U.S. Warns of Violent Demonstrations Sparked by NATO Airstrikes

Worldwide

The beginning of NATO airstrikes against Yugoslavia last month touched off a wave of anti-American and anti-British demonstrations, some of them violent, in several countries. Two days after the bombing began, the State Department warned of “the possibility of acts of retaliation against Americans and American interests worldwide.”

Although the demonstrations so far had not targeted tourist facilities or private U.S. citizens, the announcement advised all Americans abroad to review their security practices, be aware of changing situations and avoid the sites of demonstrations. Among the incidents:

Russia: An attacker failed in an attempt to fire a grenade launcher at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, then raked the building’s walls with machine-gun fire. Following days of what were called the most intense anti-American protests in memory, the diplomatic staff largely abandoned the main embassy building on Moscow’s Ring Road and temporarily halted issuing visas.

Greece: About 15,000 protesters marched to the U.S. and British embassies in Athens, setting fires, smashing windows and clashing with police. Another demonstration was held in the northern port of Salonica.

Canada: Demonstrators threw two firebombs at the U.S. Consulate in Toronto and clashed with police. Two officers were hospitalized.

The Balkans: In Sofia, the Bulgarian capital, up to 10,000 people gathered to protest the airstrikes. Thousands of young Serbs demonstrated in Banja Luka, Bosnia-Herzegovina. In Croatia, U.S. Embassy personnel were told to be careful when traveling to regions near Serbia or Serb-held territory in Bosnia.

Briefly . . .

Bahamas: Armed robbery is a major concern in the islands, and Bahamian police in general have been ineffective in dealing with it, according to a U.S. Embassy report made available to U.S. business travelers. The report mentioned the March 12 robbery of a British-American bank near downtown Nassau and cited “frustration” of embassy personnel in dealing with local police on crime issues. . . . Turkey: A young woman believed to be a Kurdish rebel set off several hand grenades in Istanbul’s main square late last month, killing herself and wounding 10 others. Taksim Square is the site of upscale shops, cafes, theaters and hotels. . . . Mexico: Travelers to Acapulco should avoid local shellfish for the time being, Mexican authorities cautioned late last month. An appearance of toxic algae known as “red tide” in the coastal water has made a wide variety of shellfish, including oysters, clams and conch, unsafe to eat. . . . Ecuador: Economic difficulties have led to gasoline shortages, strikes and bank closures throughout the country, the State Department reports. Strikes by bus and taxi drivers have crippled urban public transportation, and air travelers are advised that they may experience unexpected cancellations. In addition, dissident ethnic groups have blockaded roads in the countryside. . . . Paraguay: Since the March 23 assassination of the country’s vice president, political conditions have been unsettled, and violence between factions has escalated. The State Department advises Americans in Paraguay to be careful, especially in Asuncion, the capital, and to avoid large crowds or demonstrations and areas of police and military activity.

Hot spots: State Department travel warnings are posted for Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Burundi, Central African Republic, Colombia, Congo (formerly Zaire), Eritrea, Ethiopia, Guinea-Bissau, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Montserrat, Nigeria, Pakistan, Republic of Congo (Brazzaville), Rwanda, Serbia and Montenegro, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan and Yemen.

The U.S. State Department offers recorded travel warnings and advisories at (202) 647-5225; the fax line is (202) 647-3000. Internet address is https://travel.state.gov.