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Warden Messages 2009

Warden Message Number 1

January 1, 2009

CONSULATE GENERAL OF
THE UNITED STATES
Istanbul, Turkey

Phone: (090) 212-335-9000
Fax: (090) 212-335-9102
E-mail: ca_istanbul@state.gov
http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov

This Warden Message alerts U.S. citizens to Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip and Palestinian rocket strikes into Israel.  The escalation of hostilities within the Gaza Strip has resulted in a strong possibility of large public demonstrations and potential for disruption of traffic throughout Turkey.  In southeastern Turkey, demonstrations have already taken place in the provinces of Hakkari, Bitlis, Elazig, Mardin, Gaziantep, Diyarbakir, Antakya, Sanliurfa, and Siirt.  Demonstrations have already taken place at the U.S. Consulate Adana, U.S. Consulate Istanbul and U.S. Embassy Ankara and may continue given the possibility for long-term conflict.  When possible, we will update American citizens with the latest demonstration information.

We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possible escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website the U.S. Department of State's, Bureau of

Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov , where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html , which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:

The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.  The Internet address is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Kaplicalar Mevkii Sokak No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90)

(212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.  Istanbul-specific information can also be accessed via the Consulate's web site at http://istanbul.usconsulate.gov/.

The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at Girne Bulvari No. 212, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: 90) (322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916, web site: http://adana.usconsulate.gov.

The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (232) 464-8755.

(End of Message)