5849: State Dept. warning text (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: Affuller@aol.com

Here is the text of the US State Dept's warning on travel to Haiti:

Haiti - Travel Warning
November 17, 2000

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens against travel to Haiti due to
the unstable security situation throughout the country. The Department has
authorized the departure of family members of U.S. Government personnel from
Haiti. If they have not done so already, U.S. citizens in Haiti should
establish and maintain contact with the Embassy and consider their own
personal security situations in determining whether to remain in the
country. 

The security situation in Haiti has deteriorated as Haiti's national
elections approach. Haiti's presidential elections are currently scheduled
for November 26, with the presidential inauguration slated for February 7,
2001. Both of these events have the potential to spark violent
demonstrations and individual acts of violence. The dialogue of some
candidates and government officials has been distinctly anti-American, and
the Haitian government has failed to contain or condemn certain violent and
dangerous incidents. Such incidences have included anti-foreigner rhetoric,
politically motivated killings, indiscriminate gunfire directed at
pedestrians in Port-au-Prince, and incidents directed at diplomatic
facilities and vehicles.

Crowd behavior is unpredictable and violence can flare up at any time, so
American citizens are warned to avoid political gatherings and
demonstrations. Travelers encountering roadblocks, demonstrations, or large
crowds should remain calm and depart the area quickly and without
confrontation. Assistance from Haitian officials, such as the police,
should not be expected during elections-related events.

In addition to civil and political unrest, violent crime is on the rise
throughout the country. The state of law and order is of increasing
concern, with reports of armed robberies and break-ins, murders and car
hijackings becoming more frequent. The limited response and enforcement
capabilities of the Haitian national police and the judiciary means there is
little relief for victims of crime. 

For further information, see the Department of State's current Consular
Information Sheet for Haiti.


Consular Information Sheets and Travel Warnings