Kurdish Leader’s Trial Raises Concern

Worldwide

The ongoing trial of Kurdish guerrilla leader Abdullah Ocalan in Turkey could result in the sort of violent demonstrations that erupted throughout Europe and beyond after Ocalan’s arrest in February, the State Department warns. In addition, Ocalan’s guerrilla commanders have threatened to retaliate against the Turkish government if their leader is hanged. Washington advises all Americans abroad, particularly in Turkey, to stay abreast of local conditions.

Former Soviet Union

Russia: A bomb destroyed parts of the 19th and 20th floors of Moscow’s famed Intourist Hotel, injuring 11 people, and police suspect organized crime. The Soviet-era hotel, just a few hundred yards from the Kremlin and Red Square, caters mostly to foreign tourists, but the 19th and 20th floors are made up of office space.

Uzbekistan: A Los Angeles-area businesswoman was stabbed to death in her apartment in Tashkent, and police believe the murder was business-related. Although business disputes have led to a sharp increase in murders in the former Soviet Union, few victims have been Westerners or women.

Kyrgyz Republic: Because of political unrest and reports of coup plotting, the State Department has “serious concerns about the safety and security of U.S. citizens.” Americans should keep a close watch on local developments.

Asia

Indonesia: In the wake of parliamentary elections earlier this month, the political and economic situation remains unsettled, the State Department advises. Demonstrations and unrest are possible in coming months, and Americans “should consider carefully whether to travel to Indonesia during this period.” In the past year, demonstrations have occurred throughout Indonesia, and in some cases “Indonesian security forces have not responded effectively.” The island of Bali, popular with foreigners, has seen some demonstrations, but tourists have apparently not been affected.

Briefly . . .

Mexico: Half a dozen armed and hooded men attacked a ferry carrying about 250 passengers, including many foreign tourists, back to the mainland from the resort island of Cozumel earlier this month. They robbed passengers of money and valuables, beat a crew member and threw two security guards overboard, then escaped in a motorboat. . . . Kenya: Twenty-four American tourists on their way to the Masai Mara game park aboard four vans were stopped and robbed by two armed men June 17. Three of the group were briefly kidnapped, according to Kenya tourism officials, but none of the 24 were injured. Attacks around the park have increased in the last two years. . . . Comoros: Following a coup on April 29, the State Department advised Americans to put off nonessential travel to the Indian Ocean archipelago nation. The United States has no diplomatic or consular presence there. . . . Ecuador: An American was stabbed to death during an apparent robbery attempt on a street in Quito in April, the U.S. Embassy reported. The evening attack occurred in the tourist-heavy Mariscol district, which has the capital’s highest crime rate. . . . Macedonia: In the wake of NATO operations against nearby Serbia, there is the possibility of retaliation against Americans in the former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia, the State Department warns. . . . Philippines: Two Belgian men, one an engineer, the other a journalist, were kidnapped by Muslim insurgents while traveling by boat to a resort island off the southern city of Zamboanga. Both men were released within two weeks.

The U.S. State Department offers recorded travel warnings and advisories at (202) 647-5225. Internet https://travel.state.gov.