with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov . By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The Embassy is located at ACI 2000 at Rue 243, Porte 297. The Embassy’s mailing address is B.P. 34, Bamako, Mali. The telephone number is (223) 270-2300. The consular fax number is (223) 270-2340. The Embassy webpage is http://mali.usembassy.gov .
Updated information on travel and security in Mali may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. For further information, please consult the Consular Information Sheet for Mali and the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available on the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov .
http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15004&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071102-14
November 2, 2007
“Iraqi citizen leads Coalition Forces to EFP factory”
Multi-National Division – North PAO
HUSSEINIYAH, Iraq
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http://www.mnf-iraq.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15005&Itemid=21
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
RELEASE No. 20071103-02
November 3, 2007
“Large weapons cache located by Concerned Local Citizens”’
Multi-National Division – Center
FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/keyword?k=fiji
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1920990/posts
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7078317.stm
Last Updated: Monday, 5 November 2007, 02:23 GMT
“Fiji detains 16 alleged plotters”
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “Police in Fiji have arrested 16 people in the past two days, after uncovering an alleged plot against the country’s military leader, Frank Bainimarama.
Businessmen, politicians and former soldiers were among those detained, and will be charged, police say, on Monday.
New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark said one of those arrested, a New Zealander, had been badly beaten.
Mr Bainimarama came to power after a bloodless coup in December 2006, but has promised elections in early 2009.
He has pledged to abide by the results.
Fiji has seen four coups in the past two decades.”