Bermuda Wave

This Public Announcement is to alert U.S. citizens to the continuing unsettled public security situation along the Mexican side of the U.S.-Mexico border.  This Public Announcement supercedes the Public Announcement of January 26, 2005 to update the information provided.  It expires on July 29, 2005. Violent criminal activity fueled by a war between criminal organizations struggling for control of the lucrative narcotics trade continues along the U.S.-Mexico border. This has ... [Read More]

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan experienced a wave of terrorist violence in 2004.  Three suicide bombings occurred in July 2004 in Tashkent, including one outside the U.S. Embassy.  Other targets included the Israeli Embassy and the Uzbekistan Prosecutor General’s Office.  The Islamic Jihad Union released a statement claiming responsibility for these attacks. Multiple attacks also occurred in Tashkent and Bukhara in late March and early April 2004.  These attacks used suicide bombers, mainly focused at police and Uzbek private and commercial facilities.  In late July, approximately 15 people pled guilty in an Uzbekistan court to charges related to ... [Read More]

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan experienced a wave of terrorist violence in 2004.  Three suicide bombings occurred in July 2004 in Tashkent, including one outside the U.S. Embassy.  Other targets included the Israeli Embassy and the Uzbekistan Prosecutor General’s Office.  The Islamic Jihad Union released a statement claiming responsibility for these attacks. Multiple attacks also occurred in Tashkent and Bukhara in late March and early April 2004.  These attacks used suicide bombers, mainly focused at police and Uzbek private and commercial facilities.  In late July, approximately 15 people pled guilty in an Uzbekistan court to charges related to ... [Read More]

Samoa

“Blowholes” (lava tubes open to the sea where wave action produces often spectacular geysers) are popular tourist attractions in Samoa. The footing around the mouths of most blowholes is very slippery. To avoid being swept in, visitors should not approach too closely and should never stand between the opening of the blowhole and the sea. ... [Read More]

Spain and Andorra

Thieves often work in teams or pairs. In most cases, one person distracts a victim while the accomplice performs the robbery. For example, someone might wave a map in your face and ask for directions or “inadvertently” spill something on you. While your attention is diverted, an accomplice makes off with the valuables. Thieves may drop coins or keys at your feet to distract you and try to take your belongings while you are trying to help. Attacks are sometimes initiated from behind, with the victim being grabbed around the neck and choked by one assailant while others rifle through or grab the belongings. A group of assailants may surround the victim in a crowded popular tourist area or on public transportation, and only after the group has departed does the person discover he/she has been robbed. Purse-snatchers m ... [Read More]

Crisis Preparedness

U.S. Department of State [Read More]

Radiological and Nuclear Incidents

Washington, D.C. FACT SHEET Guidance for Responding to Radiological and Nuclear Incidents Disclaimer: Although the information in this circular is provided for general info ... [Read More]

Brazil

Brazilian traffic laws impose severe penalties for a number of traffic offenses.  Enforcement ranges from sporadic to non-existent, so motorists should not assume that others will necessarily follow even the most fundamental and widely accepted rules of the road. Some important local rules and customs include the following: - Seat Belts: All states have seat belt laws, but enforcement varies from state to state. Child Car Seats: Some states require child car seats, but they are not universally available or affordable, and enforcement is also lax. As a result, most children are not secured in car seats. Speed Limits: The maximum speed limit on major, divided highways is 120kmph (74 mph). Lower limits (usu ... [Read More]

Costa Rica

Costa Rican law requires that drivers and passengers wear seatbelts in all cars, including taxis, and police are authorized to issue tickets. Traffic enforcement in Costa Rica is the responsibility of the Transit Police ("Transitos"), who are distinguished by a light blue uniform shirt and dark blue trousers. They use light blue cars or motorcycles equipped with blue lights. They often wave vehicles to the side of the road for inspection. Drivers are commonly asked to produce a driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance information. Third-party coverage is mandatory in Costa Rica. Infractions will result in the issuance of a summons. Fines are not supposed to be collected on the spot, although reports of officers attempting to collect money are common. Persons involved in vehicular accidents are advised n ... [Read More]

Remarks

1111--12/29/04   Interview on BBC's The Great Wave With Huw Edwards; Secretary Colin L. Powell; Washington, DC ... [Read More]