Jan 25th revolution from cairo embassy

[together4evr 360]

http://egypt.usembassy.gov/em012212.html

Emergency Message for U.S. Citizens No. 1: Anniversary of Revolution and possible Demonstrations - January 25, 2012

January 22, 2012

This emergency message is to alert U.S. citizens that Wednesday, January 25 Egypt will celebrate the anniversary of its revolution. While events are expected to be largely celebratory, there are concerns that groups and/or individuals could seek to disrupt activities through violence. Egypt’s security forces are taking significant precaution to ensure all events and activities related to the anniversary are conducted in a peaceful manner.

Additionally, Monday, January 23 will mark the first meeting of Egypt’s newly elected Parliament. While the vast majority of Egyptians will welcome and celebrate this occasion, it too may elicit protests. With over 500 members of Parliament and numerous guests invited, the area around the People’s Assembly building downtown will likely be teeming with activity throughout the day.

U.S. citizens who do not live or work near downtown are advised to avoid this area (Tahrir Square and immediate proximity) of Cairo, beginning January 23. U.S. citizens should elevate their overall level of attentiveness, particularly to large gatherings, and should monitor local news broadcasts for updated information about locations of possible demonstrations. U.S. citizens visiting Cairo should seek information from their hotel or tour guide in planning their activities. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.

The Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens to avoid areas where large crowds are assembling. These events may also have a significant impact on traffic, particularly in the downtown area and on roads leading to Tahrir Square where the most significant crowd is anticipated on Wednesday and perhaps beyond.

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to review their personal security plans and remain alert to their surroundings at all times in Egypt. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s Internet website where the Worldwide Caution, Country Specific Information for Egypt, Travel Warnings, and Travel Alerts, including the current Travel Alert for Egypt, can be found. You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada, or, for callers outside of the United States and Canada, on 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).

U.S. citizens are advised to maintain valid travel documents and enroll with the Department of State or the U.S. Embassy Cairo through the State Department Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website, https://travelregistration.state.gov. For further information, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy’s American Citizen Services Unit at 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. For emergencies after business hours and on weekends and holidays, U.S. citizens can contact the Embassy Duty Officer via the Embassy switchboard at 2797-3300. The Embassy is located at 5 Tawfik Diab Street (formerly known as Latin America Street), Garden City, Cairo.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Progress Reports to MENA regional forum; topic is specific to Egypt.