WARDEN MESSAGE

Political Rallies – July 19, 2009

The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua advises U.S. citizens residing in or traveling to Nicaragua that political rallies commemorating the thirtieth anniversary of the Revolution of 1979 will be held throughout the country on Sunday, July 19.  The U.S. Embassy will be closed on Monday, July 20 due to a local holiday.

The official anniversary event will take place at the Plaza de La Fe in Managua from 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM on Sunday.  Participants from outside of Managua are expected to begin arriving by bus as early as 8:00 AM.

During these events, much of the downtown area will be closed to vehicles, causing heavy traffic and congestion throughout the city. At a minimum, the following areas will be closed:
1)  North and east side of the National Stadium
2)  Ministry of Government
3)  Rotonda Colon (by Plaza Inter Mall)
4)  National Congress

The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens that even political rallies intended to be peaceful can possibly escalate into violence.  American citizens are therefore urged to exercise caution.

The Embassy’s Regional Security Officer has recommended that Embassy personnel not drive through barricades encountered on the street, that they keep windows up and doors locked in their vehicles, and that they carry a cell phone.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website (http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov) and 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.

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The U.S. Embassy in Managua is located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua.  The U.S. Embassy in Managua can be reached 24/7 at 011-505-2-252-7100.  For emergencies (deaths, arrests, etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can call this phone number and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.  The ACS unit is also available by email at ACS.Managua@state.gov.

General information regarding consular services is available by calling 011-505-2-252-7888.  Non-emergency services for U.S. citizens are available Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, except on Nicaraguan and U.S. holidays.