Warden Message: Tirana, Albania, Demonstrations Through November 22

Consular Affairs Bulletins Report

U.S. Embassy Tirana released the following Warden Message November 20, 2009:

On Friday, November 20, 2009 through Sunday, November 22, 2009, the opposition Socialist Party is organizing a demonstration in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana. The demonstration is scheduled to start at 4:00 pm on Friday, November 20 and continue through the evening of Sunday, November 22. The protest is scheduled to proceed from the Square and continue down Deshmoret Boulevard toward the Prime Minister’s office and the offices of the Albanian Parliament. Long traffic delays in the area can be expected.

U.S. Embassy personnel have been advised to avoid the roads through and around Skanderbeg Square, including the areas near the Prime Minister’s Office and the Albanian Parliament (across the street from the Rogner Hotel), from 3:30 p.m., on November 20th, until the protest ends.

Spontaneous demonstrations take place in Albania from time to time in response to world events or local developments. We remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. American citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website, and the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found. The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad. In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

Americans living or traveling in Albania are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy in Tirana through the State Department's travel registration website, so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Albania. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana is located at Rr. Elbasanit, No. 103, Tel: +355-(0)4-224-7285; Fax: +355-(0)4-237-4957; E-mail: ACSTirana@state.gov.