Warden Information
Warden Message
May 8, 2008
Groups of individuals representing former war prisoners will stage a peaceful demonstration tomorrow, Friday, May 9th, 2008, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The demonstration is expected take place at the BiH Government building located adjacent to the south wall of the U.S. Embassy. The protestors will stage at Zetra stadium and walk to the protest site, and will assemble near the south lawn of the facility. Police expect 1000 to 2000 protesters to attend, and have assigned uniformed and traffic police to monitor the event. If the number of protestors becomes too large, vehicle traffic along Alipasina will be diverted to Kosevo street and the section of roadway in front of the BiH government building and the American Embassy will be closed. The police will make a determination if a street closure is necessary at the time of the event.
The protests are concerning the desire for war prisoners to receive benefits commiserate with those paid to war veterans.
We wish to remind American citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence. American citizens are therefore urged to avoid the areas of demonstrations if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations. Since the timing and routes of scheduled marches and demonstrations are always subject to change, U.S. citizens should monitor local media sources for new developments. The State Department reminds U.S. citizens to avoid participating in public demonstrations in Bosnia and Herzegovina. U.S. Citizens are urged to avoid large crowds, maintain a low profile and review their personal protective measures.
For more detailed information on staying safe in Bosnia and Herzegovina, please see the Bosnia and Herzegovina Consular Information Sheet at: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1070.html. For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions overseas by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States or Canada, and 1-202-501-4444 from overseas. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The U.S. Embassy in Sarajevo is located at Alipasina 43, telephone (387)(33) 445-700, fax: (387)(33) 221-837; Internet address http://sarajevo.usembassy.gov.
U.S. citizens living or traveling abroad are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/ so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.