Embassy of the United States of America
Yerevan, Armenia

March 1, 2008

Embassy Yerevan Warden Message 6

Warden Message
U.S. Embassy Yerevan
March 1, 2008

Violence in Downtown Yerevan

Early this morning, Saturday, March 1, authorities rounded up demonstrators at Opera Square. At midday a riot was reported near the French Embassy – which currently remains in a standoff between protesters and police. Sporadic incidents have been reported in other downtown areas, such as Northern Avenue, Opera Square, and Republic Square. Demonstrators are calling for a rally later today, but the location of such a rally remains unclear.. U.S. Embassy Yerevan strongly recommends that American citizens avoid the downtown area altogether. Those living in the downtown should remain at home.

We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid demonstrations, and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times. Information on upcoming demonstrations can be found at the following website: http://yerevan.usembassy.gov/consular/acs_warden.php.

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department´s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Public Announcements, Travel Warnings, and health information resources can be found. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, 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).

Americans living or traveling in Armenia are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department´s travel registration website: https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.

The U.S. Embassy in Yerevan is located at 1 American Avenue (just off of Admiral Isakov Avenue on the road to the airport), Yerevan 0082, Armenia, Tel: 374-10 46-47-00, fax: (+374 10) 46-47-42. American Citizens may visit the consular section without an appointment from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, any business day. In an after-hours emergency, the telephone operator may connect you to the duty officer, as needed.