Protestors climb US Embassy walls in Cairo

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Egyptian President Morsi issued a statement finally around 30 minutes ago. He condemned the movie and the behavior at the Embassy. He says the government has a duty to protect public and private property, diplomatic missions and embassies. He emphasized the right to freedom of expression and to demonstrate peacefully and said there will be legal action against those trying to damage and sabotage the dialogue and relationship with the US. The MB is calling for a million man march on Friday.

Also on Thursday House Rep's are calling for stripping aid to Libya and Egypt from the spending bill for at least six months. Link

The Hauge, officials from Jordan, and other countries are all condemning the Youtube video and what happened at the Embassies. Protests against the video have erupted today across the MENA region in Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Sudan, Gaza and elsewhere. It's getting complicated and hard to keep track of. Youtube was also banned in Afghanistan until the video comes down in order to prevent the citizens from viewing the video and having protests erupting there again.

I would expect temporary Embassy closures across the region and delays in the visa process for now.

Edited September 12, 2012 by Dr. A ♥ O

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

The US Embassy in Cairo has announced a closure for tomorrow.

No visa services at Embassy Cairo Sept 13

all appointments cancelled, Emergency services only offered to American Citizens

Also this message is posted on their website about the ongoing situation.

Security Message for U.S. Citizens No. 26: Demonstrations and ACS Closure

September 12, 2012

U.S. Embassy Cairo informs U.S. Citizens of continued demonstrations in the vicinity of the embassy, the security situation remains fluid. In the interest of safety, American Citizen Services will be closed tomorrow, September 13. An American citizen with a life-or-death emergency should call the Embassy at 2797-3300 to reach the duty officer.

U.S. citizens should avoid areas where large gatherings may occur. Even demonstrations or events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. U.S. citizens in Egypt are urged to monitor local news reports and to plan their activities accordingly.

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. You can also download our free Smart TravelerApp available through iTunes and the Android market to have travel information at your fingertips. 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's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program website. If you enroll we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements and can also help your family and friends get in touch with you in an emergency. U.S. citizens without Internet access may enroll directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

For further information, U.S. citizens may call the Embassy's American Citizens Services Unit at 2797-2301 during business hours, Sunday to Thursday from 8:00 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Please refer to the American Citizens Services Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/USEmbassyCairoACS. 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.