Warden Messages 2009
Warden Message Number 5
October 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
The area around the Congress Center will be under tight security restrictions, including police checkpoints and road closures. The meetings are expected to attract approximately 13,000 people this year, so congestion in the area will be significant. Insofar as possible, it is advisable to avoid this area and modify your commuting plans to accommodate possible disruptions.
In addition to securing the meeting venue itself, local authorities have designated five “Press Announcement” zones, all within two kilometers of the Congress Valley. Within these zones, protestors are able to gather without permits. Although all protests are expected to be peaceful, WB/IMF meetings in the past have attracted violent protests.
Although the WB/IMF official meetings do not begin until October 6, associated events (and protests) will begin as early as October 1. It is advised that you avoid the area around the Congress Center as well as the areas designated for these protests. Protests are scheduled for Taksim square, Galatasary Square, Tunel Square and Tunel Orhan Hall. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments.
The Department of State advises American citizens traveling or residing in Turkey to be alert to the potential for demonstrations, and to avoid large gatherings. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible. American citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments. Particular caution should be exercised in places known to be frequented by Americans.
Citizens traveling and residing in Turkey are advised to register their presence in the country through the U.S. Department of State's automated online registration system, https://travelregistration.state.gov.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs website at <http://travel.state.gov/>, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, 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).
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 website is http://ankara.usembassy.gov.
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at Üç Şehitler Sokağı No. 2, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102. The website is 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. The website is http://adana.usconsulate.gov.
The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755.
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