WARDEN MESSAGE NUMBER 5
April 19, 2007
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
DEAR WARDEN:
This important message was sent out a few minutes ago to all of the volunteer wardens who assist the Consulate in passing important messages to American citizens in the Istanbul region. To help speed up the process we are also sending this directly to everyone registered with the Consular Section who has provided us an e-mail address. As a result, some of you will receive this message more than once.
Scott Oudkirk
Consular Section Chief
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This Warden Message is being sent to alert American citizens of a Worldwide Caution that has been issued by the U.S. Department of State, and to highlight ongoing security concerns within Turkey.
On April 10, 2007, the U.S. Department of State issued a Worldwide Caution which reminds American citizens of concerns about the continued threat of terrorist actions and violence against Americans and our interests overseas. On March 15, 2007, a Warden Message was issued in Turkey reminding individuals to avoid those areas where disturbances have occurred and to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings that could be used as an occasion for terrorist acts. The advice is worth repeating since on April 8, 2007, a female PKK suicide bomber was apprehended by the police in Taksim Square in Istanbul. The intended target was believed to be the Turkish National Police’s 162nd Anniversary Celebration which took place in the square that day. Several days later, reporting indicated that another female PKK suicide bomber was apprehended in Adana.
Spring has traditionally marked an annual uptick in the PKK’s tempo of violence. The same could be the case this year. The Kurdish separatist group Kurdistan Freedom Falcons (TAK) recently issued a general warning, similar to ones issued in past years, that it will attack tourist facilities in Turkey. This year’s warning included the targeting of tourists, in particular Europeans. There are no indications of specifics or timeframes, and it should be noted that the PKK has not directly targeted Americans in the past. Anonymous warnings were recently received by phone at the Consulate General in Istanbul. The credibility or motive behind the calls is not known, although they may be harassment calls. Separately, the Embassy also continues to monitor the progress of an Armenian genocide resolution in Congress and the potential for anti-American demonstrations or other actions of concern.
Americans are encouraged to maintain a high level of vigilance, be aware of local events, and take the appropriate steps to bolster their personal security.
For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov. The full text of the Worldwide Caution can be viewed at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html along with current Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings.
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is 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 website <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 at http://adana.usconsulate.gov
The Consular Agent in Izmir can be contacted at (90)(232) 464-8755
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