Y2K Worries U.S. Embassy Staff in Moscow

Russia

Concerned about the possibility of year-end disruptions in energy supplies because of Y2K computer failures in Russia, the State Department has authorized the voluntary departure of family members and nonessential employees from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow and the three U.S. consulates across the country. Disruptions in heat, water, telephones and other vital services could begin Jan. 1. In a travel warning issued Oct. 29, the State Department urged Americans to put off traveling to Russia until the extent of any problems is known. Americans who are there “should take those actions they deem appropriate to ensure their well-being,” the warning continues, “including departure.” Canada, Australia and New Zealand have posted similar warnings to their citizens. Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova, three of Russia’s neighbors formerly under the Soviet umbrella, also are considered Y2K risks and have been red-flagged with new State Department travel warnings. Some embassy personnel and relatives are being allowed to leave. Many developing nations are expected to experience similar Y2K computer failures, but Russia and its neighbors have been singled out partly because of their severe winters, a U.S. official in Moscow said.

Middle East

Israel: Millions of Year 2000 pilgrims are expected in Israel beginning at Christmas. Some recent developments that may affect visitors:

* Israeli troops and Palestinians clashed several times last month in the Palestinian-run West Bank town of Bethlehem, a major pilgrimage stop. In a note to travelers effective until Feb. 1, the State Department suggests caution in Bethlehem and the nearby town of Ram Allah.

* Christian churches throughout Israel shut their doors for two days last week to protest Israel’s compromise decision to allow construction of a mosque next to a major Christian shrine in the town of Nazareth, which is 70% Muslim. Nazareth’s Christian mayor had sought to build a tourist plaza on the disputed site, next to the Basilica of the Annunciation, to prepare for millennium visitors.

* Since early this year, Israel has deported nearly 60 members of foreign Christian cults, most of them American or Irish. Police fear that a few pilgrims will be zealots who expect the new year to usher in an apocalyptic war foretold in the Bible.

* Officials again expressed concern that Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which expects masses of pilgrims, is a potential firetrap because it has only one entrance and exit. “There is an urgent need for a new emergency exit to prevent a possible catastrophe,” an Israeli police spokeswoman told Reuters news service. The church is controlled by three Christian denominations, and the Israeli government has been reluctant to force them to make structural changes in the 11th century building.

Europe

Greece: In the capital’s worst violence in years, thousands of anti-American demonstrators rioted through downtown Athens on Nov. 19, hurling firebombs and breaking glass as President Clinton began a visit to Greece. In anticipation of trouble, the White House had shortened Clinton’s visit from two days to 22 hours. Three weeks ago, the State Department cited a recent string of attacks on U.S. targets in Athens and advised Americans to be cautious while in Greece through the rest of this month. Among the sites were the Greek-American Union cultural center and a Levi Strauss store. No one was injured.

Britain: Terrorists seeking to derail Northern Ireland’s peace process may be preparing to launch attacks during the Christmas holidays, possibly on the British mainland, a Scotland Yard spokeswoman told the Reuters news service. With peace talks at a crucial stage, Northern Ireland’s main guerrilla groups are observing a cease-fire. But police fear that splinter groups from the Irish Republican Army and other organizations could be planning an attack. According to British newspapers, police are on national alert to guard against terrorism. “We think it would be wise to anticipate that violence could happen anywhere,” said a senior police source quoted by the Times of London newspaper.

Worldwide

Three recent reminders from Washington of risks to Americans abroad:

* United Nations sanctions against the ruling Taliban faction in Afghanistan took effect Nov. 14, ordering the surrender of terrorist sponsor Osama bin Laden, who has repeatedly threatened Americans. In an announcement effective until Feb. 12, the State Department notes that the Taliban has threatened to retaliate against U.S. citizens over the sanctions.

* The U.S. government has unconfirmed reports that terrorists may be planning to strike U.S. targets in the Persian Gulf region but has “no further information on targets, timing or method of attack.” The advisory expires Jan. 21.

* Repeating a wide-ranging alert from August, the State Department again emphasizes the need for travelers to be security-conscious in general. In an announcement effective until March 4, the department says several terrorist groups continue to threaten Americans without distinguishing between military and civilian targets.

Briefly . . .

Brazil: Three foreigners visiting Rio de Janeiro for an international conference on air safety fell prey to violent crime this month. In one incident, a French couple were duped into taking an illegal taxi at the airport by a French-speaking con man. When they later tried to flee after being robbed, the woman was shot to death. A day earlier, a Canadian engineer was stabbed in the arm by two men who robbed him while he walked on Copacabana Beach near the conference hotel. . . . Kenya: A British couple staying with friends in the coastal resort of Malindi was attacked by several assailants and the woman was raped, Kenyan tourism officials reported. A few days earlier, armed men hijacked a bus and robbed six Dutch tourists on board shortly after they arrived at Nairobi’s international airport. . . . Yemen: Three Americans who were held hostage for two days by tribesmen were released after talks between Yemeni officials and the kidnappers. . . . Germany: In an incident attributed to anti-foreigner sentiment, a group of stick-wielding young men shouting “Sieg Heil” attacked and slightly injured five members of a touring U.S. Army band in the eastern town of Prenzlau last month. Police arrested several suspects, who reportedly had expressed right-wing sentiments and confessed to the attack. . . . Indonesia: A month after advising Americans to avoid Indonesia because of widespread violence, the State Department repealed its travel warning. But a new announcement, effective until Jan. 31, notes that violent demonstrations throughout the country “could reoccur with little warning.” . . . New Zealand: Three days of heavy rain brought flooding to tourist areas on South Island, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of people from communities along the Clutha River. Flooding also affected the mountain resort of Queenstown. . . . British Virgin Islands: A law that bars members of the Rastafarian religion/subculture has come under new criticism in a local newspaper. The law was enacted in the 1980s when some residents of the island chain felt they had been invaded by “hippies” and blamed a rising crime rate on the Rastafarians. The law should be repealed, said a recent editorial in the BVI Beacon newspaper on Tortola.

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