=?x-unknown?q?22105=3A__erzilidanto=3A__=5BISO-8859-1=5D_State?==?x-unknown?q?_Department_Warning!_Ins=E9curit=E9_=5BISO-8859-1?==?x-unknown?q?=5D_en_Haiti_=28fwd=29?=

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Erzilidanto@aol.com

Travel Warning
United States Department of State
Bureau of Consular Affairs
Washington, DC 20520

This information is current as of today,  Wed May 26 23:41:20 2004.
Haiti
May 25, 2004

This Travel Warning is being issued to inform American citizens that the
security situation in Haiti remains unpredictable and potentially dangerous,
despite progress on a peaceful political process and the presence of foreign
security forces operating under a United Nations mandate. U.S. citizens are advised
to defer travel to Haiti until the situation stabilizes. U.S. citizens who
remain in Haiti should take precautions to avoid the uncertain security situation
in public areas. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued March 11, 2004.

In February 2004, the Department of State ordered the departure of all family
members and non-emergency personnel of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince and
this status remains in effect though many who work in the Embassy have
returned to Haiti. Although major commercial air carriers have resumed their
operations into and out of Haiti, the Department warns U.S. citizens that travel into
and around Haiti can still involve serious risks. The situation regarding the
land border with the Dominican Republic is unclear, and the border is
sometimes closed. U.S. citizens who remain in Haiti should take precautions to avoid
the uncertain security situation in public areas. Americans are advised of the
absence of an effective police force in many parts of Haiti and the potential
for looting, roadblocks set by armed gangs, and violent crime. The U.S.
Embassy has imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on its remaining staff until
further notice. The curfew hours may change. A number of kidnappings for
ransom have been reported during recent weeks. In some cases U.S. citizens were
victims.

Many international organizations drew down their staffs earlier this year.
Some have returned to Haiti, but the international civilian presence throughout
Haiti remains limited. American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy
has severely limited travel by its staff outside of Port-au-Prince, although
sometimes travel has been permitted with extra security in place. Even within
Port-au-Prince, travel can be hazardous. The Embassy's ability to provide
emergency services to American Citizens anywhere in Haiti and particularly outside
of Port-Au-Prince is extremely limited.


The U.S. Embassy has reopened but is working with less than full staffing.
The Consular Section is providing routine and emergency assistance to U.S.
citizens in Haiti. The Embassy was closed several times during recent months due to
civil unrest and may need to close again temporarily to assess its security
posture. The Embassy has directed that persons associated with the Embassy
should remain in their homes during the hours covered by the curfew.


American citizens who travel to or remain in Haiti, despite this Travel
Warning, should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and are
strongly advised to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in
Port-au-Prince and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) to obtain
updated information on travel and security in Haiti. The Consular Section of
the U.S. Embassy can be reached at (509) 223-7011, the fax number is (509)
223-9665 and the e-mail address is acspap@state.gov. Travelers should also consult
the Department of State’s latest Consular Information Sheet for Haiti and
Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov. American
citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling
1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada or 1-317-472-2328 from
overseas.


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Forwarded by the Haitian Lawyers Leadership
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"Men anpil chaj pa lou"  is Kreyol for - "Many hands make light a heavy load."

See, The Haitian Leadership Networks'  7 "men anpil chaj pa

lou" campaigns to help restore Haiti's independence, the will of the mass
electorate and the rule of law. See,
http://www.margueritelaurent.com/pressclips/haitianlawyers.html ; http://www.margueritelaurent.com/campaigns/campaigns.html

and Haitiaction.net

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